Tag: Memphis International Airport

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Airfares at Memphis International Continue to Decrease

New numbers from the Department of Transportation show that airfares at Memphis International Airport are on a downward trend. 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the average airfare out of Memphis was $386.85, a drop of $9.32 from the third quarter 2015 and $50.54 from last quarter of 2014.

In 2012, before Delta Airlines pulled its hub out of Memphis, airfares in Memphis were at their peak, averaging about $540. Delta pulled out in 2013, opening the doors for more low-cost carriers, such as Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, to move into Memphis International. Since then, the fares have dropped by an average of $150.

The decrease is coming at a time when passenger growth is up by nine percent from last year.

“Affordability and accessibility are helping to drive more passenger traffic at MEM,” said Scott Brockman, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “Adding new low-cost carriers and competition for key destinations has helped to bring down the average cost of flying at MEM. As a result, we’re seeing strong growth in our passenger base.”

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Memphis Airfares Dropped By More Than $93 Since 2012

CREDIT: Caribb

Caribb

Back in 2012, when Delta Airlines still had a hub in Memphis, the city was known for having some of the highest airfares in country. They were so high that concerned citizens formed a Facebook group, Delta Does Memphis, and the Greater Memphis Chamber hosted a public forum on the issue. It wasn’t uncommon for locals to drive to Little Rock’s airport for cheaper fares.

But statistics released by the Department of Transportation on Friday show that the average airfare at the Memphis International Airport has dropped by more than $93 since 2012. Round-trip airfares in Memphis averaged $418.70 compared with $511.93 in 2012. Memphis International Airport has dropped from one of the highest-ranking cites on the list of high fares to 30th out of 100 airports across the country.

That’s due in large part to Delta’s 2013 de-hubbing of Memphis International Airport. Once Delta pulled out, the doors were opened for more low-cost carriers, such as Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Just yesterday, Frontier Airlines announced a new non-stop, low-cost flight to Atlanta out of Memphis International Airport.

“This is very positive news for the Memphis community,” said Scott Brockman, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “What we’re seeing here is the effect of competition and an influx of low-cost air carriers that are helping to make flights more affordable. While the airport does not set airfares, we can help to positively impact them by adding competition.”

In 2015, Memphis International added 12 new flights and three new airlines.

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Memphis International Airport Expands Wi-Fi to Parking Lot

Those awaiting incoming passengers in Memphis International Airport’s cell phone lot won’t have to waste their precious data on games of Candy Crush anymore.

The airport’s free Wi-Fi has now been expanded to include the cell phone lot — the parking area to the right of the main drive that leads to the terminal. That lot has also recently been upgraded with a display of flight arrival times, better lighting, and landscaping improvements.

Basic use of the Wi-Fi is free, but those who wish to use the airport’s Wi-Fi to watch streaming video or upload large files must purchase a premium data package.

“We are committed to improving the customer experience here at MEM, and expanding free Wi-Fi to our cell phone lot gives our guests more options and better access to information,” said Scott Brockman, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

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Cohen Announces $1.4 million for Local Airport Improvements

CREDIT: MSCAA

The Memphis International Airport will receive $1.4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), according to a release from U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen’s office.

The funding is part of the DOT’s Voluntary Airport Low-Emissions program, which aims to reduce airport emissions and improve air quality in and around the airport. Memphis International Airport will use the money to install new, more efficient air-conditioning units in three jet bridges.

“This funding will help ensure the Memphis Airport can continue serving travelers comfortably and efficiently while protecting our environment for Memphians who live nearby,” Cohen said.

MSCAA

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Uber Will Be Allowed to Operate at Memphis Airport

Airport passengers may now use Uber to be dropped off or picked up at Memphis International Airport.

The ride-sharing company was previously banned from airport property due to legal concerns over a lack of regulation for transportation network companies (TNC). But the state of Tennessee recently passed the Transportation Network Company Services Act, which established requirements for TNCs. Governor Bill Haslam recently signed the bill into law.

