Tri-Cities Airport Partners with Eastman for Plastic Waste Recycling Initiative

Kat Bundy on July 11, 2024

An image of three colorful garbage and recycling receptacles.

Tri-Cities Airport Authority is excited to announce a partnership with Eastman, a global specialty materials company, to enhance plastic waste recycling efforts at the airport. This initiative will introduce convenient plastic recycling receptacles throughout the airport, promoting responsible recycling practices among travelers and staff alike.

“At Tri-Cities Airport, we are dedicated to sustainability and are excited to partner with Eastman in this important recycling initiative,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. “By providing convenient recycling options for our passengers, we are promoting responsible practices within our community and contributing to the innovative solutions developed here in our region.”

The collected plastic waste will be transported to Eastman’s new state-of-the-art mixed plastics processing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee. As the largest material-to-material recycling facility in the world, this plant underscores Eastman’s commitment to innovative and sustainable recycling solutions.

“Eastman is happy to announce another local partnership to help us as we all work to fight the plastic waste crisis,” said Brad Lich, Eastman executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “This partnership demonstrates our shared vision for a more sustainable future, where plastic waste is seen as a valuable resource that can be transformed into new products. It’s another proof point of how local businesses can come together to foster sustainability to help keep our region beautiful.”

By collaborating with Eastman, Tri-Cities Airport is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future, making it easy for travelers to participate in these efforts.

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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, Orlando Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, please visit flyTRI.com.

New Parking Rates Effective July 1, 2024 at Tri-Cities Airport 

Tri-Cities Airport on June 27, 2024

The Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) has approved a new parking rate structure set to take effect on July 1, 2024. The adjustment comes as part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of its operations and to meet rising operational and maintenance costs. 

Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority, commented on the need for the rate increase: “Parking fees represent a vital means of funding airport operations and maintenance without increasing costs to the airlines. This is crucial to maintaining and attracting new air service, which directly benefits our community. These adjustments will help ensure we can continue to provide the high level of service our passengers expect while keeping our parking rates competitive.” 

The last adjustment in parking rates occurred in June 2017, which saw an increase of $2 per day for short-term parking and $1 per day for long-term parking. This increase will help cover the growing operational and capital expenditures necessary for the airport’s future development. 

The new rates remain competitive and less than neighboring airports and those similar in size to TRI throughout the U.S., ensuring that Tri-Cities Airport continues to offer affordable parking options compared to other regional airports. 

For more information about the new parking rates and other airport services, please visit our website at https://flytri.com/traveler/airport/parking/

Tri-Cities Airport Authority to Host ‘Elevating TRI’: An Exclusive Event Showcasing Current and Future Aviation Initiatives

Trevor on April 18, 2024

Blountville, Tenn – Tri-Cities Airport Authority is proud to announce, “Elevating TRI,” an exclusive event offering a comprehensive overview of the present and future of Tri-Cities Airport, air service, and Aerospace Park. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th, from 2-4 p.m. at Northeast State Community College in Room A202, “Elevating TRI” is set to deliver insights into the strategic initiatives driving the growth and development of our airport and region. 

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts on key areas including: 

State of Our Airport: Gain valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of Tri-Cities Airport. Learn about the developments, achievements, and upcoming projects shaping the airport’s dynamic landscape. 

Air Service Update: Discover the latest strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing air service at Tri-Cities Airport. Learn about efforts to attract airlines and improve connectivity. 

Aerospace Park: Learn about the visionary project, Aerospace Park, a sprawling 160-acre plot of prime land dedicated to aviation economic development. We’ll share updates on the progress and plans for this regional endeavor. 

“‘Elevating TRI’ serves as s a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding about the future of our airport and its role in advancing economic growth in our region,” said Gene Cossey, President & CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority. 

Speakers at the event include: 

Kirk Lovell: Serving as TRI’s air service development consultant, Kirk is Managing Director of Air Service Consulting with Mead & Hunt. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the aviation industry and will provide invaluable insights into TRI’s air service development strategies and initiatives. 

David Lotterer: Serving as the Aerospace Park consultant with JLL, David plays an important role in shaping the future of our Aerospace Park project. Discover his expertise as he shares updates and plans for this exciting venture. 

Gene Cossey: President & CEO of Tri-Cities Airport Authority, will offer insights into the current state and future vision of Tri-Cities Airport. 

This event promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience, offering attendees a deeper understanding of our commitment to elevating air travel and driving economic growth in our region. 

For more information, please contact Trevor Rice, Marketing and Air Service Development Manager, at trice@triflight.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 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

Tri-Cities Airport Announces Launch of New Website

Tri-Cities Airport on January 30, 2024

Blountville, Tenn – Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) is pleased to announce the official launch of flyTRI.com, a platform designed to deliver an enhanced and customer-centric experience for travelers.

The website focuses on key audience segments, facilitating easier navigation for users and increased efficiency for TCAA staff. The primary objective is to provide a streamlined, user-friendly resource covering all airport needs, from airline information and routes to arrivals and departures.

Developed in collaboration with Creative Energy, a Johnson City-based agency, the website focuses on delivering an enhanced and customer-centric experience for travelers while providing a streamlined approach to efficiently receive and respond to inquiries, ensuring a smooth communication process.

“When analyzing our previous website’s analytics, we discovered that over 70% of the traffic was coming from mobile devices. This revelation prompted us to place a strong emphasis on creating a mobile-first user experience” said Trevor Rice, TCAA marketing and air service development manager. “Our goal is to provide essential information not only for passengers traveling through our airport but also for their loved ones eagerly awaiting their arrival.”

The new website includes a dedicated section for businesses associated with the airport, providing information on current projects, leasing opportunities, operations data, and more. Optimized for any device, the entire site complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 federal standards.

With a mobile-first design, the website ensures an interactive and engaging experience for users on all devices, enhancing accessibility and usability. It is compatible with the latest versions of standard internet browsers for PC, Mac, tablet, and mobile devices.

For more information, please contact Trevor Rice, Marketing and Air Service Development Manager, at trice@triflight.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 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

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

Tri-Cities Airport on January 30, 2024

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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