News and Events
Tallahassee Regional Airport Celebrates 80th Anniversary
Community Leaders Join to Recognize Distinguished Organization - The Tallahassee Regional Airport celebrated 80 years of serving the Florida Big Bend, Southwest Georgia and Southeast Alabama with a special anniversary celebration today. As a vital component of the region's economic development efforts, today's celebration was shared with Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, local government officials and community and business leaders. Tallahassee Regional Airport also received a proclamation from the City to honor 80 years of achievement and unveiled its landmark anniversary timeline.
Joining Mayor Marks this morning to celebrate this milestone were Tallahassee Regional Airport Director of Aviation Kenneth M. Austin, Flightline Group, Inc. Chief Operating Officer C. Daniel Langston and Theo Proctor Jr., co-owner of the first locally owned airplane in Tallahassee, jointly owned by Ivan B. Munroe and Dr. J.K. Johnson.
"We are thrilled to share this occasion with the support of the Tallahassee community," said Austin. "This anniversary is the culmination of the vision of the original founders of the airport, as well as the dedication of the men and women who work hard every day to offer our travelers the very best in safety, comfort and convenience."
Tallahassee Regional Airport has shared numerous milestones with the community over the past 80 years, beginning with the opening of the first airport to serve the area, Dale Mabry Field in November 1929. Fast forward to 2009, and the Tallahassee Regional Airport now serves more than 1 million visitors a year, in its role as the premier hub for the area's business and leisure travelers.
"I am honored to celebrate this occasion with the Tallahassee Regional Airport," said Betty Ann Skelton, Ivan B. Munroe's daughter. "My father had a genuine passion for aviation and took great pride in this airport. He would be honored to see the Tallahassee Regional Airport's many accomplishments and contributions to our community."
During the past 80 years, Tallahassee Regional Airport's achievements have included purchasing the first locally-owned airplane in Tallahassee, housing the nation's first black pilot squadron training facility during World War II and celebrating their busiest year in history in 2002, when the facility served 1,081,995 passengers. The Tallahassee Regional Airport has also won numerous national awards including the Airport Training and Safety Institute 2005 Hall of Fame, and earned first place in the Excellence in Marketing and Communications contest for its education and tour program from the Airports Council International-North America.
The Tallahassee Regional Airport is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee, and is currently served by four major commercial air carriers including American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and US Airways Express.
Airport Expands Intrastate Service
Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) announced late this afternoon that Continental Connection, operated by Gulfstream International Airlines, will expand non-stop service between Tallahassee Regional Airport and Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA) beginning on November 1, 2009. The weekday service between Orlando and Tallahassee will increase from 3 to 4 round trips, while weekday service between Tampa and Tallahassee will increase from 4 to 6 round trips. Gulfstream will also resume seasonal non-stop service between Tallahassee and West Palm Beach (PBI) in February 2010 in time for the legislative session. Service will be provided on Beech 1900 aircraft.
"It is great to see Gulfstream's continued commitment to serving the Tallahassee area. We are excited to offer area residents convenient access between the Capitol City and these priority intrastate destinations," said Tallahassee Mayor Marks. "We are committed to expanding service to meet the needs of our community, thus every opportunity for additional or new flights is a reason to celebrate."
