Other US Airport

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) (August 31, 2008; 3:30 p.m.) -- The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is operating under a Hurricane Warning. Commercial flights will continue until 6:00 p.m. today although some air carriers have ceased operations already. All passengers scheduled on regular passenger flights were accommodated by their airlines and will depart Armstrong International on the last scheduled flights.

At this time there is no timetable for the resumption of air service at New Orleans Armstrong International Airport. That information will be released to the media and posted on the airport’s web site at www.flymsy.com when it comes available.

LAST FLIGHT Departure times (Sunday August 31, 2008)
AirTran    4:17 pm
American    6:00 pm
Continental     5:50 pm
Delta     4:10 pm
ExpressJet     3:50 pm
Jetblue     1:00 pm
Northwest     4:10 pm
Southwest     6:00 pm
USAirways    6:20 pm
United      4:30 pm

Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Terminal 2 to Open October 26

Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) (August 21, 2008) – The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority today announced RDU’s new Terminal 2 will open on Sunday, October 26. The Airport Authority decided on the date at its monthly meeting today.

The public will be invited to tour the new terminal in the weeks leading up to the opening. The date for the open house will be announced in the coming weeks.

Over the next two months, Airport Authority staff will complete the implementation of the IT infrastructure that is the backbone of the building. This time will be also dedicated to training, the completion of shops and restaurants and the testing of systems and equipment.

Terminal 2 is the airport's first new passenger facility in more than 20 years. The terminal will open in two phases. The second phase will open in Winter 2011.

When phase one of the $570 million terminal opens in October, it will feature:

    --Architectural design that guides passengers from the curb to their gate and reflects the Research Triangle Region's history of crafts, industry and technology
    --Large airline check-in area featuring 40 electronic kiosks. A unique island-style counter design eases congestion in the check-in area.
    --One IT infrastructure over which all airline and tenant voice communication and data are transmitted
    --A security checkpoint that features the latest in security screening equipment and checkpoint design
    --More than 25 shops and restaurants, including local and national favorites. Travelers will find specialty retail shops offering high-tech gadgetry, natural soaps, jewelry and more. Dining options include local favorites 42nd St. Oyster Bar and Carolina Ale House, as well as an organic-food market and popular national brands.
    --Nineteen boarding gates
    --New processing area for international travelers that no longer requires travelers to proceed through security screening before exiting the building

Raleigh-Durham International Airport Terminal 2 replaces Terminal C, which was built as a hub for American Airlines in 1987. In the mid-1990s, the airport experienced tremendous growth, which coincided with growth in the Research Triangle Region.

Today, nearly 100 percent of RDU's travelers either begin or end their trip at RDU. As a result, Terminal 2 is designed to provide airline check-in, security checkpoint and baggage claim space for the millions of travelers who pass through the airport each year.

While Raleigh-Durham International Airport's new Terminal 2 will meet current passenger demand, it is also an investment in the airport's infrastructure and will allow for future growth and flexibility to meet the changes in the aviation industry. 

Nashville International Airport Welcomes New Food, Beverage and Retail Vendors

Latest Food and Beverage and Retail Openings Include Local Favorites and National Brands

NASHVILLE, TN (August 13, 2008) ─ Today Nashville International Airport (BNA) officially welcomed eight new food and beverage and retail vendors to its terminal. This latest wave of openings expands BNA’s landscape to include more local cuisine and retailers as well as additional nationally recognized chains.

“This latest wave of new vendors at Nashville International Airport continues our effort to provide the Nashville Airports’ Experience to every customer every day. We work hard to make this a great airport for our passengers, partners and employees,” said Raul Regalado, president & CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “These new offerings reflect customers’ desires for national brands, local flavor and specialty retailers.”

New Food and Beverage Options:

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
La Hacienda specializes in traditional Mexican fare.  With four locations in the greater Nashville area, La Hacienda is a proven local favorite for Mexican cuisine. Concourse A, Gate A-2.

Neely’s Bar-B-Que
Tony Neely is constantly working to tweak existing menu items and create new favorites. To Tony’s credit, he has developed famous Neely dishes such as signature Bar-B-Que nachos, Bar-B-Que spaghetti and the family recipe for cole slaw. An assortment of Neely’s signature barbeque sauces and seasonings are available for purchase. Available on Concourse C near Gate C-14 and also on Concourse B near Gate B-2.

Tennessee Tavern
This full-service bar will be located within Neely's BBQ.

New Retailers:

Boswell’s Music City Harley-Davidson
CNN Newsstand
Godiva Chocolatier
Hudson News
Nashville Star

Soon to Come:
Starbucks (located on public side)

*****

Neely's Bar-B-Que now gives the airport two barbecue restaurant lines. Whitt's Barbecue is the other option -- or try them both!

Whitt’s Barbecue
A Nashville tradition since 1978. Whitt’s Barbecue is known for its slow cooked barbecue. Select from barbecued pork, beef, turkey or ribs. Delicious side dishes and desserts available to accompany your meal. Or choose from the breakfast menu. All food and beverage units offer “to go” items in convenient packaging. Visit us on Concourse C, Gate 6, and find out why Whitt’s has been voted “Best of Nashville” in the Nashville Scene every year since the contest began in 1988.

