CHO Public Notices - May, 2012
Wednesday, October 22
CHO is pleased to present the first exhibit in the new Art in the Airport program, brought to you by the extremely talented Virginia Stone Carvers Guild. Over thirty sculptures will be on display until January, 2009. Their work reflects the diversity of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, and Shenandoah regions and will be sure to engage all travelers with an innovative and memorable experience. Our goal is to welcome new travelers to Central Virginia with the best our own local artists can offer as well as provide a refreshing airport atmosphere to our own loyal customers. Check out www.virginiastonecarversguild.com for additional information about the artists. Be sure to explore our new upper level gallery area as well as additonal exhibit areas located throughout the terminal on your next trip with CHO.
Saturday, October 11
The noise that shook the airport and Earlysville area this evening was an F/A-18 Hornet doing a flyover of the area. It made 3 passes over the airport. Sorry we had no warning or the ability to let you know to run outside to see it!
Wednesday, October 8
Yes, that bird you might see this morning flying around Charlottesville’s skies is a Boeing 757 from the Presidential Fleet out of Andrews Air Force Base. It should be here around 10:30 a.m. and plans on 5 or 6 training maneuvers commonly referred to as “touch and goes”. Enjoy the sight while you ponder who just may have been one of the last passengers on board!
Thursday, September 25
Airport Authority staff members participated in this year’s Day of Caring, continuing an annual tradition. This year’s location was Stony Point Elementary School. Here are the school’s kind words from their website:
“Stony Point can’t say “ THANKS ” enough to our FANTASTIC Day of Caring Volunteers from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Airport. This ambitious team cleared our nature trail so that our students and teachers will be able to enjoy a “roundtrip” adventure! Due to recent storms in the area, our nature trail had been blocked by fallen limbs and trees, but thanks to this team, it is now picture-perfect! They also helped manicure several areas that needed some landscaping TLC. We are truly appreciative of the time and effort this team devoted in support of Stony Point’s Learning Community!”
Tuesday, September 23
The Federal Aviation Administration gave its approval to the Delta/Northwest merger proposal yesterday. The merger has already received approval from the European Commission, and is expected to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Justice by the end of this year. Delta is in the process of creating a Flight Attendant Seniority Committee to assist in designing a merged seniority system, and both companies shareholders are expected to approve the merger during votes on Thursday, September 25. It is anticipated CHO will benefit from the merger as both entitles already operate under a single system at the Airport with no overlapping routes.
www.newglobalairline.com
Monday, September 22
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) became the first state-operated flight operations department to recieve the coveted International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) certification last week from the International Business Aviation Council.
The Council developed the certificate as a benchmark for professionalism and standardization for the conduct of flight operations departments. Since it’s inception in May 2002, only 120 flight operations departments in the business aircraft community have been certified worldwide. Standard operating procedures, business practices and safety records are all reviewed as well as a departments willingness to allow outside critiques of its strengths and weaknesses. The certification exemplifies the departments continued goal of becoming the standard of excellence amongst state aviation agencies with a known and true industry standard of safety for others to emulate.
For more information visit www.ibac.org/is-bao/isbao_overview.htm
Monday, September 22
CHO’s free wifi will be up and down on September 30, 2008 as it is expanded to the exterior of the terminal building. This coverage will assist the ground transportation operators at the Airport and will reach into a portion of short term lot-waiting to pick someone up? You just might be able to check their flight status at www.gocho.com while waiting in the lot!
Thanks for your patience during this work period.
Monday, September 22
The Virginia Department of Aviation and AOPA Air Safety Foundation will be presenting pilot safety seminars on the topic “Mastering Takeoffs and Landings” at four locations across the State from October 20-23, 2008. According to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, every year takeoffs and landings account for more than half of all pilot-related accidents. This seminar will give pilots tips and techniques for making smooth, trouble-free departures and arrivals.
