November 2010
In This Issue
New business Million Air
New retail
Control tower open
New flight to Houston
Firehouse solar panels
Seasonal travel tips

New Control Tower 
View from Tower

offers bird's eye view

AUWG small BK
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"Million Air" to bring $20 million in investment

A world renowned aviation service provider, Million Air, will open a new $20 million facility at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in 2013.

The Fixed Base Operator (FBO) currently operates 29 facilities at airports in the US, Canada and the Caribbean and will provide aviation services such as fueling, maintenance and storage to aircraft customers. They are currently providing interim services while the two-phase construction process is underway.

"Reno-Tahoe International is proud to work with Million Air to complete a lease that will bring more than $2.2 million in local tax revenue to our region in the next five years and more than $900,000 in tax revenues to the state," said Krys Bart, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. "But Million Air is about more than dollars. They are truly committed to offering an amazing level of service to all of our general aviation customers from single engine aircraft to corporate jets." 

The Million Air proposal was approved by the Airport Board following a Request for Proposal process that began earlier this year. The Texas-based company with more than 1,500 employees worldwide has already begun offering services at existing facilities at RNO while completing the two-phase, $20 million private investment. The estimated five-year local economic impact of the project is $57 million.

"Million Air is looking forward to building a strong partnership in Reno while making that important first and last impression on customers as they come and go from the region," Roger Woolsey, Million Air CEO, said. "We look forward to serving all facets of the aviation community and setting a standard for service in a region where hospitality is part of the culture."
Shop and fly - new retail outlet in B concourse

 
Savvy shoppers have a new option at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport with "Forever Heather" now open in the "B" Concourse.

Forever Heather is a women's apparel and accessories retailer that offers unique, one-of-a-kind items, with merchandise that appeals to female business and leisure travelers. Located inside the busy passenger waiting area for Southwest and Delta flights, Forever Heather is a perfect fit. The apparel is trendy and fashion-forward and the prices are reasonable, ranging from $10 to $100.

 

Forever Heather display
Forever Heather opened its first airport retail store at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last year, and the owners, who are from the Reno-Tahoe area, quickly identified Reno-Tahoe International as their next big market.

So stop by the next time you fly Southwest or Delta and check-out the bargains to be had.

PGA Tour Shop

Greetings!

From a new tower, to new flights and new business, opportunities abound at Reno-Tahoe International Airport!

Whether you're traveling through Reno-Tahoe International for business or for pleasure this holiday season, we hope to see you soon and wish you a safe and pleasant flight.

Krys Bart - small

Sincerely,
Krys T. Bart, A.A.E.
President & CEO
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Airport celebrates A Towering Achievement

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration recently celebrated the opening of the new Air Traffic Control Tower.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the control tower was inaugurated with the support of United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, City of Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, FAA Administrators and the Adjutant General of the Nevada National Guard, Brig. Gen. Bill Burks.

Control Tower"The new Air Traffic Control Tower truly represents a towering achievement," said Krys Bart, President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. "This event is a milestone for the airport and for our community, and takes safety to a new level."

The new control tower stands 195 feet tall and provides an optimum view of the airfield and terminal gates. Con- struction began in January of 2008 on the state of the art facility that replaces the former tower which was built in 1957 at a height of only 65 feet tall.

The federally funded project cost $29.4 million and employed 140 local contractors who built a 10,000 square foot base building and a top floor observation cab twice as large as the previous cab atop the new tower.

The effort to build a new tower began a decade ago with numerous meetings with FAA officials in Washington, and continued with site selection, environmental reviews, design, technology, and more.

"This new addition will not only benefit the airport but also all of Northern Nevada for many years to come," said Bart.

Continental offers new flight to Houston in February

 

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RTIA) is proud to announce a new daily non-stop flight to Houston, TX beginning February 2011.

As part of the recent merger between Continental and United Airlines, the new flight will begin under the Continental name and will serve Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.

