Salina Airport Prepares for the Return of Passengers - Part 1
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Looking ahead to a transition to “business as unusual,” the Salina Regional Airport aims to be ready on all fronts, and that includes scheduled air service. The airline industry’s recovery will be spurred by discounted fares, promotions and incentives aimed at luring passengers back in the air. United Airlines is already rolling out discounted fares and incentives that will assist travelers looking to schedule trips.
“We are looking forward to making sure people are aware of everything United is offering” said Gary Foss, managing partner of Dallas based ArkStar Group and Salina Airport Authority consultant. “ArkStar associates will be assisting area businesses and travelers with programs and specials available through United,” Foss said. ArkStar’s associates are eager to bring passengers back to the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal where parking is always free.
The Salina Regional Airport has remained open during the COVID-19 crisis and United flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, to Chicago and Denver have been operating daily. As Stay-At-Home restrictions are eased business and personal airline travel will slowly resume. ArkStar’s Debbie Mahler will work with businesses and individuals to match them up with the right loyalty programs, and/or corporate discount programs.
Case in point, a German electronics company located in another community that ArkStar works with, snared a discount from United that was in the 12- to 18-percent range off the published fare. Normally, corporate travel discounts are in the 2- to 6-percent range.
Earlier this month United Airlines announced that MileagePlus members can extend the Premier status — or loyalty levels — they established this year, through January 2022. Further, for the 2021 status year, United is cutting the requirements in half to reach Premier status, so scaling to a higher tier will be easier. The airline has extended all annual membership and subscription benefits by six months, according to a news release.
“Over the years, our members have placed their trust and loyalty in United, and through the various initiatives … we are reiterating our mutual commitment and loyalty to them. When they are ready to travel with us again, we will be there for them,” Luc Bondar, vice president of loyalty at United, was quoted as saying.
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Greetings!
I hope everyone is well. The tower guys are all healthy and thankful to be working. We were also fortunate to get Scott Hillegeist certified before everything came to a screeching halt. We are now fully staffed and with the FAA’s freeze on hiring/training, we could stay that way for a while.
Both Midwest ATC and FAA have been very supportive. We have stock of all necessary supplies and other resources have been made available, if needed.
Every effort is being made to keep the tower operational. Until the FAA’s security notice is cancelled, only mission essential personnel can enter the building.
The district office relayed that the FAA has reached out to flight schools/military units, and they plan to resume normal flight-ops once the stay-at-home order is lifted. Since that accounts for the bulk of our traffic, we should bounce back quickly, and we are looking forward to getting back to normal day-to-day operations around here!
Stay Safe and Happy Flying!
Jay Hatchett
Air Traffic Manager
Salina (SLN) FCT
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Mahler Eager to Serve Salina Market
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Airline industry veteran, Debbie Mahler, is ready to assist travelers in north-central Kansas, as the Salina Regional Airport’s expert on personal and corporate airline travel. Debbie is an ArkStar Group associate.
A St. Louis resident, she is eager to spend time in Salina meeting with area businesses, working with Salina Area Chamber of Commerce members, local colleges, and others to promote special United travel offers available to businesses and individuals.
“This is something I love doing; coming out and meeting people. I’m anxious for ‘Stay-At-Home’ restrictions to be eased so I can schedule a trip to Salina,” Mahler said. “Prior to the COVID-19 health emergency, Salina passenger loads were at record highs. We’re going to work hard to return to pre-COVID-19 passenger loads and grow from there.”
Previously, several Salina area companies and organizations were assisted by ArkStar associates in securing individual and corporate travel discounts. Debbie will continue efforts to make area business and organizations aware of opportunities for discounted travel on United Airlines.
Mahler began her aviation career in 1978, working with Ozark Airlines in the reservation department, working with small communities in the Midwest. When Ozark merged with TWA in 1987, Mahler worked in both corporate and passenger sales at TWA until 2001, when American Airlines bought TWA. She was promoted to regional sales manager. At American, Mahler developed small community air service and connected them to hub cities in the Midwest and Upper Midwest.
Now embarking on her representation of Salina, Saline County, and North Central Kansas Debbie and her Arkstar associates are ready to assist individuals, companies, and organizations with finding beneficial United air travel programs and a host of other benefits offered by the airline.
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United's number one priority is the safety of their customers and employees.
Learn more
about flexible options if you need to change or cancel travel plans and the steps they have taken to ensure your safety from before takeoff to after landing.
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Runway 17/35 Closure at Salina Regional Airport
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Runway 17/35 at the Salina Regional Airport has been closed until Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00 PM due to necessary heavy maintenance and repairs.
Projects underway include an asphalt mill and overly involving the south 800 feet of the runway, repairs to runway lighting and guidance signage, and repainting runway surface markings. Runway 17/35 will be unavailable for nighttime or weekend operations during its closure. The Salina ILS (glideslope and localizer) will also be out of service during this project per FAA rules and regulations.
Both runways 12/30 and 18/36 will continue to be open and available for use. Pilots using the Salina Airport before May 5 are encouraged to check SLN NOTAMS for further details regarding associated taxiway closures.
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Feature Facility
New to the Market!
Building 394
2941 Centennial Road
Located at the intersection of two arterial streets (Schilling & Centennial) at the Salina Airport Industrial Center, this office facility will be come available on June 1, 2020.
With nearly 4,000 SF of professional office space, Bldg. 394 includes
4 large private offices, a reception area and space for a large conference area or cubicles. Large windows offer ample daylight throughout the building.
Call the Salina Airport Authority today at 785-827-3914 to schedule a tour or email
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On the Flightline at America's Fuel Stop
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Salina Airport Authority | www.salinaairport.com
3237 Arnold Avenue
Salina, Kansas 67401
785-827-3914
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Copyright ©2020 | Salina Airport Authority | All rights
reserved
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