Date:  January 31, 2012

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport was a recipient of the 2012  Clean Air and Sustainability Award during the annual Kansas Preservation, Energy and Sustainability Conference and Fair at Century II, held on January 27, 2012. 

In 2008, the Mid-Continent Airport Custodial Division began recycling paper, plastic, and cardboard, collecting 52 tons in the first year alone. In 2009, the first official Green Team, comprised of participants from airlines, car rentals, aircraft manufacturers, aviation businesses, and the Department of Homeland Security TSA, initiated an education program about the aviation industry’s role in decreasing the community’s carbon footprint. 

The airport recycles a variety of materials, including:

• Corrugated cardboard
• Cooking oil
• Paper
• Newsprint/Magazines/Books
• Plastics
• Clothes
• Toner cartridges
• Tree limbs/brush/wood chips
• Sand – used on the airfield during snow and ice removal which is collected and reused as fill sand for construction projects
• Glycol (deicing) – keeps the excess fluid out of the airport storm sewer system and eventually out of the Arkansas River
• Motor oil – Our Airfield Maint. Division maintains a fleet of over 200 vehicles; approximately 800 to 1000 gallons per year are collected and recycled.
• Batteries – 25 to 30 automotive batteries are recycled each year
• Tires – about 5,000 pounds per year
• Scrap metal
• Asphalt  – Any asphalt removed or replaced in construction projects is recycled into millings for use on the perimeter fence and various road projects.
• Old safety uniforms are recycled – the material is used for rags when cleaning and servicing equipment. 

Since May 2008, over 443 tons of materials have been recycled.

Date:  January 13, 2012

Southwest Airlines has committed to serve Wichita according to local and state leaders who met with the airline last week.  “We are pleased to announce that Southwest Airlines has agreed to serve Mid-Continent Airport,” stated Mayor Carl Brewer.  “Wichita has been anxiously waiting to hear what the future plans were with regard to Southwest Airlines and we are thrilled with this news.”

Last week, a small delegation of elected officials and business leaders traveled to Dallas to meet with high-level officials at Southwest Airlines.

The delegation was comprised of the following officials:

Governor Sam Brownback
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
Mayor Carl Brewer
Sedgwick County Commissioner Dave Unruh
Lynn Nichols, Immediate Past Chair, Wichita Metro Chamber
Jeff Turner, President and CEO, Spirit Aerosystems
Jack Pelton, Retired Chairman and CEO, Cessna Aircraft Company
Victor White, Director of Airports, Wichita Airport Authority

“This is exciting news for Wichita and South Central Kansas.  Quality commercial air service is key to economic growth,” Gov. Brownback said.  “My administration looks forward to working with leaders of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Southwest Airlines’ leaders to finalize this partnership.  We thank Gary Kelly, Chairman and CEO, Southwest Airlines, and his leadership team for their commitment of this process and look forward to the arrival of Southwest Airlines in Kansas.”

“As you know, Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran in 2011 and is currently in the process of integrating AirTran into their company,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner Dave Unruh.  “Officials at Southwest Airlines informed us service will continue in Kansas under the AirTran name until 2013 and then a transition to Southwest Airlines will occur.”

“Southwest Airlines did request the continuation of the Kansas Affordable Airfares Program,” said Lynn Nichols, immediate past chair, Wichita Metro Chamber.

The delegation said Southwest Airlines made it clear that this is a critical component for them to enter this market.  The Kansas Affordable Airfares Program, a city, county and state effort, has been in place for the past six years with a positive return on investment.  The purpose of the program helps provide more air flight options, more competition for air travel and affordable airfares for all Kansans.  At the state level, affordable airfares is funded by the state’s Economic Development Initiatives Fund and is included in the Governor’s Recommended FY2013 Budget as a key component of the Governor’s Economic Devleopment Strategic Plan.

“Not only has this program been successful for the leisure traveler, it is a vital piece for recruiting and retaining business,” said Lynn Nichols, recent chair of the Wichita Metro Chamber.  “Having affordable flights and many flight choices is essential for keeping the cost of business competitive.  We appreciate the continued support of this program from the Kansas legislature, the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.”