The complete schedule for Tallahassee/Orlando service is as follows (all times local):
| MCO to TLH | TLH to MCO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight # | Departs | Arrives | Days | Flight # | Departs | Arrives | Days |
| 9199 | 7:00a | 8:15a | Except Sat & Sun | 9242 | 8:30a | 9:45a | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9200 | 11:15a | 12:30p | Except Sat | 9200 | 12:55p | 2:10p | Except Sat |
| 9193 | 2:40p | 3:55p | Except Sat | 9132 | 2:20p | 3:35p | Except Sat |
| 9140 | 4:00p | 5:15p | Except Sat | 9189 | 4:20p | 5:35p | Sun Only |
| 9189 | 6:20p | 7:35p | Except Sat & Sun | ||||
The complete schedule for Tallahassee/Tampa service is as follows (all times local):
| TPA to TLH | TLH to TPA | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight # | Departs | Arrives | Days | Flight # | Departs | Arrives | Days |
| 9131 | 7:00a | 8:05a | Except Sat & Sun | 9131 | 8:40a | 9:40a | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9174 | 10:00a | 11:03a | Sun Only | 9135 | 11:30a | 12:32p | Sun Only |
| 9174 | 10:30a | 11:40a | Except Sat & Sun | 9142 | 12:05p | 1:15p | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9266 | 12:50p | 1:55p | Except Sat | 9275 | 3:15p | 4:20p | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9142 | 1:45p | 2:50p | Except Sat & Sun | 9155 | 4:20p | 5:20p | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9214 | 2:41p | 3:42p | Except Sat & Sun | 9269 | 5:40p | 6:45p | Except Sat |
| 9129 | 4:45p | 5:50p | Except Sat & Sun | 9139 | 6:15p | 7:20p | Except Sat & Sun |
| 9129 | 4:55p | 5:59p | Sun Only | 9155 | 6:25p | 7:25p | Sun Only |
Continental is one of five major commercial air carriers servicing the Tallahassee market, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlink, and US Airways Express. Tickets can be purchased online at www.continental.com, by calling Continental Airlines or through your local travel agent.
Fact Sheet: Agreement with Southwest Airlines and Panama City Airport
Following the announcement of Southwest Airlines to begin providing service to Panama City International Airport next year, The City of Tallahassee has received inquiries about the city's work to secure airlines, incentive agreements, etc. The following fact sheet is designed to answer these questions.
Southwest Airlines announced on October 21, 2009 its intent on beginning service to Northwest Florida - Panama City International Airport in May 2010 when the new airport is scheduled to open. Southwest announced its intent is to capture some of the 16,000,000 tourists that visit the Panhandle by car each year.
This service is a result of five years of negotiations between Southwest and the St. Joe Company, who is developing 71,000 acres in the vicinity of the new Airport. It includes St. Joe covering losses up to $26 million over the first two years of service. The new service is also tied to $42.5 million in marketing assistance and free room nights
It is anticipated that Southwest will provide two daily flights each to four destinations. Most likely the destinations will include Nashville, Baltimore/Washington D.C., Houston and Chicago Midway.
According to St. Joes' Security and Exchange Commission Form 8-K Filing, a few of the conditions of the agreement are:
1. the term of agreement extends for a period of three years after the commencement of Southwest's air service at the new airport. The agreement provides St. Joe any Southwest losses up to $14 million in the first year of service, or $12 million in the second year of air service. The third year is subject to negotiation. Southwest may terminate the agreement if its actual annual revenues attributable to the air service at the new airport are less than certain minimum annual amounts established in the agreement.
2. the execution of satisfactory agreements between Southwest and the Airport Authority authorizing Southwest to use and lease space at the new airport and to receive any cost mitigation measures that may be available from the Airport Authority;
3. the execution of an agreement between Southwest, the Bay County Tourist Development Council, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and a the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council, no later than 30 days from the date of the agreement, regarding the coordination of marketing resources and efforts for the new air service;
4. the execution of an agreement between Southwest and Coastal Vision 3000, no later than 60 days from the date of the agreement, regarding the establishment of a program through with Southwest would receive available room nights free of charge at various rental properties in Northwest Florida for use in the marketing efforts for the new air service;
According to the October 22, 2009, Pensacola News Journal, the Panama City area also offered millions of dollars in community support that includes $22.5 million in bed tax revenue to pay for marketing, advertising and vacation packages; and a minimum of $20 million for free hotel rooms from Coastal Vision 3000 a regional membership group of businesses, hospitality operations and tourism and civic organizations. Hotel owner and developer Julian MacQueen has pledged 45,000 free room nights to Southwest.
David Beckerman, Vice President, Market Intelligence, OAG Aviation Solutions, the Airport's Air Service Consultant, believes the new service is expected to have very little negative impact on Tallahassee and in fact may be beneficial to Tallahassee. He cites Panama City being a leisure market versus Tallahassee being a business market, with the two entities competing for different passengers. He believes that if Southwest stimulates the tourist market in the region, it will stimulate other economic growth in the region, which will spill over to Tallahassee.
The alliance between Southwest and St. Joe Company, two private entities is similar to other airline deals that bring tourists to gambling and casino destinations. The magnitude of the alliance, however, may be unprecedented.
