News Archives

Fall is not only a time of changing leaves and temperatures, but also time to change the canvases and frames hanging in the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) art gallery. From the beginning of October through January 3, 2014 the Art in the Airport program will feature six fresh artists from the western North Carolina region for its 19^th exhibit. Fine photography, abstract paintings and modern pottery are tucked into a gallery open to airport visitors and travelers alike near the center of the airport terminal. The 19th exhibit displays more than 30 pieces of original art by artists who bring a variety of educational backgrounds and different media to the table. 

Artist: Hannah Hall (etsy.com/shop/BirdsOfTheAirArtist)

Hannah Hall recently graduated with a bachelors in studio art from North Greenville University and returned to her hometown of Saluda while she applies to masters’ of fine arts programs. She has displayed her art in the WNC Agricultural Center and been published in the Mountain Laurel. Hannah has eight small ceramic sculptures on display as well as some black and white photographs reminding viewers of simpler times.

Artist: Joe Longobardi (joelongobardiphotography.com)

Photographer Joe Longobardi has several black and white photographs on display that highlight the current people, scenes and happenings of downtown Asheville. Longobardi has spent the last six years as a professional photographer and has exhibited his work as far as San Francisco, California. Longobardi has been featured in several publications including Our State magazine, The Laurel of Asheville and Mountain Xpress.

Artist: Zaire Kacz (zairekaczphotography.com)

Zaire Kacz got her start as a professional fashion photographer in Miami, Florida, and her work has been featured in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar. The Venezuela native decided to move to Asheville and used her experience to become a professional artist. Her most recent series, Reborn, highlights dancers from the Terpsicorps’ Theater of Dance and served as the inspiration for a ballet.

Artist: Harper Leich (harperleich.com)

Harper Leich moved to Asheville in 2004 to join the Asheville Mural Project after graduating from Denison University with a B.F.A. and completing an internship with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Her artwork is inspired by photographs she conceptualizes and takes of friends before turning them into large oil on canvas portraits. North Carolina Mountains and fall leaves serve as backdrops to some of her earthy-toned artwork with bright pops of color and a futuristic playfulness.

Artist: John Haldane (john-haldane.artistwebsites.com)

North Carolina landscapes inspire another featured photographer, John Haldane, who brings some of the fall season and Asheville sights into the airport with his photographs on canvas. Scenes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville River and Asheville’s city hall can be found in a gallery space near baggage claim. Haldane’s images have been published in several local magazines including The Scenic, The Laurel of Asheville and Costco’s magazine.

Artist: Dawn Behling (dawnbehling.com)

Artist Dawn Behling has a collection of work inspired by nature that incorporates imagery from ocean life, trees and plants within her pieces. She layers textured materials and uses various techniques including screen printing and painting to create unique pieces. Behling studied textiles and weaving while earning her B.F.A. from East Carolina University and continued her education to receive a M.F.A. from Western Carolina University.

"The Art in the Airport program continues to grow and allows us to highlight regional artists," said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at AVL. “We are glad these artists are eager to share their artwork with the thousands of travelers through AVL each week so they get a better sense of the culture and beauty of western North Carolina.”

The exhibit is open to all guests and located outside the security checkpoint. Pieces can be purchased from the gallery by emailing art@flyavl.com.

Artists who reside in any of the eleven counties within AVL's primary service market may apply for acceptance into upcoming exhibits. An advisory committee, made up of regional artists, participates in the selection process. Details about the program, including application instructions, can be found on the airport's website at flyavl.com.

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new board member, Carol Peterson. Peterson was appointed by the Buncombe County Commission to fill a vacant seat on the board, and attended her first board meeting on October 11, 2013. Peterson received her master’s in Education Administration at University of Tennessee after graduating with a B.S. in Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She also has taken advanced studies in school administration at Western Carolina University. She spent 30 years serving the students of Asheville and Buncombe Counties through Asheville City Schools. In the community, she served on numerous political and non-profit boards including the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Review, Riverfront Redevelopment Board and United Way Board. Peterson is a former member of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, where she focused on building jobs and supporting local businesses. As a Buncombe County native, she plays an active role in the agricultural community there with her husband, Bruce. “We are looking forward to having Carol serve as the newest member of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board,” said Dave Hillier, GARAA chairman. “Her extensive experience in the community will be of great value as we continue to ensure that Asheville Regional Airport is successful and an important cornerstone organization for the region.” The GARAA is also served by Bob Roberts, Regional Executive Vice-President of First Citizens Bank & Trust Company and GARAA Vice-Chair; K. Ray Bailey, former president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and former Buncombe County Commissioner; Jeffrey Piccirillo, hospitality industry executive; Andrew Tate, President & CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; and Doug Tate, partner at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A..