 "This is tremendous news for the community," said Krys Bart, President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. "We couldn't be happier to have the return of this outstanding service that offers travelers the ease of connections not only to the east, but to South America and beyond."

UnitedNon-stop to Houston is not a new route for RTIA. Continental flew the Reno-Houston route for several years but had to end service in September of 2008 due to the spike in fuel prices. The previous Houston flight performed very well thanks to strong community support.

"One of the benefits of an airline merger is the ability to optimize the combined routes of two carriers, in this case United and Continental," said Airport Board Trustee John Wagnon. "But what's most important is the end result that gives passengers more flight options.

Tickets are now on sale at www.continental.com.

Solar panels bring reduced energy costs to RNO

Nevada's abundant sunshine, combined with NV Energy's Solar Generations rebate incentives, have provided the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with an opportunity to reduce energy consumption.

The Airport Authority Board of Trustees recently approved a contract to install solar panels next to the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Facility. The Solar Photovoltaic System, or PV System as it is called, will significantly reduce electrical utility costs and stabilize long-term energy expenses.


Fire StationFollowing an initial capital investment, the project will pay for itself within the first two years, based on rebates and expected reductions in energy consumption. The annual benefit will be $30,000, throughout the 20 - 25 year lifespan of the solar system.

"The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority believes in being environmentally responsible and also seeks ways to improve financial stability," said President and CEO Krys Bart. "The installation of the solar panels at the new Airport Rescue and Firefighting Facility is just one example of the airport's efforts to demonstrate environmental stewardship."

The implementation of the new solar panels at the Fire Station is only one location where new energy saving programs are being considered. Based on staff evaluations at both Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead Airports, there may be as many as six additional locations to receive solar panel upgrades in the near future that would reduce energy consumption and lower overall costs.

"And anytime we can lower the overall cost of doing business," continued Bart, "there is a potential to pass along that savings to the airlines, which in turn benefits all customers of Reno-Tahoe International."

Holiday travel made easier

At Reno-Tahoe International Airport, safety and security is our number one priority. In light of recent events across the globe, the Transportation Security Administration has implemented new security procedures that travelers will notice this holiday season at Ticket Check-in and at the Security Checkpoints.


While we don't anticipate slow downs as a result of the Transportation Security Administration screening, we do recommend passengers come prepared and allow plenty of time to avoid any unnecessary stress.

    �    Arrive 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure, or two hours before international flights.

    �    To avoid an alarm at the Security Checkpoint, empty your pockets; remove your shoes and jewelry, and place them in the bins provided. Remember to retrieve all your items once through screening.

    �    Wear comfortable clothing such as pants. Women are advised against wearing skirts. Be prepared to remove coats, jackets and all outer wear; place them in the bin for screening.

    �    But be sure to remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags at www.tsa.gov. Liquids, gels and aerosols such as shampoo, lotion and perfume must be packed in a one quart plastic baggie; one baggie per customer.

    �    Be an educated traveler and know the baggage fees: log on to your airline's website to learn how much each bag may cost to check. All airlines at RTIA, except Southwest, charge between $20 and $25 for the first checked bag.

    �    To save time, download boarding passes at home or use the free web check-in kiosk inside the main airport lobby. Be aware of the airlines cut-off time for check-in at the airport.

    �    Do not wrap gifts. Wait until you reach your destination to wrap holiday presents in case the items must be opened and inspected.

    �    The holidays are a time when many young children fly unaccompanied to their destination. If sending off a departing unaccompanied minor or a senior traveler, talk to airline ticket counter personnel if you wish to accompany the passenger to the gate. Proper identification will be required to drop off and pick up the child.

    �    For specific flight information, contact the airline. During periods of inclement weather, call the airline or log on to their website prior to departure to ensure flight information is correct, and that the flight is on time.

    �    Pack your patience and log on to www.renoairport.com for a list of airlines and their contact information.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport receives no state or local tax dollars.
All operating revenues are generated from tenant and concession fees.