TSA PreCheck Enrollment Event at TRI

TRI Admin on October 11, 2019

November 11-15

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be hosting a “Pop-Up” PreCheck Enrollment event at Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), November 11-15.

The temporary enrollment center will be open for interviews Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 AM-Noon and 1-5 PM; and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM-1 PM and 2-6 PM. The enrollment center will be located just inside the main entrance of the terminal.

TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program that allows passengers to not remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. According to TSA, 93% of TSA PreCheck-approved passengers waited less than five minutes in September 2019.

“The closest TSA PreCheck enrollment centers to TRI are in Abingdon and Knoxville,” said Gene Cossey, Tri-Cities Airport Authority executive director. “We are glad we can help make travel for our passengers more convenient by offering the opportunity to sign up for TSA PreCheck. We are also pleased that TSA is offering TRI passengers full TSA PreCheck as of October 13.”

Individuals interested in TSA PreCheck, should submit an application online and schedule an appointment through www.tsa.gov/precheck. To complete the application process, individuals will need to bring documentation proving identity and citizenship status, such as a valid U.S. passport. The in-person appointment includes fingerprinting for a background check. The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 and can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. TSA PreCheck membership is good for five years.

The “Pop-Up” enrollment center will only be available at the airport during the dates and times listed. Individuals unable to participate in the “Pop-Up” event can still sign up and make appointments at the centers in Abingdon, VA or Knoxville, TN.

Date:

November 11-15

Location:
Tri-Cities Airport inside the main entrance of the terminal (255 Hwy. 75, Blountville, TN 37617)

American Airlines Hiring Event at TRI

TRI Admin on July 24, 2019

Additional positions needed for new flights to DFW

Piedmont Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, is seeking part-time ticket counter and ramp agents at the Tri-Cities Airport. A successful candidate will have good customer service skills, be able to work inside and outside in most weather conditions, and successfully complete training requirements.  As an added benefit to working for Piedmont Airlines, employees and family members enjoy flying for free anywhere within the American Airlines system! If selected, qualified candidates will have the opportunity to move on to orientation. This is your chance to start a new career in aviation or launch your “retirement career.”

Minimum requirements include:

  • Valid Drivers License
  • Proof of Education*
  •  SS Card**

Click here for event information and visit with Piedmont Airlines representatives at the hiring event to learn more about the positions.

Date & Time:
July 31
9:30-11:30 am

Location:
Tri-Cities Airport in the Tailwind Restaurant meeting room – located at the back of the restaurant. (255 Hwy. 75, Blountville, TN 37617)

American Airlines Flight 4890 Diverted to Tri-Cities Airport

TRI Admin on June 26, 2019

Blountville, TN. – Officials at Tri-Cities Airport confirm an American Airlines flight diverted to TRI. Details below:

Airline:  American Airlines (AA)
Aircraft Type:  ERJ145
Flight Number:  4890
Origination/Departure Airport:  Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Destination Airport:  Lexington, KY (LEX)

Incident Description: Crew reported smoke in the cockpit. TCAA aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel responded. Sullivan County Fire and EMS crews also responded. The aircraft safely landed at TRI at approximately 10:06 AM with 52 passengers and four crew on board. No injuries reported. Passengers have deplaned into the concourse.

There is no impact to airport operations.

###

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/Ft. Worth, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Global Entry Enrollment Center Opening at TRI

TRI Admin on May 14, 2019

Blountville, TN. –  A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Enrollment Center will have its grand opening on Wednesday, May 22 at Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).

The Global Entry Enrollment Center will open to help address the growing demand for enrollment appointments. The Center is new to our region as the next closest centers are in Charlotte, NC and Nashville, TN.

“CBP is looking forward to bringing the Global Entry Enrollment Center to the Tri-Cities Airport,” said Memphis Acting Port Director Virginia Croll. “The Global Entry Enrollment Center is a program that provides travelers the opportunity to register and obtain the benefits of expedited clearance and CBP is an active proponent of expediting trade and travel. Make your appointments soon because they fill up early!”

