Sept/Oct 2009

HSV Applies for Small Community Air Service Development Grant

Recently, the Board of Directors at Huntsville International Airport passed a resolution to support the application of a Department of Transportation (DOT) Small Community Air Service Development grant up to $2 million, targeted at attracting a low fare carrier. This DOT program awards grants to airports that have unreasonably high airfares or insufficient air service. The grant, which was submitted August 28, 2009, will be awarded in December. View the entire article.

Pledge Your Support – www.wewantlowfares.com

At Huntsville International Airport, our number one air service goal is to attract a low-fare carrier and ultimately create healthy competition among our carriers. Our latest initiative to secure more affordable airfare involves applying for a Small Community Air Service Development grant funded by the DOT. This grant, if awarded, would significantly increase our chances of securing a low-fare carrier. However, the key component to sustainable low-fare service remains the community's patronage of the carrier. Without the community's support, low-fare service will not be sustainable. The old adage of "Use it or lose it!" has never been more appropriate than in this application. We ask that you pledge your support at www.wewantlowfares.com. Together, let's lay the foundation to change the future of airfares in our community!

WestWind Celebrates Grand Opening of Huntsville Aircraft Modification & Integration Center

WestWind Technologies, Inc. (WestWind) celebrated the grand opening of its Huntsville Aircraft Modification & Integration Center with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 29. The center, located in Jetplex Aviation Center, encompasses a 65,000 square foot hangar and offers enhanced services for aircraft services as well as extended runway capacity by virtue of its location at Huntsville International Airport. View the entire article.

United Airlines Initiates New Non-stop Chicago Service

United Airlines’ celebrated its inaugural non-stop service to Chicago on September 2. United now offers two new daily roundtrip non-stop flights from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The flights are operated on 50-seat regional jets by United Express partner, Mesa.

 Route:                          Depart:             Arrive:
HSV to ORD                6:35 a.m.           8:28 a.m.
HSV to ORD                3:22 p.m.           5:15 p.m.
ORD to HSV                1:15 p.m.           2:54 p.m.
ORD to HSV                6:20 p.m.           7:59 p.m. 

All times shown are local. All routes and frequencies are subject to change. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.united.com.

TSA Enters Next Public Phase of Secure Flight Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) entered the newest public phase of the Secure Flight Program on August 15, 2009. U.S. airlines participating in the Secure Flight passenger vetting program began asking passengers to enter their date of birth and gender when making airline reservations. TSA has already begun to phase the airlines into the Secure Flight program and will complete domestic implementation by early 2010. If a passenger is not prompted to provide this additional information by a particular airline, he/she should not be concerned as it will not impact his/her travel. Since the Secure Flight Program is a behind-the-scenes watch list matching process that happens before passengers arrive at the airport, current security checkpoint procedures remain the same. View the entire article.

Designated Smoking Areas Updated at HSV

Huntsville International Airport is a smoke-free facility, and smoking is strictly prohibited at all times on airport property except in designated areas. Huntsville International Airport has two areas designated for smoking available to the public. In accordance with Ordinance #05-713 , smoking is allowed in front of the terminal at the ground transportation waiting area, which is located a minimum of 50 feet from the front terminal entrances. In addition, smoking is allowed on the concourse in The Blue Marble Lounge. View the entire article.

Travel Tip of the Month: H1N1 Guidance for the Airline & Travel Industries

Public health officials within the United States and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of H1N1 flu. The outbreak of novel H1N1 flu is ongoing and additional cases are expected. For information on the status of H1N1 flu in the United States, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 Flu Web site. For current travel notices, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health Web site. Information about the international status of H1N1 flu, including maps of affected countries, can be found on the World Health Organization (WHO) Influenza A (H1N1) Web site.