“Today’s announcement is wonderful news for Kansas,” Senator Moran said.  “As a resident of Western Kansas, I know firsthand the importance of maintaining commercial air service in communities across Kansas.  I thank Southwest airlines for their decision to not only maintain air service at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport via AirTran, but also eventually fully switch over to Southwest Airlines, which will contribute significantly to Kansans’ quality of life and our state’s economic future.  I look forward to Kansas continuing to build a fruitful relationship with Southwest Airlines and I look forward to flying Southwest out of Wichita very soon.”

The delegation said Southwest is currently preparing a comprehensive plan that includes an analysis of potential routes to and from Wichita, and an announcement from Southwest will come later when that market study of opportunities is completed.

Date:  December 19, 2011

Santa Claus will be taking a break from his busy schedule to visit travelers at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.  This week, Santa will be at the airport on Thursday and Friday, from 11 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 4. 

Santa will be in the main terminal handing out candy canes and performing special yoyo tricks.

Track Santa’s progress around the world on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org.

Date:  December 16, 2011

Mid-Continent Airport anticipates a busy travel period between December 21 and 31 for the Christmas holiday.  To ensure a smooth visit to the airport, the airlines encourage passengers whose flights are scheduled to depart between 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. to arrive two hours prior to their flight. However, passengers who are not checking luggage and already have their boarding pass should arrive at least 1 ½ hours prior to departure.  Please allow enough time to park, check in at the ticket counter, and get through security.

Before coming to the Airport, passengers can review the latest travel tips and security requirements by visiting the airport’s website at www.flywichita.com.

The airlines and airport staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas and safe travels!

Date:  December 15, 2011

The City of Wichita and the Wichita Airport Authority announced yesterday the Advertisement for Construction Bids for the New Terminal Building at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.  The New Terminal Building is the central component of the $160 million Air Capital Terminal 3 (ACT3) Program.  ACT 3 is funded through a combination of FAA Grants, TSA Grants, Airport Passenger Facility Charges, and Airport Revenue.  No local tax dollars are being used; only money from airport and aviation system users will pay for the project.

The New Terminal Building will be a distinctive, modern, state-of-the-art, two-level 273,000 square foot facility with twelve gates, each with a passenger loading bridge.  The new energy efficient facility will have operationally efficient passenger and baggage security screening, baggage claim and airline ticketing systems.  The food, beverage, and retail concessions will be greatly improved compared to the current terminal.

 The terminal was designed by Kansas City-based HNTB Architecture, and the Program Manager is AECOM.

Construction bids for the New Terminal Building will be publicly opened on February 17, 2012.  On January 11, 2012, the Airport will hold a Pre-Bid Meeting for contractors at 1:30 p.m. at the Wichita Airport Hilton.  All potential bidders are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting.  Groundbreaking for the New Terminal is expected to be held in May 2012, with a new operational facility opening in late 2014 or early 2015.

Date:  December 1, 2011                                   

Contact:  Valerie Wise, Air Service & Business Development Manager

Christmas Carolers at Mid-Continent Airport 

The sounds of the Christmas season will be heard once again at Mid-Continent Airport.  Beginning December 7 through December 20, several vocal and instrumental groups from area schools and churches will be entertaining travelers at Mid-Continent Airport.  This is the seventh year that area youth have performed at the airport, entertaining travelers arriving and departing the airport.  The schedule of performances is as follows: 

December 7    11:30 am – 12:00 pm     Northfield School of the Liberal Arts

December 7    12:30 – 1:00 pm            Northfield School of the Liberal Arts

December 8    10:45 am – 12:00 pm     Caldwell Elementary Singing Hands Choir

December 10   11:00 am – 12:00 pm     Plansview Mennonite Youth Group

December 10   2:30 – 3:30 pm               Bethel Mennonite Youth at Greensburg

December 10   3:30 – 4:30 pm              Gospel Mennonite Youth Group

December 13   12:30 – 1:00 pm            Kensler Elementary 5^th Grade Choir

December 14   11:30 am – 12:00 pm     Linwood Lion Pride Honor Choir

December 16   11:00 – 11:30 am          Hadley Middle School Orchestra

December 19   11:30 am – 12:00 pm   Pleasant Valley Elementary Super Star Singers

December 19   1:00 – 1:30 pm               Irving Elementary 5th Grade Choir

December 20   11:00 – 11:30 am          Coleman Middle School Orchestra

December 20   11:45 am – 12:45 pm     Griffith Elementary Choir

December 20      1:00 – 1:30 pm           Riverside Magnet School Honor Choir

December 21   11:30 am – 12:30 pm     Dodge Literacy Magnet Honor Choir 

Date:  November 18, 2011

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays tend to be among the busiest travel times of the year.  We hope these tips will help take the stress out of holiday travel and make your travel a breeze. 