“The Global Entry Enrollment Center at Tri-Cities Airport will provide easy access for individuals within the Tri-Cities region and beyond.” said Gene Cossey, Tri-Cities Airport Authority Executive Director. “It is a three or five-hour drive to the next closest center with an available appointment. We expect to see visitors from outside the Tri-Cities region coming here for their interviews as most Enrollment Centers’ schedules are booked for several months.”

The Global Entry Enrollment Center at TRI will initially be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM to assess the number of applicants for CBP Trusted Traveler Program applicants. Applicants must have applied online for Global Entry, and have had their applications conditionally approved. Conditionally-approved applicants may schedule or change their currently scheduled interview for the TRI Enrollment Center using the Global Entry website. CBP will actively manage hours of operations based on the number of applicants and operational needs throughout the calendar year.

The Global Entry Program provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers. Members of these programs can expect expedited processing when entering the United States using automated kiosks at participating airports. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓™, the Transportation Security Administration’s expedited security program.

Travelers interested in enrolling in Global Entry can visit CBP’s Global Entry website for more information.

###

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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aviation Celebration 2019 Coming to the Tri-Cities Airport & Tri-City Aviation

TRI Admin on May 2, 2019

BLOUNTVILLE, TN –Aviation and history enthusiasts can view, tour and/or ride in World War II era aircraft at Tri-City Aviation between May 29-June 2, as The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AirPower History Tour brings history to life.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FiFi, and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Diamond Lil, will be on display at Tri-City Aviation along with a C-45 Expeditor and PT-13 Stearman. Rides are available in all four aircraft and cockpit tours are available for both bombers when they are not flying.

Foodies will also have a reason to visit as seven local food trucks will offer sweet and savory treats throughout the celebration. See schedule below.

T-shirts commemorating the event are being sold for $10 with all proceeds going to the Appalachian Aviatrixes of the Ninety-Nines scholarship fund which helps female pilots earn their wings. T-shirts are on sale now at Tri-City Aviation and will be available at the event.

Aviation Celebration 2019

Tri-City Aviation
LOCATION:Event Details
May 29-June 2
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

350 Aviation Dr.
Blountville, TN 37617

ADMISSION:
$15 – Adults
$8 – Ages 10-17
Free – Ages 9 and under

AIRCRAFT on DISPLAY & RIDE SCHEDULE:

Rides must be booked through the website link or onsite: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/tricities2019

AIRCRAFT RIDESWED.THURS.FRIDAYSATURDAYSUNDAY
B-29 SuperfortressFiFi   9:00 AM10:30 AM9:00 AM10:30 AM
B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil   9:30 AM11:00 AM9:30 AM11:00 AM
C-45 ExpeditorBucket of Bolts  9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM9:00-11:00 AM1:00-4:00 PM
PT-13 Stearman9 AM-5 PM9 AM-5 PM9 AM-5 PM9 AM-5 PM9 AM-5 PM

*All aircraft will be at Tri-City Aviation from 9 AM-5 PM, Wednesday-Sunday, except when flying. Schedule and aircraft type subject to change.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE:

*Schedule and food trucks are subject to change.

FOOD TRUCKWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAYSUNDAY
The AM  9 AM – ?9 AM – ? 
Bite!  11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM
Cheesy School Bus11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM
Feeding Frenzy 11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM  
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It  11 AM – 5 PM11 AM – 5 PM 
Me and K’s   11 AM – 5 PM 
Petite Sweets 11:30 AM- 5 PM11:30 AM-5 PM  


Primary Contact:
Meagan Harr
Tri-City Aviation
mharr@tricityaviation.com
(423) 325-6261

Secondary Contact:
Kristi Haulsee
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
Director of Marketing & Air Service Development
O: 423-325-6032/C: 423-802-4086

###

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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

View the full release from the Commemorative Air Force. 