The airport reached a similar agreement with Uber’s competitor, Lyft, in June. The agreement between Uber and the airport will pay the airport $2 per passenger pickup. Pickups will be allowed in the commercial drive on the baggage claim level. 

“We are excited to have reached an agreement with a service as popular as Uber,” said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. “From day one, we have been open to doing business with Uber, primarily because our passengers have told us they want the option of utilizing ride-sharing services.”

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Tony Allen Named Memphis Airport Spokesmodel; Sammons Says Goodbye

Tony Allen

Memphis Grizzlies fans are about to be inundated with advertising for Memphis International Airport, thanks to a $176,000 three-year advertising deal approved by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority at their board meeting Thursday morning.

Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen will be the airport’s new spokesmodel, and he’ll be shooting some advertising materials soon. Airport ads will be placed all around FedExForum, and the airport authority will table in the lobby at home games. The authority will hold giveaways in which fans can win tickets and free airfare to away games. Memphis International Airport will even get a mention on a Grizzlies growl towel.

“We want to have all that grit and grind come to the airport as we grind our way into the future,” said Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority President Scott Brockman.

Board member J.W. Gibson was the only dissenting vote on the board. He said he didn’t disapprove of the partnership but that he wanted a clearer picture of what exactly the $176,000 price tag would include.

Out-going board chair Jack Sammons argued that the marketing deal was important to restore faith in the airport after years of high fares and diminished service. He said the airport’s reputation was improving though, and he thought this deal could help.

“In the past few years, I’ve given more speeches about this airport than Billy Graham has about his Lord and Savior,” Sammons said.

Speaking of Sammons, this was his last meeting as chair of the airport authority. In May, he’ll be starting his new position as chief administrative officer for the city of Memphis. As the meeting wrapped up, Sammons shared a few last words.

“It’s no secret that I’m passionate about this job. It was a difficult decision for me to decide where my energy could best be used,” Sammons said. “But you’re not completely getting rid of me. I won’t be sitting around the table, but I will be a supportive utensil for you folks. The mayor has appointed me as a special envoy to the airport authority.”

Sammons thanked his fellow board members and gave a special shout-out to Brockman.

“When you’re going to an airport meeting with Scott, it’s like going to Vegas with Frank Sinatra. He is cherished by the industry and highly respected,” Sammons said. 

Sammons ended the meeting with these words: “I salute you all, and as General McArthur said, ‘Like that old soldier, it never dies. It’ll just fade away.’ So perhaps I’ll just fade away.”

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Construction Is Underway For Airport Modernization

Demolition of the south end of Concourse A at Memphis International Airport is underway. The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority’s (MSCAA) modernization plan involves removing the south ends of the A and C concourses to allow planes to better access to all the gates on Concourse B. All airline operations are being consolidated into the B concourse. 

This image shows the airport as it looks now with the southern ends of the A and C concourses blocking two-way traffic.

With the airport’s current design, planes only have one-way access to and from the courtyard areas of the B concourse because the south ends of the A and C concourses are in the way. This wasn’t a problem when Delta Airlines had their hub at the airport because they could better coordinate when their own planes were coming or going. Now with multiple airlines taking up more space at Memphis International Airport, it’s harder to coordinate entry and exit traffic. Demolishing the south ends of the A and C concourses will create a larger taxiway, allowing planes to come and go at the same time.

The rest of the A and C concourses will be left intact, and only the southern ends are being removed. The MSCAA will retain 20 gates for future expansion.

The current phase of construction on Concourse A should be completed by early December 2015. While construction is ongoing, gates 1, 3, 5, 7, and 27 to 41 on the west side of the B concourse will be closed. Demolition to remove Concourse C’s southern end should begin in late summer 2015. By late 2015, all airlines and concessions are expected to be operating in the B concourse. 

The $114 million concourse modernization plan, which will take between and five and seven years to complete, also includes the addition of moving walkways, expansion of boarding areas and added passenger seating, raised ceilings, and increased natural lighting. 

This image demonstrates how removing the south ends of the A and C concourses will free up taxiway space for incoming and outgoing planes.

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Uber and Lyft Services Not Allowed at Memphis Airport

Lyft cars have pink moustaches.

