Episode Description Did you know that McGhee Tyson Airport is just one hour away from the most visited national park in the US? More than 12 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, generating a more than $1 billion economic impact for our region. In this episode, we speak with Caitlin Worth of the National Park Servi…

Episode Description Aviation has played a crucial role in the development and growth of East Tennessee since the early 1900s. As McGhee Tyson Airport celebrates its 84th Anniversary, this podcast highlights some of the inspirational people and aviation milestones that have occurred in our region. We are joined by Bob Davis, a local historian and pi…

Episode Description In celebration of International Podcast Day, we bring you a podcast episode all about airport podcasts. We speak with the podcasts hosts from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (podcast: The Austin Approach) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (podcast: The Fly Angle) about their airport’s podcast: why they started them…

Episode Description A lot has changed in aviation hiring practices in the past two years. Some of the change is the direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while some attribute the change to a Silver Tsunami. Never heard that term before? Us either! Tune into this episode to learn all about it from Blake Astran, J.D., Vice President of Business ope…

Episode Description Airlines for America (A4A) is a leading voice in advocating for crucial measures and policies that promote safety, security and a thriving US airline industry. In this episode, Rebecca Spicer, Senior Vice President of Communications for A4A, joins us as we discuss commercial air service pandemic recovery and the actions airlines…

Episode Description Traveling this summer? You’re not alone! With more people taking to the skies this summer, this episode provides you with six quick tips you can take to make your travel experience simple and safe. From parking tips to COVID-19 resources, this episode has all the information you need to know before you go. Mentioned in this Epis…

Episode Description Airfield lighting is one of the many requirements that keep an airport compliant with the FAA’s Part 139 Certification. Have you ever wondered what the different airfield lighting colors signify? Or how much time and resources it takes to keep the airport terminal ‘lit’ 24/7? In this episode, we talk with Ken Eckert, MKAA Facili…

Episode Description Summer travel season is among us! While you’re preparing for your vacation or looking for planning inspiration, many questions can arise. Are there travel restrictions in this city? Do I need a negative COVID test to fly into this airport? We speak with representatives from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Austin-Bergst…

Episode Description The general aviation industry has experienced more than five consecutive years of growth, even throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Serving this industry, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest general aviation association in America and offers endless advocacy and resources for current and future pilots. …

Episode Description This episode explores the vast amount of resources available to minority-owned businesses through airports and their local municipalities. Alan Jones, Director of Administration and DBE Liasion Officer with the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, and Pamela Cotham, Assistant Purchasing Agent and Small Business & Diversity …

Episode Description It’s a new year, and we’re diving into another year of aviation-related podcast topics for your listening and learning pleasure. From new flights launching soon to what to expect when you enter the airport terminal building, this 20 minute episode will get you up to speed with what has been happening at TYS and what you can expe…

Episode Description Travelers have a lot of questions these days about what to expect at the airport and when onboard an airplane. In this episode, we answer 20+ of those frequently asked questions. We don’t just answer them— we take a deep dive into the questions with six different airport experts. From new flights, to runway construction, the REA…

Episode Description Along with airlines and airports across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is having to adapt its security checkpoint procedures in order to comply with current pandemic protocols. TSA’s new campaign, ‘Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.’, ensures travelers’ safety and security continue to be the number one pri…

Episode Description Airlines are taking major steps forward in preparing their aircraft for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we speak with Hilarie Grey, Managing Director of Corporate Communications for Allegiant Air, as she explains how her airline is ‘going the distance for health and safety’. After listening to her commentar…

Episode Description Making the decision to travel by air during a pandemic can be stressful. You may be curious about the boarding process or interested in how airlines are handling food and beverage service onboard the airplane. What’s it like going through the security checkpoint or even customs? In this episode, your questions are answered by fo…

Episode Description As aircraft return to the skies, McGhee Tyson Airport is beginning to see slow but positive increases in passenger traffic and air cargo operations. In this episode, we are joined by Jim Evans, the MKAA’s Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development, who is closely monitoring even the slightest changes in aviation. In a…

Episode Description Over the course of two months, daily operations in the aviation industry quickly ground to a halt due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The effects were felt in airports around the globe. In this episode, we discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on McGhee Tyson Airport as well as other US airports from the perspective of …