Tri-Cities Airport Hosts Merit Badge Event for Boy Scouts

TRI Admin on April 12, 2019

BLOUNTVILLE, TN –On Saturday, April 13, Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) will host an aviation merit badge event for 60 members of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Held at Tri-City Aviation, the day will feature a tour of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tower, a demonstration of aircraft preflight checks, and exploration of various aviation careers.

“We strive to inspire our kids to be the future of the aviation industry and the merit badge days are a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of these young people,” said Gene Cossey, executive director of Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA). Cossey will issue a welcoming statement to the participating Boy Scout troops on Saturday morning shortly after 8:00 AM.

In addition to partnering with TRI, the BSA is working with Tri-City Aviation, Northeast State Community College, and the FAA tower to provide the participating scouts with a well-rounded aviation experience. Richard Blevins of the Northeast State Community College Aviation Department will not only teach the scouts “Aviation Ground School,” but also demonstrate preflight aircraft checks on a Cessna 172.

“With the aviation industry facing a nationwide shortage of qualified pilots and other workers, creating interest in young audiences is one way to help ensure that Northeast Tennessee defines itself as a leader in the industry. With companies like Bell and the prospects that Aerospace Park brings, it is important that students and area youth are exposed to the career opportunities the aviation industry has to offer,” said Todd Hensley, Buffalo Mountain District Chairman of the Sequoya Council, BSA and Tri-Cities Airport Authority commissioner.

On April 27, Tri-Cities Airport will be hosting a similar event with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians.

###

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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

American Airlines Offers Daily Service from TRI to DFW

TRI Admin on April 11, 2019

Blountville, TN – American Airlines and the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) announced nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) beginning September 4, 2019. The new service will be twice daily and available for booking starting April 15, 2019.

“We are very excited to grow our presence at TRI,” said Cedric Rockamore, American Airlines Vice President of Hub Operations at DFW. “Offering two daily flights from TRI to DFW will help us continue to provide customers in this market an opportunity to easily travel to our largest hub and connect on American to numerous destinations around the world.”

“We are thrilled American Airlines has chosen to expand service at TRI by adding twice daily service to Dallas,” said Gene Cossey, TCAA executive director. “The Dallas flight, and continuing our work to increase service, are vital to the region’s business and tourism communities. Our passengers will now have access to 84 additional one-stop routes that are not currently available from TRI on American Airlines.”

“Our community has been asking for this flight for some time and we are so pleased that American Airlines has chosen to add daily jet service to DFW,” said Jon Smith, TCAA Chairman. “The Tri-Cities region will now have direct access to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and beyond for work or leisure. Additional service connects people and economies, making this region an even better place to live, work, and play.”

American Airlines will now offer nonstop service to Charlotte and Dallas/Forth Worth from TRI. Flights can be booked on the www.triflight.com booking engine or directly with American at www.aa.com.

The initial flight schedule is below: (TRI is in ET, DFW is in CT)

Departing AirportDeparture TimeArriving AirportArrival Time
TRI6:15 AMDFW7:50 AM
DFW12:35 PMTRI3:55 PM
TRI4:20 PMDFW5:55 PM
DFW6:55 PMTRI10:15 PM

American Airlines will add DFW flights prior to the regular schedule to support the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in August. The flight schedule for the race is listed below:

Flight #DatesDeparting AirportDeparture TimeArriving AirportArrival Time
AA 37228/15DFW12:25 PMTRI3:45 PM
AA 37228/15TRI4:15 PMDFW5:50 PM
AA 37228/16DFW12:25 PMTRI3:45 PM
AA 37228/16TRI4:15 PMDFW5:50 PM
AA 37228/18DFW12:25 PMTRI3:45 PM
AA 37228/18TRI4:15 PMDFW5:50 PM
AA 37228/19DFW12:25 PMTRI3:45 PM
AA 37228/19TRI4:15 PMDFW5:50 PM
AA 37228/20DFW12:25 PMTRI3:45 PM
AA 37228/20TRI4:15 PMDFW5:50 PM

