From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

Episode Description

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.

Show Notes

In this jam-packed episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin dust off the microphones to bring listeners up to speed on four transformative years at McGee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee. From passenger growth and runway upgrades to exciting new airline routes and the ambitious 10-year Flight Plan initiative, this episode covers it all.

Tune in as Becky and Caitlin explore:

• Rapid Growth: The airport’s rise from 1.9 million passengers in 2021 to a projected 3 million in 2024.


• Runway and Air Shows: The reopening of the airport’s upgraded 10,000-foot runway in late 2021 and the spectacular Smoky Mountain Air Show in 2022 featuring the Blue Angels.


• Expanded Air Service: New flights, including Allegiant’s nonstop routes to Phoenix, Jacksonville, and St. Louis, and Avelo Airlines’ popular service to New Haven, Connecticut.


• Passenger Experience Improvements: Modernizations such as reconfigured parking, new flight information displays, and upgrades to the PA system.


• Launch of Flight Plan: An ambitious decade-long growth plan including a parking garage expansion, terminal upgrades, new gates, and more.

Highlights from the Flight Plan Launch Event: Hear firsthand perspectives from key community figures and leaders:

• Eric Williamson (Design and Construction) on improving the passenger experience.


• Colonel Ron Selvidge (134th Air Refueling Wing) on the community impact.


• U.S. Representative Tim Burchett on solving parking woes and showcasing East Tennessee’s charm.


• Patrick Wilson (Airport Authority President) on preparing for future growth.


• Brian Simmons (Airport Authority Board Chair) on the importance of Flight Plan for the future.


• Tennessee State Senator Becky Massey on the airport’s regional importance.

Looking Ahead: Becky and Caitlin discuss how Flight Plan ensures McGhee Tyson Airport is ready for the future, accommodating growth to 4 million annual passengers by 2034 while maintaining its welcoming, efficient charm.

The post Introducing Flight Plan: The 10-Year Vision for McGhee Tyson Airport appeared first on From the Runway Up.