For the full listing of Nashville International Airport (BNA) Restaurants and Bars go to http://www.flynashville.com/shops/default.aspx.

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The new food and beverage establishments and retail shops represent just one part of a multi-year terminal renovation program at BNA. The renovation program also includes the re-configuration and consolidation of eight existing security checkpoints to a planned single location with 12 checkpoints; concourse skylights; flight information panels; new carpeting in the concourse and terminal; renovation of the restrooms; and maintenance upgrades to elevators, escalators and HVAC units.

NASHVILLE, TN (August 14, 2008) ─ Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the first airport location of redbox, the fully automated DVD rental system featuring new release rentals for $1 per night. The agreement with Wright Travel Agency, Inc. includes the installation of two automated DVD rental kiosks at Nashville International Airport. Their installation this week marks the airport debut of redbox and provides a convenient new DVD rental service and in-flight entertainment option for the millions of travelers and guests who pass through Nashville International Airport every year.

“Being the first airport to offer redbox is a natural fit for Nashville International Airport because our vision is to deliver the Nashville Airports’ Experience by providing exemplary customer service and premier airport services and facilities,” said Raul Regalado, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which maintains and operates Nashville International Airport. “We look forward to adding another premier service in the form of redbox to our passengers and guests.”

Nashville International Airport has one redbox kiosk located on the public side before check-in, giving guests waiting to pick up passengers ready access to new release DVDs. The second redbox kiosk is located past security screening, providing travelers with access to the latest movie titles. “We are committed to offering travelers the highest level of service and convenience,” said Pam Wright, chief executive officer, Wright Travel Agency, Inc. Redbox DVD rentals offer a perfect solution for busy air travelers, and we are thrilled to offer this convenience to our 12,000 daily airport guests.”

About redbox

Redbox kiosks are now available at more than 9,000 locations nationwide, including leading grocery stores, select McDonald’s® restaurants, and Walgreens and Wal-Mart locations in select markets. Each fully automated kiosk holds approximately 700 DVDs, representing up to 200 of the newest movie releases, with new titles available every Tuesday. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. The complete transaction takes less than 60 seconds. Customers can keep the DVD for as long as they’d like for $1 per night plus tax, and after 25 nights, rental charges cease and the DVD is the customer’s to keep. Redbox’s patented rent-and-return anywhere technology allows busy travelers to rent DVDs at one location and return them to any redbox nationwide. Consumers also can guarantee their favorite movie is in stock and waiting for them, by reserving a DVD online at www.redbox.com and picking it up at the redbox location of their choice. More information about redbox can be found at www.redbox.com.

So if you need a DVD to watch during your flight, perhaps redbox can help the next time you fly though Nashville International Airport (BNA)!

The Hagar Family Foundation Will Donate to Local Hawaiian Charities

BETHESDA, Md - Maui, HI Kahului Airport (August 13, 2008) -– A new island-style café is ready to offer travelers at Kahului Airport (OGG) a warm Hawaiian “Aloha”. Today the airport celebrated the grand opening of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill, the namesake of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Maui resident Sammy Hagar. The first of its kind, the new full-service restaurant was created by Sammy Hagar and HMSHost, a world leader in travel venue dining and shopping, and the leaseholder and manager of multiple concessions at Kahului, Lihue and Honolulu airports. The new island style café is part of a six-year contract extension awarded to HMSHost last November. Airport concession upgrades including the addition of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill are part of the Lingle Administration’s $2.3 billion, 12-year airports modernization plan, which includes terminal improvements at OGG to support growth on the Honolulu-Kahului corridor, one of the busiest air routes in the U.S.

“HMSHost is demonstrating its commitment to welcoming Hawaii’s visitors at Maui’s Kahului Airport with local fare that reflects the culture of the Islands. Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill gives travelers an immediate ‘sense of place’ as soon as they step off the plane,” said Brennon Morioka, Hawaii’s department of transportation director. The Hawaiian Islands’ casual, beach environment and Hagar’s personal flare inspired the atmosphere and ambience of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill. Signed memorabilia from the artist’s personal collection adorn the walls surrounding the bar. Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, and other rock and surf inspired music provides the backdrop.

“Music and dining are two of my great passions. Our menu is the result of recipes and advice I’ve received from some of my favorite friends, the celebrated chefs I’ve met in my travels across America. Working with HMSHost to develop Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill has been an unparalleled positive experience,” said Sammy Hagar.

Lunch and dinner menu selections showcase classic American fare with local ingredients and favorite island recipes such as Cabo Wabo Ceviche, Beach Salad, Ahi Tuna Burger and Crispy Pescado Mahi Mahi, the island version of fish and chips.

Sammy Hagar will dedicate his profits from this Maui's Kahului Airport restaurant to local community children’s charities through the Hagar Family Foundation. Guests can enjoy a great meal and know that together they have made a difference to local children in need.

“By bringing local flavor to our airports, HMSHost is creating memorable travel experiences for our visitors, while working with local residents to help them give back to the community,” said Brian Sekiguchi, deputy director for Airports, Hawaii Department of Transportation. “We are honored to continue our successful relationship with Hawaii’s airports by delivering brands and amenities that represent the region’s best and make the traveler’s day better,” said Steve Johnson, HMSHost Senior Vice President for Business Development.