City of Tallahassee Background Information - The City of Tallahassee in October 2001 provided AirTran, a low-cost carrier, a guarantee of $3,700,000 that spanned over two years. Unfortunately, AirTran was not able to secure sufficient market share and withdrew after the third year. Currently, the City, County and State are providing Delta Air Lines a $1,500,000 guarantee for Intra Florida service to Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando. An insufficient volume of passenger traffic for the Orlando and Tampa services has resulted in this service being terminated, after six months of operation. The service continues to Fort Lauderdale.
Over the last decade, city elected and appointed leaders, business representatives and representatives of the governor's office have met with Southwest Airlines to attempt to bring this airline to the Tallahassee Regional Airport. The consistent feedback from Southwest has been the Tallahassee market size did not fit the airline's business model.
The Tallahassee Regional Airport provides air service to nine destinations - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, Memphis, Charlotte, and Atlanta, with service provided by American Airlines, Delta, USAir and Continental / Gulfstream.
Tallahassee Regional Airport Receives $7.2 Million in Grants
Terminal Improvements to be Funded Through Federal/State Grants - The Tallahassee Regional Airport recently received notification of securing $7.2 million in grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). $4.5 million in grant funds will come from the FAA and $2.7 million in grant funds from the FDOT. Blended with a match of $2.7 million in Airport funds, the grants will allow for more than $10 million in planned Airport improvements over the next year. $5.8 million will be used for improvements and rehabilitation at the Ivan Munroe Terminal, $2.7 million will be used for rehabilitation of the North General Aviation Apron and the remainder will be used for planning and design for future projects.
"These grant funds are a welcome addition and will allow the Airport to complete projects under the City Commission's "Fast Track" program, thereby retaining jobs in the community and enhancing the local economy," said Kenneth M. Austin, Director of Aviation.
As part of the City's Fast Track program, the Airport is in the process of continuing work on several ongoing improvement projects. These include the widening of Capital Circle Southwest to allow turning lanes at Airport entrances and exits, rehabilitation of the internal road network, improvements at the Airport Facilities Maintenance Complex, new directional signage, security improvements, and a study of Airport pavements to plan for future repairs. At the Ivan Munroe Terminal, the Emergency Power system is being significantly upgraded, while other planned improvements include automatic door replacements and roof repairs.
Tallahassee Regional Airport is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee. Tallahassee is served by four major commercial air carriers including American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and US Airways Express.
ArtPort Gallery Presents: The Paintings of Junia Mason
The Council on Culture and Arts (COCA), in conjunction with the City of Tallahassee's Art in Public Places Program, presents "The Paintings of Junia Mason" at the Tallahassee Regional Airport's ArtPort Gallery August 31 - November 13, 2009. Local artist Junia Mason-Edmonds approaches her work from a unique point-of-view. "For inspiration," she says, "take to the woods with a camera to frame starting points for my paintings. This raw material provides the foundation, lending authenticity and individuality to each project." From there, she exaggerates and reduces the high contrast, creating stained-glass-like patterns of light and shadow toward a more dynamic and kinetic composition. Each of her paintings propels its image along the continuum from landscape to abstraction. Junia's artwork is stunning. This exhibition is one of several curated by the Council on Culture & Arts through the City of Tallahassee's Art in Public Places program.
For more information on this exhibition, upcoming exhibitions, or the Art in Places program, contact Clint Riley at the Council on Culture & Arts, 850-224-2500 or online at www.cocanet.org.
Airport Anticipates Service to DC in 2010
US Airways to begin service between TLH and DCA - US Airways announced today a transaction with Delta Air Lines, Inc. that will allow US Airways to expand service at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Once the transaction is complete, US Airways plans to provide daily nonstop service from DCA to 15 new destinations, including Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH). The schedule for the new DCA service will be announced at a later date once the transaction is complete and the schedules are finalized. Although a start-up date for the new service has not been established, the Airport anticipates the new service will begin during the first or second quarter of CY2010.
"This new service will offer Tallahassee area citizens non-stop service to DCA and even more connections to eastern destinations. The DCA route has been highly sought after by the City of Tallahassee and Aviation Department officials and we are extremely pleased that it is finally on the horizon." said Mayor John Marks.
