Category: News

BLOUNTVILLE, TN –Aviation and history enthusiasts can view, tour and/or ride in World War II era aircraft at Tri-City Aviation between May 29-June 2, as The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AirPower History Tour brings history to life.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FiFi, and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Diamond Lil, will be on display at Tri-City Aviation along with a C-45 Expeditor and PT-13 Stearman. Rides are available in all four aircraft and cockpit tours are available for both bombers when they are not flying.

Foodies will also have a reason to visit as seven local food trucks will offer sweet and savory treats throughout the celebration. See schedule below.

T-shirts commemorating the event are being sold for $10 with all proceeds going to the Appalachian Aviatrixes of the Ninety-Nines scholarship fund which helps female pilots earn their wings. T-shirts are on sale now at Tri-City Aviation and will be available at the event.

AIRCRAFT on DISPLAY & RIDE SCHEDULE:

Rides must be booked through the website link or onsite: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/tricities2019

AIRCRAFT RIDES	WED.	THURS.	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
B-29 SuperfortressFiFi				9:00 AM10:30 AM	9:00 AM10:30 AM
B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil				9:30 AM11:00 AM	9:30 AM11:00 AM
C-45 ExpeditorBucket of Bolts			9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM	9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM	9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM
PT-13 Stearman	9 AM-5 PM	9 AM-5 PM	9 AM-5 PM	9 AM-5 PM	9 AM-5 PM

*All aircraft will be at Tri-City Aviation from 9 AM-5 PM, Wednesday-Sunday, except when flying. Schedule and aircraft type subject to change.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE:

*Schedule and food trucks are subject to change.

FOOD TRUCK	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
The AM			9 AM – ?	9 AM – ?
Bite!			11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM
Cheesy School Bus	11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM
Feeding Frenzy		11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It			11 AM – 5 PM	11 AM – 5 PM
Me and K’s				11 AM – 5 PM
Petite Sweets		11:30 AM- 5 PM	11:30 AM-5 PM

Primary Contact:
Meagan Harr
Tri-City Aviation
mharr@tricityaviation.com
(423) 325-6261

Secondary Contact:
Kristi Haulsee
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
Director of Marketing & Air Service Development
O: 423-325-6032/C: 423-802-4086

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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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

View the full release from the Commemorative Air Force. 

BLOUNTVILLE, TN –On Saturday, April 13, Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) will host an aviation merit badge event for 60 members of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Held at Tri-City Aviation, the day will feature a tour of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tower, a demonstration of aircraft preflight checks, and exploration of various aviation careers.

“We strive to inspire our kids to be the future of the aviation industry and the merit badge days are a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of these young people,” said Gene Cossey, executive director of Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA). Cossey will issue a welcoming statement to the participating Boy Scout troops on Saturday morning shortly after 8:00 AM.

In addition to partnering with TRI, the BSA is working with Tri-City Aviation, Northeast State Community College, and the FAA tower to provide the participating scouts with a well-rounded aviation experience. Richard Blevins of the Northeast State Community College Aviation Department will not only teach the scouts “Aviation Ground School,” but also demonstrate preflight aircraft checks on a Cessna 172.

“With the aviation industry facing a nationwide shortage of qualified pilots and other workers, creating interest in young audiences is one way to help ensure that Northeast Tennessee defines itself as a leader in the industry. With companies like Bell and the prospects that Aerospace Park brings, it is important that students and area youth are exposed to the career opportunities the aviation industry has to offer,” said Todd Hensley, Buffalo Mountain District Chairman of the Sequoya Council, BSA and Tri-Cities Airport Authority commissioner.

On April 27, Tri-Cities Airport will be hosting a similar event with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians.

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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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Blountville, TN – American Airlines and the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) announced nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) beginning September 4, 2019. The new service will be twice daily and available for booking starting April 15, 2019.

The initial flight schedule is below: (TRI is in ET, DFW is in CT)

Departing Airport	Departure Time	Arriving Airport	Arrival Time
TRI	6:15 AM	DFW	7:50 AM
DFW	12:35 PM	TRI	3:55 PM
TRI	4:20 PM	DFW	5:55 PM
DFW	6:55 PM	TRI	10:15 PM

American Airlines will add DFW flights prior to the regular schedule to support the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in August. The flight schedule for the race is listed below:

Flight #	Dates	Departing Airport	Departure Time	Arriving Airport	Arrival Time
AA 3722	8/15	DFW	12:25 PM	TRI	3:45 PM
AA 3722	8/15	TRI	4:15 PM	DFW	5:50 PM
AA 3722	8/16	DFW	12:25 PM	TRI	3:45 PM
AA 3722	8/16	TRI	4:15 PM	DFW	5:50 PM
AA 3722	8/18	DFW	12:25 PM	TRI	3:45 PM
AA 3722	8/18	TRI	4:15 PM	DFW	5:50 PM
AA 3722	8/19	DFW	12:25 PM	TRI	3:45 PM
AA 3722	8/19	TRI	4:15 PM	DFW	5:50 PM
AA 3722	8/20	DFW	12:25 PM	TRI	3:45 PM
AA 3722	8/20	TRI	4:15 PM	DFW	5:50 PM

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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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Blountville, TN – Sullivan County Commissioner and VFW member, Sam Jones, presented two awards to Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) staff today. Public Safety Officer Steve Wade was awarded Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Captain Denton Hall. Both employees of the TCAA Public Safety Department.