Episode Description Airport websites have to meet the informational expectations of a lot of user groups. From novice travelers to seasoned frequent fliers, the website has to be easy to use and function for all parties. This episode explores the meticulous process McGhee Tyson Airport went through to develop their brand new website. Listen as Moxl…

Episode Description Not only does McGhee Tyson Airport see constant commercial and general aviation traffic, military aviation plays a large role in the overall operations at TYS as well. In this episode, we speak with the Wing Commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Colonel M. Lee Harley, Jr. and learn about their global, state, and local missi…

Episode Description Airports are always striving to offer amenities that will make a passenger’s travel experience more enjoyable and less stressful. McGhee Tyson Airport just opened a new airport amenity for East Tennessee travelers, but more specifically for traveling nursing mothers. This new amenity, a Mamava pod, offers a private area for moth…

Episode Description A lot has happened over the years at McGhee Tyson Airport. From the kick off of the 1982 World’s Fair, to the roaring engines of the first jumbo jets to enter the market, to the aftermath of 9/11, TYS has continued adapt to meet the challenges it has faced. Listen to long-time airport employees as they discuss how the airport ha…

Episode Description Whether it’s assisting travelers in medical emergencies, training for an aircraft rescue and firefighting simulation, or assisting in Presidential visits, the Department of Public Safety at McGhee Tyson Airport is critical to passenger safety and the continuous operations of the airport. In this episode, hear from Chief Tom Aike…

Episode Description Managing people, resources and public expectation at one of the nation’s top 100 airports is a full-time job for Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Daily, he oversees the operation of McGhee Tyson Airport with his eyes focused on the future of air service and needs of the airport’s travele…

Episode Description Commercial airplanes are very similar to cars– not in size, but in the fact that they require routine maintenance and safety checks. In this episode, learn how Endeavor Air plans and performs routine and emergency maintenance on Delta’s Bombardier CRJ 200, 700, and 900 fleet. James McKinley, Base Manager for Endeavor Air at McGh…

Episode Description Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest time of year at airports around the U.S. and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is no different. With the increase in passenger traffic, TYS offers unique programs to entertain and educate travelers. One program in particular, ChariTrees, highlights local nonprofit organizations and allows them to shar…

Episode Description While general aviation (GA) might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of aviation, did you know that there are actually more registered GA aircraft than commercial aircraft in the U.S.? In this episode, we introduce listeners to Downtown Island Airport (DKX), the GA airport in Downtown Knoxville, and he…

Episode Description What do FIDS, BIDS, shared tenant services, access control, and WiFi have in common? They are technology services provide by the Airport Authority that passengers couldn’t travel without. In this episode, hear from MKAA’s technology staff about their current responsibilities, the obstacles they face working in an airport environ…

Episode Description Regardless of the sport or the destination, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department relies heavily on private charter flights to get student athletes to away games or competitions in a safe and timely manner. In this episode, David Elliott, Associate Athletic Director for Event Management at the University of Tennessee, …

Episode Description Inclement weather in the form of rain, snow, sleet and strong winds can have a significant impact on airport operations. Learn how McGhee Tyson Airport handles turbulent weather in East Tennessee as well as how they lend a helping hand when natural disasters strike. Join Trevis Gardner, Senior Vice President of Operations, and M…

Episode Description Ever wonder how airport security technology is selected? In this episode, Scott Broyles, President & CEO of National Safe Skies Alliance, discusses the processes and research that go into the selection of security technologies found at airports today. From active shooters to perimeter breaches, this security expert shares how hi…

Episode Description Every day millions of travelers pass through airports around the world and often use directional signage and other design elements to successfully navigate the terminal building. From wayfinding to multi-faceted branding campaigns, this episode explores the strategic thought process behind airport graphic design and how each fac…

Episode Description Moving through an airport’s security screening process shouldn’t be a task you’re dreading. It can be convenient and expedited without compromising the safety of the airport and its travelers. Hear from the Assistant Federal Security Director for TSA in East Tennessee, Eddie McGaha, as he spends time explaining the options you h…

Episode Description The aviation industry is experiencing exponential growth, and McGhee Tyson Airport is no different. With more than 20 destinations, increased flight options, and larger aircraft in our market, we are seeing continuous, record-breaking passenger traffic like never before. In this episode, Jim Evans, Vice President of Marketing an…