October 20, 2008: Virginia Tech Airport, Blacksburg (540) 231-4444
October 21, 2008: Danville Regional Airport, Danville (434) 793-7033
October 22, 2008: Virginia Aviation Museum, Richmond (804) 236-3622
October 23, 2008: Virginia Air & Space Center, Hampton (757) 727-0900
www.doav.virginia.gov
www.aopa.org/asf/index.html
Thursday, September 11
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport announces it has received
a commitment of funding from the Virginia Department of Aviation to support its
FY 2009 capital improvement program. The Virginia Aviation Board approved CHO’s request at its annual meeting
on August 21, 2008.
Projects include the preliminary phase of the future
extension of Runway 21, design and construction of a west side access road, and
design of a snow removal equipment storage/maintenance facility. In addition, funds will be provided to
assist with debt service associated with the construction of the existing
terminal building, and the airport’s participation in the regional 800 Mhz
radio system. These funds total
$4,537,237 and will be utilized along with Federal Aviation Administration and
Airport Authority funds to complete project development.
The Airport is a self-funded entity, relying completely upon
parking revenue and tenant fees for financial support. Without financial assistance from the State’s
aviation program, CHO would be unable to maintain the level of capital
improvement and maintenance required for an airport its size.
Friday, August 29
As part of a larger customer service initiative, CHO will soon be showcasing the diversity of art and culture in the Central Virginal region. A new Terminal Enhancement Program will include a regional artisan exhibit area covering use of diverse mediums. The intent of this program will be to create an airport experience unique to CHO that welcomes travelers to the airport and region. We hope that this will be just one of many customer service initiatives underway that will engage our travelers with innovative and memorable experiences that encourage Central Virginians to choose CHO as their gateway to the world. We will continue to look for artists in the region to contribute to the regional artisan exhibit area. Feel free to contact CHO with any questions.
Sunday, August 17
The Delta/Northwest merger continues positive progress. The merger is expected to have no immediate impact at CHO since routes at CHO do not overlap, and Delta already provides ground services for Northwest at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. Last week, pilots for both airlines announced agreement upon a joint contract as reported in the article below, courtesy of the American Association of Airport Executives:
Pilots from Delta and Northwest have voted to approve a joint contract that will apply to both pilot groups following the closing of the Delta-Northwest merger, Delta confirmed.
Delta CEO Richard Anderson issued a statement saying, “Approval of a joint contract that will cover both pilot groups immediately upon closing of the merger is an historic milestone in creating the world’s premier global airline, and we are pleased that pilots from both airlines chose to take this important step to unify the pilot group. Today’s ratification is a testament to the diligent efforts of (Air Line Pilots Association) ALPA’s leadership working together with its members, Delta and Northwest.”
In related news, Delta and Northwest announced that they have received unconditional clearance from the European Commission (EC) on the carriers’ proposed merger.
The EC said that its investigation found the proposed transaction would not impede effective competition in Europe or on transatlantic routes.
“Approval from the European Commission for the merger is another important step toward completing our pro-competitive merger with Northwest,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “We continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and remain confident that we will be able to finalize the merger by the end of the year.”
Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners would provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. In addition to approval by the Justice Dept., the merger also is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders.
Airport Report, Volume LIII, Number 16, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is served by Station 9, a group of aircraft firefighters that train for hundreds of hours a year for all types of airport emergencies. On Saturday, August 16, all of their hard work will be put to the test as evaluators follow them through a mock emergency exercise.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all commercial service airports undergo a live drill every three years to ensure responding units are prepared, and that the local emergency system is working correctly. Drills in the past have included law enforcement action in the terminal, hostage activity on an aircraft, and various aircraft emergencies both on and off airport property.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs will provide a propane fueled aircraft simulator to create realism. This year’s drill will include emergency personnel from the airport as well as local fire, rescue, police and the Red Cross. For those traveling with CHO that day, be assured daily operations will not be affected. Signage will notify travelers and broadcasts will be made in the terminal to keep everyone informed about the mock emergency event.
The drill will be conducted from 0900 to 1200, and will require multiple emergency vehicles entering and exiting airport property.
