An airport is much more than just runways, a control tower and terminal. It's a place where aircraft, and the local economy, takes off. And in 2010, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and its dedicated employees helped give lift to our community in many ways.
The RTAA's revenues are derived from the airport's concessions, parking and leases. While other aspects of the community are still impacted by the recession, the airport is helping drive the local recovery and had a terrific year in 2010. From great air service, to community service, here are some of the airport's accomplishments in the past year:
In the third quarter of 2010, Reno-Tahoe International was ranked as the No. 1 airport in the nation for recovering flights in 2010 over 2009. While other airports in the western United States struggled to hold onto flights, Reno-Tahoe added 17 flights to help bring visitors to our casinos, resorts and businesses when the economy needed it most.
The ABC (Airport Baggage Check-in) Project was completed after providing approximately 200 local construction jobs to a struggling economy. ABC brought the most advanced baggage screening system in the nation to our airport while enhancing the departure experience for passengers in a newly designed, Tahoe-themed, ticket lobby. The $63 million project was completed without using any local tax dollars and incurred no debt.
Passenger and cargo statistics have been good news throughout the year. Reno-Tahoe International has seen 11 consecutive months of cargo growth and six straight months of passenger increases. In November, Cargo increased 20 percent over November of 2009.
At a time when attracting economic development to our region has never been more important, RTAA brought two new corporate aviation businesses to the community. Million Air, a national company that provides service to general aviation aircraft, opened a temporary facility pending the completion of a $20 million operation at the corner of Rock and Mill. Western Jet Aviation, of Van Nuys, CA, opened a new Gulfstream corporate jet maintenance facility in October. Together, Million Air and Western Jet will produce a five-year economic impact of $69 million to the region.
In 2010, Reno-Tahoe International ranked as the 7th best airport in the nation for concession spending per passenger.
A new $27 million Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control tower was opened in October. The 200-foot facility features state of the a
rt technology and will enhance aviation safety for more than 4 million passengers per year.
In November, RNO celebrated the 25th anniversary of Southwest Airlines in Reno. In the past 10 years, Southwest has brought 25 million passengers through our community for the benefit of people working in our hotels, casinos, ski resorts golf courses and businesses.
The airport also announced new daily, non-stop service to Houston on Continental Airlines and an additional daily, non-stop flight to Denver on Southwest.
Reno-Tahoe International has a profit sharing agreement with the airlines. This past year was so successful that RNO shared $4.4 million in profit with the six airlines that serve the community. Airports across the nation compete intensely to attract flights, and sharing profit with the airlines is a key to maintaining and enhancing air service.
On behalf of the entire team at Reno-Tahoe International, I want to thank the community for supporting our air service this year and helping this region's greatest economic engine reach new heights. We hope to see you soon at Reno-Tahoe International, as we strive to provide even more lift for our region in 2011.
Sincerely,
Krys T. Bart, A.A.E.
President & CEO
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