 Airport Tips

• If you have not yet booked your flight, there are still seats available.  Based on the loads reported by the airlines, the busiest day will be on Saturday, November 26 when Allegiant has four flights scheduled that day.  The lightest day will be on Thanksgiving Day.
• To speed up the check-in process, check-in online from home within to 24 hours of your departure.  This allows you to print your boarding passes, get your seat assignments, and pay your checked bag fees.  If you are not checking bags and have your boarding pass, you can avoid the ticket counter and go straight to security.
• Pack smart.  Review TSA’s list of permitted and prohibited items at www.tsa.gov.
• Review your airline’s bag policies and weight limits.  Excess weight will cost more.
• If you find that you get through security with time to spare, relax and have breakfast, read the newspaper, or surf the web.  At Mid-Continent, our WiFi is FREE throughout the terminal.
• Check in on FourSquare to unlock a special.
• The Flight Deck at former gate 9 is a great place to relax.  It is equipped with outlets for your laptops and cell phones.  It also has comfy seating and rocking chairs.
• With our expanded Park & Ride lot, there should be ample parking space.  While you may park in any of our lots, the Park & Ride lot is the cheapest at only $6/day. The free shuttle will deliver you right in front of the terminal.  It makes its rounds every 10 minutes or less. Wait for the shuttle in one of the shelters in the Park & Ride lot.
• If picking up guests arriving at Mid-Continent, wait for them in the cell phone lot, located just south of the Park & Ride lot.  Once your guest has collected their bags, they simply call you and in just a few minutes, you can pick them up in front of the terminal.
• Customers who park in any of our lots can receive vehicular assistance such as airing up a low tire, starting a vehicle with a dead battery, or getting shoved out.  For assistance, call 316-946-4772.
• Look for the Courtesy Crew in the red jackets if you need assistance.
• Visit www.flywichita.com/traveltips for more travel tips.

 Security/Airline Advice

• The most important thing you can do is arrive early – at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight.  There are 12 flights that depart between 6:00 am – 7:30 am.  This can cause long lines at the security checkpoint.  The TSA staffs all lanes during peak periods to get passengers through as quickly as possible.   
• The checkpoint opens at 4 am.  Arriving early ensures you will be on the flight. 
• Airlines want passengers AT the gate to begin loading AT LEAST 30 minutes before departure. 
• Airlines close the aircraft door 10 minutes prior to departure.  Even with all three lanes fully staffed, it is not possible to screen 500 people in 35 minutes.  It is better to get here early and get to your gate in time.
• TSA has implemented new procedures that reduce, though not eliminate, pat-downs of passengers 12 and under that would otherwise have been conducted to resolve alarms while also ensuring effective security measures. Passengers 12 and under are also able to leave their shoes on when going through security checkpoints.
• NO carry-on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in containers 3.4 oz. or smaller. 
• No knives or weapons.
• Make sure you have your government-issued photo ID.
• Travelers should remember the three simple steps to security: have ID’s out, coats and shoes off, and laptops and 311 bags out for screening. TSA reminds travelers to follow 3–1–1 for carry-on luggage for non-exempt liquids: 3 ounce bottle or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols; placed in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all small bottles; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The limitations on liquids apply only to carry-on bags and larger quantities may be packed in checked baggage.  
• TSA also recommends that passengers do not travel with wrapped packages. In order to determine if the contents of a package are a threat, a security officer may need to unwrap and inspect the item. Snow globes of any size are not permitted in carry-on bags because officers cannot accurately determine the volume of liquid. TSA recommends passengers pack these items securely in checked baggage.
• Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.
• New Privacy Protection Software on All Millimeter Wave Machines: TSA has upgraded all millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units at airports nationwide with new software to further enhance privacy protections by eliminating the image of an actual passenger and replacing it with a generic outline of a person. This technology increases the efficiency of the screening process, is safe for all travelers, and passengers are now able to view the same outline that the TSA officer sees. These machines are not being used at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport at this time.
• TSA reminds travelers to be vigilant during the holiday travel season by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The traveling public plays an important role in security, so “If You See Something, Say Something.”
• For more travel tips or information on what passengers can and cannot bring through security, click here to use the MyTSA mobile app.
• For more information on these and other helpful tips, please visit www.tsa.gov.