Monday, July 21
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport received bids on the preparatory phase of its future Runway 21 Extension Project last week. Ten bids were received, and the apparent low bidder is Faulconer Construction Company, Inc. of Charlottesville, Virginia.
This project, to be constructed on existing airport property, includes the relocation/improvement of the airport’s internal perimeter road, including associated excavation and embankment placement, wetlands mitigation, and installation of erosion & sediment control measures. The bid process has been timed to take advantage of the annual allocation of Virginia Department of Aviation airport discretionary funds, which will be considered in late August. Assuming funding is received, this first phase of work could commence as soon as October 2008. All ten bids are less than the engineer’s estimate, with the low bid creating a savings of $4.1 million for this phase of improvements. The Albemarle County Planning Commission will consider this project at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 22, 2008.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial for this community to consider airfield improvements in order to secure existing commercial air service,” commented Executive Director Barbara Hutchinson. “Due to the area’s moderate temperatures and higher humidity and the associated economic impact on airlines, the airport and its users; it is necessary to consider the runway extension despite the industry crisis”. “Regional jets must take lower fuel loads or decrease passengers in order to take off during periods of high density altitude, while the existing runway length frequently plagues long haul athletic charters that cannot take off fully fueled, sending revenue out of the community and out of the Commonwealth”, she further stated. Mrs. Hutchinson concluded “A unique window of opportunity has presented itself with the availability of funding combined with favorable construction bids”.
Press Release Issued July 20, 2008
Thursday, July 10
While everyone struggles with the impact of rising prices, some
industries are hit more severely than others. Obviously a fuel dependent industry such as aviation is one. The cost of fuel has now become greater
than 50% of most airlines’ operating budgets. Personnel expense has been quickly eclipsed as the number
one cost in an unprecedented period of time.
Airlines have resorted to a number of steps to survive in
this uncertain market in which the true cost of fuel can no longer be defined. In an industry meeting two weeks ago,
CHO heard directly from airlines that NO costs are too small for review, NO
revenues are too small for consideration. Unlike the impact of “9-1-1”, there is not a clear end
to today’s economic uncertainty, e.g. how does an airline budget for oil when
the price has reached $145/barrel from $60/barrel in less than a year, and not
as a result of supply and demand, the customary economic standard?
Does this mean airlines are randomly reducing service? Not at this point. Airlines are systematically reviewing capacity
reductions thru consideration of fleet reductions by type of aircraft; and,
capacity or service reductions thru consideration of overlapping hubs or
redundant service as well as poorly performing routes.
What does this mean to CHO?
Customers at every commercial service airport have
already begun to see rising fares and the addition of ancillary costs-per bag
fees, costs for refreshments, fuel surcharges, seat charges, etc.
All airports will see airlines continuously re-evaluate
market performance, lowering their tolerance for loss. Poorly performing routes will lose some
or all frequency of service.
Airlines expect their airport partners to lower costs for
airlines and search for opportunities to increase passenger loads.
Airlines are expecting employees to help by driving quality
for their companies-extreme customer service for discriminate travelers-and
expecting airports to leverage the same expectation from airport employees.
If the cost of fuel continues to increase, expect continuing
havoc. However, if prices
eventually stabilize, capacity cuts should induce load factor and yield
increases, eventually resulting in revenue growth. Once fuel prices remain stable, airlines will benefit from
the lower overhead resulting from the cost cutting measures implemented during
this uncertain period.
What service changes have been announced at CHO?
At the industry meeting attended two weeks ago, US Airways
Express route management personnel stated CHO performs in the top third of
revenue production for the Express operation. United Express personnel stated CHO performs in the top half
of their Express carrier operation. Thanks to the economic stability of our community, CHO continues to
perform better than airports in many similar-size communities. Thus far, CHO has received the
following information:
Delta Airlines –
The two daily Cincinnati flights will be discontinued September 2008. Delta states poor load factor is the
reason, and promises to “concentrate” on the Atlanta flights.
Northwest Airlines – No changes have been announced and load factor has not dropped
significantly. CHO hears that
since Northwest and Delta flights do not overlap at CHO, and since both
airlines already share space and personnel, CHO should expect no losses from
the merger.