Episode Description With a large government and private technology presence in our area, Knoxville is at the forefront of the tech industry, especially in regards to 3D Printing. In the episode, we speak with Local Motors to hear how they are solving mobility problems around the world from their micro-factory here in Knoxville. We discuss the futur…

Episode Description An airport hotel means a night’s rest after a long trip. It is a place of privacy for a musician on tour. It is a place where multi-million dollar deals are made. It’s important for airport hotels to stay current and meet the needs of the traveling public. Listen in as Bryan Cable, Airport Hilton Manager, and Chris Soro, Princip…

Episode Description Minutes matter…The golden hour…Time is of the essence…Each of these phrases are often used when referring to medical emergency situations where taking quick action means the difference between life and death. In this episode, we visit with Hella Ewing, VP of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, to discuss how aviation …

Episode Description Planning a vacation can be overwhelming, especially when answering question #1: ‘Where do I want to travel?’ From researching flight options to securing hotel accommodations, travelers can either have fun planning their entire experience or lean on an expert to make all of the right decisions. Just in time for spring and summer …

Episode Description While our episodes typically focus on behind-the-scenes airport operations, one of the most important parts of an airport system is its passengers. When each passenger enters the airport, they bring their personal history with them. From past travel experiences to reuniting with loved ones from all over the world, an airport is …

Episode Description When most people think of airports and air travel, they typically think of commercial airlines and people traveling for business or leisure. But have you ever thought about how endangered species get transported to zoos across the U.S. to accommodate their species survival plans? The answer: airplanes! In this episode, Zoo Knoxv…

Episode Description Every aspect of an airport is planned and designed to meet the needs of the traveling public, and some of those needs are requested even before a plane ticket is booked. Whether its mobile websites, water-refilling stations, or aesthetically-pleasing construction walls, airport staff listen to the experts when planning for curre…

Episode Description This year has been a record-breaking year at McGhee Tyson Airport. From hitting an annual passenger record in January of 2018 and then hitting a huge passenger milestone (2 million passengers!) in December of 2018, to announcing new nonstop flights, and welcoming a new Airport Authority president, 2018 was definitely one for the…

Episode Description McGhee Tyson Airport has changed drastically since Bill Marrison walked into the terminal in 1982. From a new airport operations building, fire and rescue building, and an airport terminal building, to the largest construction project in airport history and the potential of adding a new general aviation airport into the system, …

Episode Description As you learned in our previous episode, air service development is complex, time-consuming, and constantly changing. So what’s the ‘method behind the madness’? In this episode, we speak with an airline representative about what airlines look for when selecting communities to provide air service, and more specifically, why Allegi…

Episode Description Air Service Development is a tricky task that looks different at every airport, but one thing is consistent across the industry: Airlines are in the business of making money. Shocking right? Each airport is responsible for convincing airlines that they will be profitable in their market, and that can be a job that takes years. I…

Episode Description Every three years, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is required by the FAA to host a full-scale emergency exercise. On October 27, 2018, more than 20 local emergency response agencies and more than 100 volunteers worked together to simulate an aircraft incident and practiced the required response. In this special epi…

Episode Description As the industry saying goes, ‘once you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport.’ That’s one of many reasons why geographical information systems (GIS) play an extremely critical role in airport planning. Whether its mapping for on-property fire hydrants, historical building layouts, aerial noise contour, or maps for special…

Episode Description Planning for the future of an airport system is a monumental task that considers every facet of airport usage, from passengers needs to aircraft fleet changes, and transportation trends to gate agreements. McGhee Tyson Airport is in the process of updating its Airport Master Plan, an FAA-required document that highlights the air…

Episode Description Recruiting businesses to East Tennessee (and more-specifically recruiting companies to do business on airport property) is a full-time job. The Knoxville Chamber (and many other local organizations) is tasked with selling Knoxville to businesses around the world in hopes that they bring more jobs and revenue to East Tennessee. I…

Episode Description In 2015, Cirrus Aircraft announced they were naming Knoxville as the location of their Vision Center. Fast-forward three years later, and because of their increased presence and operations, 38% of all single-engine piston aircraft in the world were delivered in Knoxville. Hear from Stephen Deucker, Vice President of Owner Experi…