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Airport Passengers Numbers on the Rise
For the first time since late 2010, Reno-Tahoe International Airport has experienced six consecutive months of traffic increases.
This June, Reno-Tahoe International experienced a 1.1 percent increase in passenger counts, versus the same period last year, with 328,755 passengers having traveled through the airport.
Year-to-date, numbers are also on the rise, with 1,733,280 passengers served since January 1, 2013; an increase of 2.1 percent versus the same period last year. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) men's and women's tournaments helped to enhance the numbers, along with several other smaller conventions.
"These outstanding passenger numbers highlight the importance of having additional seats in the market while underscoring the role that conventions play in our community," said Chairman Adam Mayberry of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees. "In order to keep air service, the community needs to fill the airport seats. And our region has been rising to the challenge this year."
Thanks to a hearty business and distribution market, air cargo is also on a steady incline, with an increase during nine out of the last twelve months at Reno-Tahoe International. Year to date, the airport has handled 55,401,512 pounds of cargo, which is an increase of 3.4 percent versus the same period in 2012.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport currently provides 62 non-stop departures a day to 15 destinations with 220,596 passenger seats available.
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New Trustees and Chairman Named to Airport Board
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board has a new look as three new board members, a new Chairman and a new CEO took their seats July 11.
Adam Mayberry, of Sparks, was named Chairman of the nine member board and Nat Carasali, Bob Larkin and Andy Wirth were sworn in as new members. It was also the first meeting for Marily Mora, the new President/CEO of the Airport Authority.
"New people will bring new ideas that can help take our airport to a higher level," Mayberry said. "We are adding very experienced and talented people who are dedicated to enhancing travel to and from our region."
Adam Mayberry, the new Board Chairman, is the Community/Government Relations Manager for the City of Sparks. He brings extensive public relations and aviation experience to the Board.
"I am honored to represent the City of Sparks and to serve as Chairman of an entity that is vital to our regional economy," Mayberry said. "I will be working closely with the staff and board to implement a new strategic plan and to increase the engagement with the business community in the airport's efforts to attract new air service."
Nat Carasali, a Founding Partner of the Peppermill Resort and Casino, was named Vice Chairman of the Airport Authority Board just after being sworn in July 11. He was appointed by the Washoe County Commission and is looking forward to using his extensive experience in the hospitality industry to attract new air service.
"I want to continue giving back to this great community" Carasali said. "I have many years of experience in business and tourism that will help me be an effective member of the Airport Authority Board. The airport is vital to the community and I will be working together with the other board members to bring more air service for the economic benefit of the region."
Bob Larkin, the Northern Nevada Campus director for the University of Phoenix and owner of Romeo Sierra Aviation, was appointed by the Washoe County Commission. As a licensed pilot, certified flight instructor and former member of the County Commission, Larkin said he brings a variety of strengths to the airport board.
"I want to thank the County Commission for the trust they placed in me," Larkin said. "The airport is probably this region's finest example of well maintained public infrastructure and the staff and board should be recognized for that. I will work for greater transparency in the airport process and work to improve the region's economic recovery through enhanced air service. I also want to ensure the full utilization of all aviation facilities, especially those associated with aircraft that are owned for business purposes."
Andy Wirth, the President and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, was appointed by the RSCVA Board. He has extensive experience in international resort management and has worked with various airlines to develop more flights for resorts in Utah, Colorado and Canada. He is looking forward to serving as a liaison between Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Sparks region while representing an airport that is the Gateway to the Sierra.
"I am truly honored to be the RSCVA's appointment to the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees and to represent Lake Tahoe and the resort community," Wirth said. "Enhancing air service is vital to the ski industry, gaming and business community and I'm looking forward to working with a great airport staff and board to attract more flights to our region."
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New trustees named to the RTAA Board, from LEFT to RIGHT: Nat Carasali, Andy Wirth and Bob Larkin.
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In addition to the new Trustees, the Board also named officers for the fiscal year:
Board Chairman: Adam Mayberry
Vice Chairman: Nat Carasali
Secretary: Rick Murdock
Treasurer: Dr. Kosta Arger
Trustees that were re-appointed to the Board include Jerry Hall and Rick Murdock, by the City of Reno and Bill Eck, by the City of Sparks. Steve Katzmann is a member of the Board appointed by the City of Reno.
Trustees are appointed to the board by the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. Reno-Tahoe International is ranked as the second most efficient airport in North America and does not operate on local tax dollars.
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Allegiant Air Restores Important Bay Area Route and Brings Canada Closer
Thanks to two recent announcements from Allegiant Air, the link between Oakland, California and Reno-Tahoe is restored and northern Nevadans can now fly to the Canadian border with a quick flight to Bellingham, Washington.
Oakland
Allegian t Air will begin twice-a-week service to Oakland, CA, on Fridays and Sundays, beginning August 30, 2013. This service was previously provided by Southwest Airlines and is important for the business and leisure community.
"It's a key market in both directions," said Chairman Adam Mayberry of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees. "Oakland is a great gateway into the Bay Area."
Bellingham
Starting last month, Reno-Tahoe International began offering non-stop, twice weekly service to Bellingham, just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The flight not only attracts Canadian travelers to the Reno-Tahoe region, but also offers a new way for locals to reach the Pacific Northwest.
The flight was made possible through a partnership with several Reno gaming properties.
"Our community partners have helped us build a relationship with Allegiant that will benefit the tourism and business communities of Northern Nevada," said Chairman Adam Mayberry of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees.
Allegiant Air operates a low-cost, high-efficiency airline, but also offers other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets.