United Express –
No changes have been announced and 1 additional flight has been added for the
summer months.
US Airways Express – One LaGuardia flight has been removed for the summer, but CHO has been
informed the flight will return in September. Effective September, 2 Charlotte flights will be replaced by
2 Philadelphia flights.
Other – At the
same meeting, CHO met with other carriers, discovering that at least one new
carrier would have likely introduced new service late this spring if fuel
prices had remained stable, and intends to re-examine Central Virginia in the
future. Assuming this crisis
eventually stabilizes, this will remain a viable new market for CHO, hopefully in the near future.
What does this mean for our community?
Demand drives capacity cuts. Very simply put, “use it or lose” is the competition CHO
faces for its current service and frequency. Despite a 65% average load factor, the passenger loads for
the 2 Cincinnati flights were not enough to offset the fuel costs.
CHO faces very real threats from low fare competition in
Richmond. Carriers such as United,
US Airways and Delta have to manage fares in their Richmond stations to compete
with Air Tran and JetBlue. Unfortunately, they are not able to discount fares in Charlottesville to
compete with Richmond. While CHO
will work with our stations to point out significant fare disparities, it is
unlikely fares will ever match or come close to fares available in Richmond as
the result of the low fare carriers. However, as heard from the CEO of Air Tran, low fare carriers must
increase fares in order to survive in today’s market. Eventually, these increases will assist in bringing some
level of parity to low fare vs. mainline carriers.
Central Virginia is a vibrant community, managing this
economic crisis much better than most communities across the nation. A significantly lower unemployment
rate, lower foreclosure rate, continuing commercial development, UVA capital
development-all factors lending to the degree of insulation this area generally
enjoys as compared to others, which also benefits CHO. However, CHO depends on the community
to help maintain the level of air service enjoyed. In 2004, CHO contributed as much as $167,258,000 in economic impacts to the community. While not re-examined,
CHO’s statistics indicate these numbers grew from 2004 to 2007. Passenger traffic grew during the first
8 months of FY 2008, despite the initiation of service in Richmond by
3 discount carriers. Aircraft operations
at CHO continue to exceed 2007, an indication of the health of the local
economy. CHO also operates as a
stand-alone, self-funded entity, unlike many similar size, locally subsidized
airports. By choosing to use CHO,
you are helping us help the community – a partnership we all need to strive to
maintain.
We need AND appreciate your support. Please check back-we will continue to
keep you updated as the industry reacts to the economy around it.
Best Regards,
Barbara Hutchinson, Executive Director
Wednesday, July 2
Charlottesville area community leaders and local businesses came together when the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce’s held its annual golf outing last Thursday at the Old Trail Golf Course in Crozet, VA. Danielle Fitz-Hugh, Vice President of Member Service of the Chambers said, “The Chamber is about providing opportunity: providing opportunity to network, providing opportunity to build relationships, this community is very strong on relationships, especially as it relates to business, and spending the day on the green is a great way to build those relationships.” (quote from channel 19 news…)
CHO was there as well, teaming up with Pepsi and sponsoring the first hole, a par 5. This was key as it required a huge drive off of the tee to clear a water feature. Therefore it was our “duty” to “support the short drive”, and cheer on anyone that didn’t quite make it. It was a great day of getting our name out there, and connecting with a couple hundred of our local businesses. With Airport managers Ronnie Shifflett and Bryan Jones, as well as CSO Supervisor Travis Ratcliff lending support; CHO‘s Short Drive Campaign was a success. Combating 100 degree heat, CHO stuck it out as sponsor after sponsor packed up and left. We accomplished many goals, including name recognition, a chance to counter some of the negative rumors about CHO‘s demise, and an opportunity to generate names of local businesses for future air service campaigns. The end result was huge!
Congratulations to Roy Clements of Charlottesville - winner of CHO’s golf gift pack from Charlottesville Golf Center! Thanks to everyone for entering our “shortest drive contest”!
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