  • Lyft cars have pink moustaches.

Memphis International Airport passengers hoping to catch a cheap ride from new-to-Memphis, peer-to-peer ride-sharing networks Uber or Lyft might be in for a surprise.

For now at least, both Uber and Lyft are not allowed to pick up passengers from Memphis International Airport. According to Memphis-Shelby Airport Authority general counsel Brian Kuhn, the companies, which offer cheaper fares than traditional cabs and operate through smart phone apps, would first have to get a special permit from the city of Memphis before they could operate at the airport.

“Once a carrier or business has one of those type of permits, they come to us and have an agreement with us to come on our property on our commercial drive. This is for all taxis, limosines, buses, and MATA buses, all the shuttles for hotels and motels, all the people who pick people up and take them somewhere for hire,” Kuhn said.

That agreement with the airport also includes a fee that Lyft or Uber would have to pay to use the facility’s lower commercial drive to pick up passengers. There is no agreement or fees for Uber or Lyft to drop off passengers, however.

Since the companies are so new here — both began operating in Memphis this year — Kuhn said he isn’t sure if they would be required to get the same kind of city permit that regular taxes get or if the city would have to come up with a new permit.

“In the case of Uber and Lyft, they’re a brand new concept from the traditional taxi cab concept. We’re trying to look for how we should treat those type of companies in a dependable and safe fashion,” Kuhn said. “Memphis may have to come up with a new permit since this a new concept. They’re still struggling with that, so we’re waiting to see what type of permit they’ll come up with, whether it’s the old or new type, to get this business going.”

In the meantime, Kuhn said he has been asked to look into how other airports in cities with Uber and Lyft are dealing with the ride-sharing services.

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Frontier Airlines Offers $15 Flights Today Only

Frontier-Airlines.jpg

Citing positive passenger response to the Memphis/Denver flights Frontier Airlines brought to Memphis International Airport in March, the low-cost carrier has added four new weekly flights between Memphis and Washington Dulles Airport in Washington D.C.

Those flights will begin on September 8th. To celebrate, the airline is hosting a 12-hour, today-only sale with flights to any of the new cities Frontier is flying to for $15 each way. The tickets must be purchased by 10:59 p.m. on May 13th, and they’re good for flights through November 19th of this year. Frontier will also be offering introductory rates as low as $39 through May 17th.

Tickets may be purchased on Frontier’s website.

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Memphis Airport Welcomes First Frontier Airlines Flight

The first non-stop Frontier Airlines flight from Denver arrived in Memphis today around 1:15 p.m. Some of the passengers poured out of the plane wearing Elvis-style sunglasses given out on the flight, and even the pilot donned Elvis shades and waved to reporters from the cockpit.

A passenger leaving the first Frontier flight from Denver

  • A passenger leaving the first Frontier flight from Denver

Another passenger from todays arriving Frontier flight

  • Another passenger from today’s arriving Frontier flight

Frontier Airlines had a presence at Memphis International Airport years ago, but it couldn’t compete with Northwest Airlines and eventually pulled service. Now the low-cost carrier is back offering non-stop flights to its Denver hub.

Frontier originally announced they’d start with flights four days a week leaving from the Memphis airport, but reception has been so good, they’ve already announced plans to expand that service to seven days a week.

Frontier is considered a leisure airline and an ultra-low-cost carrier, meaning passengers opt for cheaper tickets with few frills (such as no free drinks, etc.), and they can choose to pay for as many extra services as they wish.

“We will bring the lowest fare into the city we fly into,” said Frontier director of sales Andrea Blankenship during a quick welcoming ceremony before the first flight arrived today.

Scott Brockman and Andrea Blankenship in front of the first arriving Frontier flight

  • Scott Brockman and Andrea Blankenship in front of the first arriving Frontier flight

“We are reinventing ourselves as an [origination and departure] airport, and Frontier offers a tremendous product,” said Memphis Shelby-County Airport Authority president Scott Brockman.

Read more about the airport’s transition from a hub to an O&D airport in the next issue of the Memphis Flyer.