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has joined forces with Thanks Again to offer airport travelers valuable rewards when they park, shop and dine at the airport. The new program allows airport passengers to automatically earn more frequent flyer miles or hotel points when they park in long- or short-term parking at AVL, or shop and dine at the Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern in the airport's terminal. Travelers can also earn rewards at more than 160 airports and 20,000 neighborhood businesses across the U.S. Enrollment in the program is free and easy - users simply register any credit or debit card at thanksagain.com/AVL and then use that card for purchases at qualifying locations to earn one mile or two points for every dollar spent. "A lot of our passengers are very frequent travelers, and we wanted to reward that loyalty to the Asheville Airport in a way that would be meaningful," said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "We love that passengers can now support our community by flying local and also get a little something back. It's really a way for us to say 'thank you' to our frequent flyers." To learn more and to register for the program, visit flyavl.com/fly4biz.

(Asheville, N.C.) Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) contributes close to half a billion dollars annually to the western North Carolina region, according to a recent economic impact study by The Institute for Transportation Research & Education at North Carolina State University. “This is important information to share with the communities we serve,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director, “Asheville Regional Airport is important to our region for more reasons than air travel. It’s a key driver of jobs, local spending, tourism and economic development.”  AVL recently published a summary of its economic impact, based on the North Carolina State University study, as well as studies conducted by Syneva Economics and Airports Council International – North America. Of specific note, the airport contributes 1,700 jobs to the region, and every 50-seat round-trip flight has a real and positive impact on the community – approximately $43,000 circulated locally through employment income, passenger spending and taxes. “The national airport industry is second only to Wal-Mart in the number of jobs it generates, and contributes eight percent of the total U.S. gross domestic product,” explained Bleiweis, quoting data from Airports Council International. “Boil that down to the state and local level, and Asheville Regional Airport contributes significantly to the six percent of the state gross domestic product generated by airports, and ranks fourth out of nine North Carolina commercial airports for economic impact in the state.” What does this data truly mean for western North Carolina? “The presence of a strong regional airport is beneficial in many ways for residents of our area,” explained Bleiweis. “And it’s important to understand this bigger picture when making decisions about which airport to use. While it may not always make sense to ‘buy local’, the more often a local decision is made, the stronger the economy becomes. This philosophy applies to airports, as well, and I encourage the community to continue to keep this in mind when making purchasing decisions.” View the summary of economic impact.

Today we are thrilled to announce brand new service on Allegiant from Asheville Regional Airport to the Tampa Bay area — St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport, to be exact. The new flights will begin in June and will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving Western North Carolina travelers the perfect opportunity to take a short flight (about an hour and a half) to a long weekend (Thursday to Tuesday, anyone?) in the beautiful gulf coast of Florida (yes, please). But perhaps the most delicious part of this story is that the St. Pete airport identifier code is PIE. To which our executive director, Lew Bleiweis said, “Shouldn’t we do something with pie to celebrate?” And we never say no to pie. In fact, we immediately placed an order with the local and delicious Carolina Mountain Bakery for pies of all kinds (especially Key Lime Pie – a Florida tradition), and served up slices for all our passengers who were in the gate area this afternoon when we made the official announcement about the new service. With local media representatives and passengers gathered ‘round, our Authority Board chair, Mr. David Hillier, spoke about the partnership between the airport and Allegiant, and the success of the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale flights.