“The Airport Authority is pleased that two of our own have been recognized for their contributions to the communities we serve as well as the Airport,“ said Gene Cossey, TCAA Executive Director. “It’s an honor to work alongside these two military veterans who continue to protect and serve.”

Each year, VFW Post 4933 honors a local police officer and a firefighter who have made a significant difference in the lives of community members.

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VFW CONTACT:
Dean Johnson
VFW Post 4933
Djohnson9000@hotmail.com
(614) 530-1623

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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Blountville, TN – Pending final approval by the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA), Gene Cossey will join the Airport as executive director starting mid to late February. The TCAA will hold a called meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 2 PM to consider for approval the terms of Cossey’s contract.

Cossey holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois, Springfield and Bachelor’s degree from Linfield College in McMinnville Oregon majoring in Business Management and Information Systems Design. He is currently a Doctoral Student in the University of Illinois Public Administration program.

Cossey is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is an International Airport Professional with the Airport Council International (ACI).

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NOTES:  For comments or additional information please see contacts below.

Dr. Jon Smith
TCAA Chairman
423-439-5493
SMITJL01@etsu.edu

Gene Cossey
541-217-8160
gene.cossey@gmail.com

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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Blountville, TN. – The Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) has been awarded a $1,690,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Aeronautics Economic Development Fund to further the development of Aerospace Park.

TDOT’s grant funding should allow TCAA to complete the final phase of construction including final grading, access roads and utilities for the Aerospace Park development project.

“Aerospace Park is an important economic development project for our region, and we appreciate the commitment Governor Haslam and TDOT Commissioner Schroer have made to its success through the award of this grant,” said Jon Smith, TCAA chairman. “We also greatly appreciate the support and hard work our legislative delegation, community partners and staff have devoted to this project.”

The purpose of the TDOT Fund is to advance job creation and investment opportunities in aerospace industry, which helps Tennessee’s airports continue to be important economic development engines for their regions and the state.

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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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 21 acres certified for immediate development and an additional 140 acres under development.

Blountville, TN – The Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) elected to promote David Jones to Deputy Executive Director at today’s board meeting. The promotion takes effect immediately.

“We are pleased to announce that David Jones was promoted to Deputy Executive Director at today’s meeting,” said TCAA Chairman Jon Smith. “He has the experience and expertise to maintain the high standards already in place. David has seen the airport through a number of successful projects and we are glad to recognize his contributions.”

Jones previously held the position of TCAA Director of Operations and had been in that role for more than 12 years. He came to Tri-Cities after serving 11 years as Engineering and Environmental Manager for McGhee-Tyson Airport. Jones also worked in Knoxville with Vaughn and Melton Engineers and Architects.

“The Airport is moving in a very positive direction,” said Jones. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Authority board and staff on the progress that has been made.”

Jones was also appointed to serve as Interim Executive Director beginning November 18 until the hiring process is complete for the open TCAA Executive Director position.

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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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 32 acres ready for immediate development and an additional 73 acres currently in development.

TCAA Executive Director Patrick Wilson added his appreciation to the Aerospace Park funding partners. “The support from our community partners has been very important as we sought additional funding to complete the site,” said Wilson. “The Airport Authority has received grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and TVA. We appreciate each of these funding partners as we continue to move Aerospace Park forward.”

The TCAA will be competing for approximately $1.7 million in grant funding for the final phase. The final phase of site construction will include grading completion of 17 acres and the addition of utilities and access roads. Once the total site is complete, TCAA will seek certification of the 122-acre site through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Select Tennessee Site program.

Site completion and certification will bolster Aerospace Park marketing efforts, according to Mark Canty, TCAA Director of Trade and Business Development. “Expanding the footprint of the current certified acreage of Aerospace Park will allow us to more effectively promote the site, compete for large projects, and increase our ability to bring quality jobs to Northeast Tennessee,” said Canty.

The TCAA’s target industries for Aerospace Park include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, completion and delivery centers, passenger to freighter conversion centers, and manufacturers.

According to Canty, aircraft manufacturing and MRO operations are projected to experience significant growth over the coming decade, and recent trends have seen a high percentage of domestic growth occurring in the southeastern United States.

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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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 32 acres ready for immediate development and an additional 73 acres currently in development.

Blountville, TN. – An aircraft accident involving a small, single engine experimental category aircraft known as a Velocity occurred at Tri-Cities Airport yesterday evening.

Below are the final details Tri-Cities Airport will release. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be the investigating agency.

DATE:  Wednesday, September 19, 2018

TIME OF ACCIDENT: Approximately 8:05 PM

AIRCRAFT TYPE:  Velocity Experimental

ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION:  The aircraft accident occurred in the approach area of Runway 23. TRI emergency responders arrived at the scene and found two people on board conscious and moving. Foam was sprayed on the plane and surrounding area for preventive measures to avoid fire. Both passengers exited the aircraft with assistance and were transported by ambulance to Holston Valley Hospital for evaluation of possible injuries.

IMPACT ON TRI OPERATIONS:  Runway 23 was closed for approximately two hours, reopening at 10:00 PM. Commercial flights were minimally impacted by the accident with the final two flights of the evening arriving as scheduled. Some damage occurred to the FAA instrument landing system (ILS) lights on Runway 23. The FAA is currently assessing the damage, determining needed repairs and repair schedule.

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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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

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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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.