Tri-Cities Airport’s Fly Local Campaign Earns Top Awards

Tri-Cities Airport’s “Fly Local” campaign continues to make an impact, earning top recognition at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Southwest Virginia American Advertising Awards. The campaign received a Gold ADDY – the highest level of distinction – and was also named Best in Show for its creative excellence.

“The Fly Local campaign has been an incredible success, and we are thrilled to see it recognized in such a meaningful way,” said Trevor Rice, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at Tri-Cities Airport. “Working with local partners allowed us to bring this campaign to life in a way that truly resonated with our community. Fly Local isn’t just a message – it’s a movement that strengthens air service and benefits travelers throughout our region.”

The Fly Local initiative encourages travelers to choose Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) for their journeys, reinforcing the benefits of flying local and supporting regional air service growth. This award-winning campaign was made possible through the collaboration of ARO Creative, The Leverage Group, and Kat Bundy Strategic Marketing. Together, they crafted engaging visuals and content, executed strategic media placements, and worked to maximize the campaign’s reach.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Tri-Cities Airport and The Leverage Group on the Fly Local campaign,” said Ashley Shutt, President of ARO Creative. “The success of this initiative reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to enhancing the airport’s presence and impact in the region.”

“Our partnership with ARO Creative on the Fly Local campaign is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the advantages and importance of choosing Tri-Cities Airport,” said Rob Bunch, Senior Executive of The Leverage Group. “When we choose to fly local, it strengthens our community and gives us as consumers more options.”

Tri-Cities Airport is proud to see Fly Local recognized among the region’s top creative efforts. In addition to the ADDY honors, the campaign was also named a finalist in the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards. Competing against airports across North America, Fly Local was recognized as a finalist in the Overall Marketing Programs category, highlighting its impact in strengthening regional air service and engaging the community.

Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to connecting the region with convenient travel options and strengthening local air service. The recognition from both the AAF SWVA American Advertising Awards and ACI-NA underscores the impact of the Fly Local campaign and the power of collaboration in supporting regional growth.

Tri-Cities Airport Reports Impressive Surge in Passenger Numbers for 2023

Blountville, Tenn – Tri-Cities Airport is pleased to announce a significant increase in passenger numbers for the year 2023, reflecting the airport’s continued growth and commitment to providing exceptional air travel services.
In 2023, the total number of passengers reached an impressive 448,514, marking a remarkable 15.83% increase compared to the previous year, where the passenger count stood at 387,227. In a testament to sustained progress, the 2023 figures also show an impressive 41.75% rise over 2021, which had a total of 316,406 passengers. This significant growth underscores Tri-Cities Airport’s pivotal role as a community asset, serving and connecting the communities of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Gene Cossey, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the positive trajectory, stating, “The notable increase in passenger numbers for 2023 is a testament to our team’s dedication and the community’s trust in their airport. We are proud to be a vital gateway for the Tri-Cities region, connecting travelers to destinations worldwide. The continued growth reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering economic development in the region.”

As Tri-Cities Airport continues to expand its services and connectivity, it emphasizes the importance of local passengers’ support. The growth achieved in 2023 is not only a reflection of the airport’s efforts but also a result of the community’s commitment to utilizing and endorsing its services.

“We encourage our local passengers to recognize the role they play in our success. Their continued support ensures that we can maintain and enhance the services we offer, fostering further growth and providing even more opportunities for our community,” added Kristi Haulsee, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development.

Tri-Cities Airport invites the community and stakeholders to celebrate this achievement, emphasizing the collaborative effort that has contributed to the airport’s success. As the numbers continue to rise, Tri-Cities Airport remains committed to enhancing air service and connectivity, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to five hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Orland Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit flyTRI.com.


Trevor Rice
Tri-Cities Airport Authority Marketing & Air Service Development Manager
423-325-6030
trice@TRIflight.com

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