  “Allegiant has provided service to Orlando from the Asheville Airport for about a year and a half, and that's been very successful," said Hillier. He added, "Since November, we've had Allegiant service to Fort Lauderdale. So we've got the center of the state covered, and the Atlantic coast of the state covered. Today we're very happy to announce to you non-stop Allegiant service to another popular Florida destination: the Tampa Bay area.” Because we know how many of you have been asking for flights to that Tampa Bay area, we’re feeling a whole lot of satisfaction knowing that, in partnership with Allegiant, we’re now able to meet another air service need for Western North Carolinians. As you’ve probably gathered, we’re pretty excited to serve up new air service for our community. And handing out slices of pie wasn’t too bad either. Truth be told, we’re big fans of having your PIE and eating it too. To check fares or book your trip, visit www.allegiant.com.

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is holding a public open house on February 25, 2012 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the GARAA Board Room. This is the second and final open house opportunity for members of the community to learn about the airport master plan study and its impact on the future development of the airport. The master plan process, which is slated for completion next month, will result in an up-to-date, comprehensive study of aviation demand forecasts, facility requirements, and airport development alternatives needed to map the airport's future for the next 20 years and beyond. Because the airport is such a large piece of the Western North Carolina economic picture, input from the community is important and welcomed. Attendees are invited to give feedback about the project and the future of airport development, as well as ask questions of airport staff and consultants. Comments and suggestions received during the Open House are to be evaluated by the project team and incorporated into the study as appropriate. The proposed improvements are intended to achieve compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and to meet the existing and projected aviation needs of the region. Attendees should park in the short-term airport parking lot and bring the parking ticket in for validation at the Authority reception desk. For more information about the master plan, visit flyavl.com and search “master plan.”

With 40 days of winter remaining, we decided it was time to share part two of our staff’s favorite winter destination choices.

Winter Park, Colorado From skiing and camping to elk and ram viewing, Winter Park is a beautiful, especially during the season whose name it bears, and it comes recommended highly by David, one of our staff members. Winter Park, dubbed “Colorado’s favorite playground,” is situated between Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest, and is about an hour and fifteen minutes from downtown Denver. Learn more: Check out the Winter Park visitor site to plan your trip. How to get there: You can fly from Asheville (AVL) to Denver (DEN) with just one stop on Delta or US Airways, then rent a car, take a train, hop a bus, or grab a shuttle to Winter Park.   Hawaii When making a travel bucket list, this destination is often top-of-mind — and for good reason, according to Rita: “Famous sites to see like the Big Island Volcano, warm weather to sunbathe or to snorkel in the crystal blue ocean, and unique events to attend like a traditional Hawaiian Luau — what better way to enjoy the winter than in the warm sunshine!” We all know about the tropical climate and the laid back atmosphere, but here are a few things you might not know about Hawaii:

• Hawaii isn’t the smallest state – it’s the 4^th smallest, after Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island
• Billboards are not allowed in the state of Hawaii
• Hawaii boasts 750 miles of coastline, giving the 4^th most (only Alaska, California, and Florida have more)

Ready to book your trip yet? We can help: Learn more: Everything you could want to know about the 50^th state can be found at the official tourism website. How to get there: You can get there with just a stop or two from Asheville Regional Airport. Try United or US Airways from AVL to Honolulu (HNL).  

Charleston, South Carolina

An excellent weekend getaway, Charleston offers beaches, history, nightlife, dining, shopping and a whole lot of charm. AVL staffer Ethel says “It is another world… I just relax when I arrive there. I have been there in spring, summer and fall. I wish that I could go there in the winter because I have heard that they have neat Christmas events like the parade of boats.” The average temperatures in February reach nearly 63 degrees, which means a stroll on the beach or through the streets of downtown can be very enjoyable. Many people drive to Charleston from the Asheville area, but flying is an option too with a quick stop in Charlotte (on US Airways). Learn more: Need some ideas for your trip? Try starting here. How to get there: Book your getaway from AVL to CHS on US Airways.  