We wish to thank you for flying Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, and wish everyone safe travels!

October 17, 2011

Contact: Chief Greg Martens, Airport Public Safety, 946-4747

Disaster Exercise to be held Thursday at Mid-Continent Airport

Every three years the Wichita Airport Authority conducts an FAA mandated full scale disaster exercise.  This year the exercise will begin at 9:00 a.m. Thursday.  The location of the exercise will be north of highway K42, east of the approach end of Runway 1L.  Any media wishing to cover the exercise are asked to call Kelly Fabrizius, assistant to the Airport Public Safety Chief, at 946-4744 by Wednesday.

The scenario for the exercise is as follows:  at approximately 9 a.m. a large commercial aircraft operated by Ancient Airlines, with a total of 78 passengers and crew onboard, collides with a small general aviation aircraft carrying three passengers.  The aircraft collide while the large commercial aircraft is taking off from Runway 1L.  Both aircraft break apart and come to rest approximately 2,000 feet away in a field east of the runway.  At 9:02 a.m. Wichita’s Air Traffic Control Tower notified the Airport Police and Fire Division of the crash.  The exercise begins.

Disasters of this scale are extremely rare and have never occurred at Mid-Continent Airport. However, federal regulations and good emergency management practices require that all commercial airports in the U.S. practice responding to these events in a simulated environment.

There will be about 300 people from 23 various agencies, departments, organizations and volunteers involved. 

October 11, 2011

Contact:   Valerie Wise, Air Service & Business Development Manager, 946-4700

Delta Will End Memphis Service, Upgrade Atlanta

Delta Air Lines is cutting its nonstop service from Wichita to Memphis, effective Jan. 4.

Delta currently offers one daily nonstop flight between the two cities.  Memphis is ranked Wichita’s 43^rd top destination and is primarily a connecting hub for eastern destinations.  Delta passengers will now connect to Memphis and eastern cities through Atlanta.

Beginning Jan. 4, Delta mainline will enter the Wichita-Atlanta market with a 126-seat Airbus 319.  In addition to the Airbus flight, flights will also be provided by Delta connection carriers operating one 76-seat CR9 and three 65-seat CR7s, for five daily flights.  All aircraft have a first-class cabin.

In March, Delta announced it would cut 25% of its flights nationwide and internationally by year’s end.  The reduction in capacity is due primarily to high fuel prices, the company said.  The Wichita-Memphis service is operated with a 50-seat regional jet, which is Delta’s least fuel efficient aircraft, according to Delta. 

Date:  September 30, 2011

Two Honor Flights will depart Wichita Mid-Continent Airport next week carrying 200 World War II Veterans to Washington, DC, where they will visit the World War II memorial and other historical sites. 

The first Honor Flight will depart Wichita at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, with boarding to start at approximately at 4:30 a.m.  It will return to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The second Honor Flight will depart Wichita at 7 a.m. on Thursday, with boarding to start at approximately 4:30 a.m.  It will return to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

Mid-Continent Airport’s Safety Division will honor each returning flight with a water cannon salute. Residents are encouraged to support the veterans.

The cost to send a World War II veteran on a HONOR FLIGHT is $650.00.  Expenses are paid by public donations.

The Honor Flight organization is hosting a banquet in the Veterans honor on Monday evening at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple. It is open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m.  Food tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for 12 and under.  There will be HONOR FLIGHT hats, T-shirts and assorted items for sale.  All profits go to send World War II veterans on HONOR FLIGHT. Questions about the banquet can be directed to Herb Duncan at (316) 943-2455 or (316) 259-3990.