In this episode, we dive into the evolution of air service at McGhee Tyson Airport and its significant role in East Tennessee's economy. Featuring industry experts Bill Swelbar and MKAA’s own, Jim Evans, we discuss how the airport has adapted to shifting airline strategies, developed strong partnerships with carriers, and fostered economic growth through increased tourism and travel options. From the complexities of attracting new airlines, like Southwest, to the potential for international flights, this episode uncovers the strategic planning and partnerships behind successful air service. The post In the Winner’s Box: Air Service at TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.
McGhee Tyson Airport’s Flight Plan is a comprehensive 10-year initiative aimed at enhancing the airport’s facilities and passenger experience to meet the needs of a growing East Tennessee community. Kicking off with the construction of a new parking garage, the plan includes expanded parking, roadway improvements, and upgraded terminal spaces. Community leaders and stakeholders expressed excitement about the economic and travel benefits the project will bring to the region. With strong employee and community support, the Flight Plan is charting the course for the future of McGhee Tyson Airport to better serve travel needs today, tomorrow, and in the future. The post Introducing Flight Plan: The 10-Year Vision for McGhee Tyson Airport appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Airport websites have to meet the informational expectations of a lot of user groups. From novice travelers to seasoned frequent fliers, the website has to be easy to use and function for all parties. This episode explores the meticulous process McGhee Tyson Airport went through to develop their brand new website. Listen as Moxley Carmichael’s Charley Sexton, Creative Director, John McCulley, Senior Web Developer, and Katrina Roberts, Graphic & Digital Media Designer, share their expertise in how to design an effective website, especially one with a multitude of user groups. The post Designing a Website for ALL Audiences appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Not only does McGhee Tyson Airport see constant commercial and general aviation traffic, military aviation plays a large role in the overall operations at TYS as well. In this episode, we speak with the Wing Commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Colonel M. Lee Harley, Jr. and learn about their global, state, and local missions. From talking about the 134th Air Refueling Wing’s history and its $246 million annual economic impact, to hearing about how they operate their ‘flying gas station’, this episode introduces you to military aviation and the people and aircraft that make each mission successful. The post 134th Air Refueling Wing: Delivering ‘Beans, Beds, & Bullets’ appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Did you know that McGhee Tyson Airport is just one hour away from the most visited national park in the US? More than 12 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, generating a more than $1 billion economic impact for our region. In this episode, we speak with Caitlin Worth of the National Park Service as she shares the parks' history, secrets, and future developments. The post TYS and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Where Modern Transportation Meets Nature’s Wonders appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Aviation has played a crucial role in the development and growth of East Tennessee since the early 1900s. As McGhee Tyson Airport celebrates its 84th Anniversary, this podcast highlights some of the inspirational people and aviation milestones that have occurred in our region. We are joined by Bob Davis, a local historian and pilot, who has spent years researching TYS and DKX. Aviation buffs are welcome! The post 8+ Decades of Aviation History in East Tennessee appeared first on From the Runway Up.
In celebration of International Podcast Day, we bring you a podcast episode all about airport podcasts. We speak with the podcasts hosts from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (podcast: The Austin Approach) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (podcast: The Fly Angle) about their airport’s podcast: why they started them, what topics are most-popular, and how airport podcasting fits into their overall airport communication plan. These podcast hosts also share best practices for podcasting, as well as their favorite podcasts to listen to on their morning commute. The post What Do AUS, RDU, and TYS Have in Common? A Podcast! appeared first on From the Runway Up.
A lot has changed in aviation hiring practices in the past two years. Some of the change is the direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while some attribute the change to a Silver Tsunami. Never heard that term before? Us either! Tune into this episode to learn all about it from Blake Astran, J.D., Vice President of Business operations for ADK Consulting & Executive Search. The post Help Wanted: New Trends in Hiring within the Aviation Industry appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Airlines for America (A4A) is a leading voice in advocating for crucial measures and policies that promote safety, security and a thriving US airline industry. In this episode, Rebecca Spicer, Senior Vice President of Communications for A4A, joins us as we discuss commercial air service pandemic recovery and the actions airlines are taking to sustain and build their operations moving through the end of the year and into 2022. You’ll even take away a few travel tips to utilize during this ‘new’ travel experience. The post Airline Pandemic Progress: From Rescue to Recovery appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Traveling this summer? You’re not alone! With more people taking to the skies this summer, this episode provides you with six quick tips you can take to make your travel experience simple and safe. From parking tips to COVID-19 resources, this episode has all the information you need to know before you go. The post Hot Tips for Summer Travel appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Airfield lighting is one of the many requirements that keep an airport compliant with the FAA’s Part 139 Certification. Have you ever wondered what the different airfield lighting colors signify? Or how much time and resources it takes to keep the airport terminal ‘lit’ 24/7? In this episode, we talk with Ken Eckert, MKAA Facility Manager, and Sam Knisley, MKAA Airfield Electrician, to answer all of your questions about current airport lighting and what to expect in the future. The post TYS is Lit: The Facts About Airport Lighting appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Summer travel season is among us! While you’re preparing for your vacation or looking for planning inspiration, many questions can arise. Are there travel restrictions in this city? Do I need a negative COVID test to fly into this airport? We speak with representatives from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Myrtle Beach International Airport, who share what you can expect when traveling to their city and what you should see during your time there. The post What to Expect if Traveling to FL, TX or SC from TYS this Summer appeared first on From the Runway Up.