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Greetings!
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Marily M. Mora, A.A.E.,
President & CEO
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I am Marily Mora, the new CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. While I am new to the CEO position, I am not new to this great community.
My family and I have learned that Home Means Nevada. After serving 12 years as the Chief Operating officer of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, I left Reno to serve as the Assistant Director of Aviation at Oakland International Airport. Now, 19 months later, I have returned to the region where I raised two daughters and where I now have a goal of raising the airport to new heights.
I am thrilled to be leading the finest airport team in the nation. With more than 30 years of airport management experience from Mineta-San Jose International, Oakland and Reno-Tahoe, I will bring a fresh perspective and a collaborative style.
Working closely with the Airport Board of Trustees, business community, Lake Tahoe, airport tenants, elected officials and the RSCVA, our top priority will be to enhance air service. It will take the entire community, working together, to attract more flights and more economic benefit for our region.
We will also strive to promote economic development and job creation at both Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead airports. Our airports already generate more than 20,000 jobs for the region and we will look to increase that number. We will support general aviation at Reno-Tahoe International. It is important to remember that all aviation begins with general aviation.
As a consensus builder and a communicator, we will strengthen relationships between our Board, staff, community and tenants. Our guiding principles will be ethical behavior, respect, communication, performance and trust.
Thanks to the outstanding leadership of former CEO Krys Bart, I am taking the reigns of an airport that is well positioned for future growth and opportunity. I will strive to continue the community involvement, customer service, safety and financial stability that RNO is known for in our region and the aviation industry.
I look forward to working with you, and serving our customers, as we set a new course for aviation in the Reno-Tahoe region. We hope you enjoy the good news we have for you in our e-newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them to me at mmora@renoairport.com
Thank you and we hope to see you soon at Reno-Tahoe International.
Sincerely,
Marily M. Mora, A.A.E.
President and CEO
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Atlantic Aviation Begins $7 million Renovation
Atlantic Aviation, the largest fixed based operator (FBO) in the U.S., broke ground last month on a $7 million expansion and upgrade of its facilities at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Plans include the complete tear down of its existing facility, replacing it with a modern 2-story 13,000 sq. ft. terminal and 29,800 sq. ft. attached aircraft hangar. A new parking lot, signage and landscaping will complete the project.
In addition to the approximately 130 commercial aircraft operations each day at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, there are an equal number of general aviation aircraft that arrive and depart every day.
The project is estimated to generate nearly $572,005 in local tax revenues and $201,635 in state tax revenues over the next five years.
"Atlantic Aviation investing in our airport and community demonstrates that general aviation has a bright future at Reno-Tahoe International," Marily Mora, President/CEO of Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, said. "With its strong business climate, the Reno-Tahoe region thrives off the many general aviation operations at Reno-Tahoe International."
The Atlantic remodel will feature an Internet caf� in the pilots lounge and private data rooms for passengers, two conference rooms with audio visual capability, a customer coffee bar and Wi-Fi access throughout the facility. Plans include the use of natural stone and wood to capture the Reno-Tahoe look and feel.
 | | New Atlantic Aviation (North Elevation) |
 | | New Atlantic Aviation (East Elevation) |
During construction of the expanded facility at 655 S. Rock Blvd, Atlantic is operating for the interim, just a block north, at 485 S. Rock Blvd.
Atlantic Aviation at Reno-Tahoe International offers services such as fueling, aircraft storage, and de-icing as well as concierge services including catering and ground transportation for aircraft owners and pilots. Atlantic maintains a network of 66 FBO facilities at airports throughout the country.
"General Aviation business is vital to the region," said Trustee Rick Murdock of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees. "And having this expanded facility at Atlantic will help make that all important first and last impression on all customers of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport."
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Alaska Airlines Begins
Non-stop Flights to Portland this Fall
Flying to the City of Roses will be easier starting on November 8, thanks to a new non-stop flight between Reno and Portland on Alaska Airlines.  "The airport has worked tirelessly to build air service during these tough economic times and the hard work is paying off for the airport and community," Dean Schultz, Executive Vice President/COO of Reno-Tahoe International Airport, said. "It is now up to our region to fill the seats so we can maintain our level of service."  | |
Alaska Airlines Bombardier Q400
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The flight will depart Reno at 1:15 p.m. and arrive in Portland at 2:50 p.m. daily. The return flight will depart from Portland at 11:10 a.m. and arrive in Reno at 12:45 p.m. The new route will be operated for Alaska by Horizon Air using 76-seat Bombardier Q400s. Travelers can enjoy Horizon's award-winning onboard service, which includes complimentary Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, and (for passengers 21 and older) regional wines and microbrews.
Southwest Airlines currently offers two departures each day to Portland. This new flight on Alaska will bring the number of non-stop flights between Reno and Portland to three each day, giving passengers more options. Tickets are now on sale; visit renoairport.com for information.
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Artown at the Airport
Reno-Tahoe International celebrates Artown during the month of July with the following performances at the Airport:
Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra II
Mon., July 1, 2:30 t 3:30 pm
Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra I
Thurs., July 11, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
The Note-Ables
Fri., July 12, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
High Desert Harmony
Mon., July 15, 6:00 to 6:30 pm
Masterworks Chorale
Sat., July 27, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
All performances take place inside the airport terminal in the main lobby near the ski statue, and are free and open to the public.
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Masterworks Chorale performed at the Airport for Artown in July 2012 and will return on Saturday, July 27, 2013 .
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Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra II performed for passengers at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport on July 1, 2013.
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