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Jeff’s favorite winter destination is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico — just south of Cancun in the Mayan Riviera. “The hotel property we stay at is steeped in Mayan culture and located at Xcaret, so we’ll spend one full day at the park.” The great thing about this destination is that it can be as relaxed or action-packed as you want to make it — it’s your vacation, after all! Learn more: Get all the details for your trip south of the border: http://www.visitmexico.com/en/mayan-riviera How to get there: From Asheville, fly into Cancun (CUN) or Cozumel (CZM) on Delta or US Airways with just one stop, then grab a cab or shuttle to your hotel. That’s a wrap for our Top Winter Destinations series. Enjoy your travels, and remember to check AVL first!    

Now that winter is officially upon us — and the world hasn’t ended yet! — we thought we’d kick off the season by sharing some of airport staff’s favorite winter travel destinations. From Operations to Guest Services, from Custodial to Information Technology, everyone here at AVL has a favorite place to visit when winter rolls around. In fact, we have so many favorites, we’re making this a three-part series. So sit back, relax, and unleash your imagination as you explore round one of our favorite destinations.

Cancun, Mexico

Kellie is a fan of the warm, tropical environment of Cancun, Mexico. “It warms these old bones!” she said. In fact, Mexico is the 10^th most visited country in the world for tourism and Cancun sees 3 million visitors a year. From beaches and water sports to Mayan cultural attractions and nightlife, Cancun is a great place to kick back and relax in the sun. Learn more: Check out the official Cancun travel site to plan your trip. How to get there: You can fly from Asheville (AVL) to Cancun (CUN) with just one stop on Delta or US Airways.   Banff, Canada

“Wonderful winter community and skiing” make Banff a top choice for Lew. It certainly takes a fearless leader to choose such a cool climate for winter travel, but he’s not alone. The small town of 7,500 residents is nestled in Banff National Park, which welcomes 4 million visitors each year. Notably the highest town in Canada in terms of elevation, Banff boasts a subarctic climate and, conveniently, hot springs — ideal for warming up after a day on the slopes. Learn more: The town of Banff website offers a nice list of winter activities for the whole family, including ice diving and horse-drawn sleigh rides. How to get there: The nearest airport to Banff is Calgary (YYC), and you can get there with one stop from Asheville on United. After that, your best bet is to rent a car to drive the scenic 75 miles to Banff.   Orlando, Florida

This is one of the top destinations for Asheville travelers, including AVL employee Ellen. Her favorite spots are Sea World and Busch Gardens (in Tampa), which she visited last January. “It’s nice to visit the parks in January when they’re not quite as crowded, since it’s after the holidays and before school vacation time,” she said. “The temperature was also perfect to walk around.” In addition to the major theme parks, you might also enjoy a trip to the beach, Cape Canaveral, or even Ocala National Forest, all of which are within an hour’s drive. Learn more: Need some ideas for your trip? Try starting here. How to get there: This one’s easy – you can fly non-stop from Asheville to Orlando (SFB) on Allegiant, or with one stop (MCO) on Delta or US Airways.   Jackson Hole, Wyoming

“The Grand Teton Mountain Range, the beauty of the area, Yellowstone National Park, and the wildlife,” all work together to make this a favorite destination for Lana. Jackson Hole features plenty of opportunity for trail rides and outdoor adventure (including skiing in the winter), and it also offers arts and culture in the form of a playhouse, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and even a Ripley’s Believe it or Not! museum, which are good options when the average winter highs reach just over 28 degrees. Learn more: Buck up on your Wyoming knowledge by exploring the Chamber of Commerce site for visitors. How to get there: From Asheville, fly into Jackson Hole (JAC) on United with just one stop, or if you prefer a couple breaks on your journey westward, Delta has just what you’re looking for. Well, that’s it for part one of our Top Winter Destinations series. Now we’d love to hear from you – where are your favorite places to visit when the mercury dips to its annual lows? Share your response in the comments below!

Back in October or November, when you booked your airline ticket for the holidays, you may have had visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in your head — or maybe it was just a vision of being with family or friends — but as seasoned travelers will attest, buying the ticket is only the first step to a successful trip. Between now and the moment the wheels leave the runway, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of a joyous holiday flight.