"We are very excited about today's announcement which presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen our network while bringing more jet air service to smaller communities from our nation's capital," said US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. "This transaction will improve US Airways' near and long-term profitability to the benefit of our employees, our customers, the communities we serve, and our shareholders." Following completion of the transaction, US Airways will obtain 42 pairs of Delta's slots at DCA and acquire the rights to expand to Tokyo, Japan and Sao Paulo, Brazil. US Airways estimates the transaction will improve profitability by more than $75 million annually.
US Airways currently provides nonstop jet service (4 daily flights) between Tallahassee and Charlotte. US Airways along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express operates more than 3,200 flights per day world-wide and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America. US Airways is one of five major commercial air carriers servicing the Tallahassee market, including American, Continental, Delta, and Northwest. For more information or to view flight schedules, go to www.usairways.com.
The Airport encourages the regional community to take advantage of air travel opportunities to promote the stability of new and established air service to generate the demand for new and enhanced service for Tallahassee.
Airport Receives $2.9 Million In Federal and State Grants
Funds Earmarked for Improvements at Tallahassee Regional - Last month, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson's office announced the awarding of a $2.4 million grant to the Tallahassee Regional Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yesterday, the Airport received further good news as it was notified of a $500,000 grant award from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Approximately $2 million of the FAA grant will be spent on upgrades to the Airport's security system, while the $500,000 FDOT award will be matched with an equal amount of Airport funds to enhance the Ivan Munroe Terminal Building. The remaining FAA funds will be used to conduct a condition analysis of the Airport runways, taxiways and other pavements to assist in planning for future repairs and enhancements.
"These grant funds will enable the Airport to continue making essential capital improvements during tough economic times," said Ken Austin, Director of Tallahassee Regional Airport. "Enhanced security measures will provide increased safety and efficiency for Airport passengers, while other planned upgrades will improve the functionality and aesthetics of the terminal facility. These capital improvements, coupled with the recent addition of new and expanded air service, positions the Airport for great things in the future."
As part of the City's Fast Track Program, the Airport has several ongoing improvement projects underway. These include the widening of Capital Circle Southwest to allow for turn lanes at Airport entrances and exits, rehabilitation of the internal roadway network, improvements at the Airport Facilities Maintenance Complex and new directional signage. Planned terminal improvements include automatic door replacements, roof repairs and floor furnishing upgrades.
Public Notice - 2010 DBE Goal
Tallahassee Regional Airport has proposed an overall DBE goal of 24.25% for Airport Improvement Projects (AIPs) awarded during FY2010. The proposed goal and methodology are available for public inspection at the Airport Administration Office located on the second floor of the main terminal during normal business hours and will also be posted on the Airport's website (Flytallahassee.com) for a period of thirty (30) days, beginning June 14, 2009. Written comments will be accepted for a period of forty-five (45) days beginning June 14, 2009. Please send all written comments to the Tallahassee Regional Airport, Attention: Michael J. Clow, Capital Program Administrator, 3300 Capital Circle, S.W., Suite 1, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
Airport News Release Archive (PDF)
Air Traveler Statistics for Tallahassee Regional Airport
| Yearly Traffic | |||
| Calendar Year | Enplanements | Deplanements | Total Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 501,158 | 492,702 | 993,860 |
| 2007 | 475,612 | 471,553 | 947,165 |
| 2008 | 437,311 | 352,308 | 704,253 |
| Monthly Traffic | ||||
| January | February | March | April | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 51,193 | 52,137 | 62,681 | 62,144 |
| 2008 | 66,107 | 67,961 | 78,300 | 76,856 |
| 2007 | 72,794 | 70,353 | 87,544 | 83,367 |
| 2006 | 74,840 | 77,417 | 95,616 | 83,358 |
| May | June | July | August | |
| 2009 | 67,237 | 65,950 | 64,965 |
63,981 |
| 2008 | 73,544 | 71,009 | 72,229 | 69,015 |
| 2007 | 84,009 | 79,739 | 77,743 | 82,273 |
| 2006 | 90,825 | 85.923 | 82,301 | 76,916 |
| Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
| 2009 | 59,811 | 63,221 | - | - |
| 2008 | 61,486 | 67,746 | 60.017 | 56,185 |
| 2007 | 74,517 | 85,069 | 81,821 | 67,936 |
| 2006 | 71,156 | 86,870 | 88,907 | 79,731 |