The general aviation industry has experienced more than five consecutive years of growth, even throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Serving this industry, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest general aviation association in America and offers endless advocacy and resources for current and future pilots. In this episode, we talk with Mike Ginter, Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy for AOPA, about why this industry continues to grow, how to become a pilot, and why general aviation is critical to the success of local communities. The post Clear Skies for General Aviation…Even During A Pandemic appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Episode Description This episode explores the vast amount of resources available to minority-owned businesses through airports and their local municipalities. Alan Jones, Director of Administration and DBE Liasion Officer with the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, and Pamela Cotham, Assistant Purchasing Agent and Small Business & Diversity Outreach Manager for the City of Knoxville, share their […] The post How TYS & Local Municipalities are ‘Leveling the Playing Field’ for Minority-Owned Businesses appeared first on From the Runway Up.
It's a new year, and we're diving into another year of aviation-related podcast topics for your listening and learning pleasure. From new flights launching soon to what to expect when you enter the airport terminal building, this 20 minute episode will get you up to speed with what has been happening at TYS and what you can expect the next time you travel. The post Discussing What’s Upcoming and the Unknowns for 2021 at TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Travelers have a lot of questions these days about what to expect at the airport and when onboard an airplane. In this episode, we answer 20+ of those frequently asked questions. We don’t just answer them— we take a deep dive into the questions with six different airport experts. From new flights, to runway construction, the REAL ID deadline, and updated concessionaire hours, you’ll learn it all after listening to these quick interviews. The post You Asked, Experts Answer: 20+ Q&As about Air Travel & TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Along with airlines and airports across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is having to adapt its security checkpoint procedures in order to comply with current pandemic protocols. TSA's new campaign, 'Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.', ensures travelers' safety and security continue to be the number one priority by enforcing additional policies, such as social distancing, contactless identification verification, plastic shielding, and more. In this episode, Mark Howell, the regional spokesperson for TSA, shares how you can best-prepare for air travel right now, as well as what you’ll need to know for traveling in the future (i.e. REAL ID). The post TSA Update: ‘Stay Healthy. Stay Secure’ + REAL ID appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Airlines are taking major steps forward in preparing their aircraft for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we speak with Hilarie Grey, Managing Director of Corporate Communications for Allegiant Air, as she explains how her airline is 'going the distance for health and safety'. After listening to her commentary, you will be an expert in all-things air filtration, antimicrobial protectant, and more. The post COVID-19 Safety Measures from an Airline’s Perspective: Air Filtration, Antimicrobial Protectant, and More appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Making the decision to travel by air during a pandemic can be stressful. You may be curious about the boarding process or interested in how airlines are handling food and beverage service onboard the airplane. What's it like going through the security checkpoint or even customs? In this episode, your questions are answered by four different frequent flyers: a pilot, leisure traveler, international traveler, and airport employee. They provide you stories of their recent travel experiences in airports around the world while offering tips on how to prepare for your next flight. Listen to this episode so that when you’re ready to take to the skies, you know what to expect. The post Insight and Advice On Traveling During A Pandemic appeared first on From the Runway Up.
Since March of 2020, COVID-19 has taken a toll on the aviation industry both here at McGhee Tyson Airport as well as around the world. Following our previous COVID-19 podcast, in this episode we discuss how operations and flight plans have changed as passengers are beginning to return to the sky. Also in this episode we discuss how cargo has been impacted at TYS due to COVID-19. The post Fluctuations of Passenger Travel and Air Cargo at TYS During COVID-19 appeared first on From the Runway Up.