1. Pack intelligently. This starts with knowing the TSA screening process at the airport, which requires removing the laptop computer and zip-top bag of liquids and gels from your carry-on bag at the screening checkpoint. You should also pack essential items (keys, prescription medication, and irreplaceable items) in your carry-on bag, in case your checked luggage doesn’t make it to your destination at the same time you do. Tactical Tip: Pack for the screening process by leaving room in an easily-accessible compartment for your laptop and liquids. This will save precious time in the screening line, and will earn favor with fellow travelers in line behind you. Bonus Tip: If you’re tight on space in that liquids/gels bag, make sure it’s a true 1-quart sized zip-top bag, and not a sandwich sized baggie — it makes a world of difference.
2. Don’t pre-wrap gifts. A common misconception is that one way to simplify your holiday travel is to wrap all those presents for nieces and nephews ahead of time. Unfortunately, this just means TSA crew members have to unwrap presents they don’t even get to keep. Tactical Tip: Pack a small roll of wrapping paper and scotch tape in your bag. However, unless you’re checking that bag, plan to buy or borrow scissors when you reach your destination.
3. Do your own flight check. There’s nothing like arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare, only to find out your flight has been cancelled. You can easily avoid this pitfall by checking your flight status before you leave for the airport. However, if your flight has a delayed status, those delays can sometimes be fixed and you’ll want to be at your gate in time to board the flight. Tactical Tip: Checking your flight status directly with your airline will give you the most up-to-date information. And, considering how many people are flying near the holidays, you’ll likely save yourself time and frustration checking your flight status online with your airline, as opposed to calling the 800 number.
4. Leave a little extra time on the clock. What we mean is, don’t wait until the last possible minute to leave for the airport. While you don’t want to get there five hours early, you also want to have plenty of time to park, check in, check your bags if necessary, and get through security and to your gate. Tactical Tip: Give yourself the gift of an extra thirty minutes — even an hour — when you plan what time you’ll leave for the airport. You’ll experience reduced stress levels, which means you’ll be better equipped to cope with any hiccups you might experience with traffic or other issues. Plus, you’ll have some quiet time to yourself once you’re at your gate — time you could use to plan your goals for next year, enjoy a cup of coffee, or catch up on e-mail.
5. Prepare your documents. Have your boarding pass and ID (driver’s license or passport) ready before you enter the TSA screening checkpoint. TSA will always ask to see these documents, and you can speed your check in process by having them out before they ask. Tactical Tip: Keep these items in the most accessible pocket of your carry-on, and tuck them right back into it after you receive them back from TSA to ensure they don’t get lost.
6. Know your zone. Most airlines board flights by calling zone or row numbers. Take a moment to study your boarding pass and know your zone. Then, wait for your zone to be called to board the flight. Tactical Tip: A lot of research has gone into determining the fastest way to fill a plane with passengers, so even though you’re itching to get on board as soon as possible so that flight can get off the ground, waiting for your section to be called is actually more efficient than rushing to sneak on with another zone.
7. Know your resources. As 16^th Century poet Miguel de Cervantes put it, “The man who is prepared has his battle half fought.” And while we like to think travel isn’t quite like a battle, there are ways in which you can prepare yourself for victory over potential challenges, including making a list of resources you might need. Tactical Tip: Make a “cheat sheet” with phone numbers and website addresses for your airline, flight-tracking tools, ground transportation options, and the times and flight numbers of flights that are scheduled after yours (in case you need to find yourself a seat on another flight). In fact, you can find a lot of this information on our website. If you’re a Twitter user, follow your airline and airport — some airlines are able to respond to requests for help more quickly via Twitter than phone.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to welcome six regional school choral groups to the airport during the holidays. The choirs will perform holiday music for the enjoyment of passengers, visitors to the airport and employees. "The holidays are a perfect time of year to focus on what's positive around us," said Tina Kinsey, director of marketing and public relations. "The Airport is looking forward to welcoming talented youths from our region to share holiday cheer through music." Following is a schedule of choral performances: Tuesday, December 4 • 10:30am Chase High School Wednesday, December 12 • 10:30am Rosman High School Friday, December 14 • 10:30am Chase Middle School • 11:15am Cullowhee Valley School • 1:15pm Immaculata Catholic School Wednesday, December 19 • 1:15pm Mountain Heritage High Schoo