###

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 (beginning 9/4/19), Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

TRI Staff Receive Awards from VFW

TRI Admin on April 5, 2019

Blountville, TN – Sullivan County Commissioner and VFW member, Sam Jones, presented two awards to Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) staff today. Public Safety Officer Steve Wade was awarded Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Captain Denton Hall. Both employees of the TCAA Public Safety Department.

Public Safety Officer Steve Wade is a United States Navy Veteran, serving four years. Steve left the Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd class and was

an Aviation Machinist Mate. He also served aboard the USS Ranger CV61 on a West Pacific float. Officer Wade has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, with the majority as a Federal Police Officer with the Tennessee Valley Authority. He joined the airport’s Public Safety Department in 2012 and has obtained Emergency Medical Responder, Aircraft Firefighting, Incident Command, Tactical Combat Medicine and Tactical Patrol Officer certifications.

Captain Hall is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Serving four years, he was in the Infantry as a heavy machine gunner and later a machine gun team leader. He has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, as well as 20 years of firefighting experience. Captain Hall began his firefighting career with the Johnson City Department of Public Safety. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Piney Flats Fire Department for 11 years. From 2004-2005, Captain Hall served as a Combat Firefighter in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time he earned national certification as a Firefighter II and HAZMAT Operations. Since joining the ranks in the TCAA Public Safety Department, Captain Hall has obtained his Aircraft Firefighting certification. Captain Hall has been instrumental in implementing and engaging the Incident Command System for airport emergencies, and has assisted the FAA in investigations of aircraft crashes on airport property. He has also earned the professional designation of Airport Master Firefighter and completion of Advanced Incident Command School.

From left to right: Gene Cossey, TCAA executive director; Sam Jones, Sullivan County Commissioner and VFW member; Chief Steve Terry, TCAA public safety department; Office Steve Wade, TCAA public safety department, Captain Denton Hall, TCAA public safety department; David Jones, TCAA Deputy Executive Director; and Ken Newton, VFW Post 4933 Commander

“The Airport Authority is pleased that two of our own have been recognized for their contributions to the communities we serve as well as the Airport,“ said Gene Cossey, TCAA Executive Director. “It’s an honor to work alongside these two military veterans who continue to protect and serve.”

Each year, VFW Post 4933 honors a local police officer and a firefighter who have made a significant difference in the lives of community members.

###

VFW CONTACT:
Dean Johnson
VFW Post 4933
Djohnson9000@hotmail.com
(614) 530-1623

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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Cossey Accepts TCAA Executive Director Position

TRI Admin on January 17, 2019

Blountville, TN – Pending final approval by the Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA), Gene Cossey will join the Airport as executive director starting mid to late February. The TCAA will hold a called meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 2 PM to consider for approval the terms of Cossey’s contract.

“Gene Cossey is a seasoned airport executive with extensive experience in airport operations and management,” said Dr. Jon Smith, TCAA Chairman. “He has earned the designation of an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives, and International Airport Professional with the Airports Council International. We, at the Tri-Cities Airport, are extremely excited to have Gene join our Airport management team and look forward to his taking the Airport to the next level.”

“I am very excited to be a part of the Tri-Cities and to join the exceptional team at Tri-Cities Airport,” said Cossey. “The Airport and the region both provide a tremendous opportunity for continued growth and development, and I’m excited to be on the team which is making this a tremendous and prosperous region.”

Prior to accepting the position at Tri-Cities Airport, Cossey served as the Executive Director of the University of Illinois – Willard Airport. During Cossey’s three years at Willard Airport, he expanded air service, developed new concessions and revenue sources, worked to develop the first airport master plan in more than 40 years, and managed construction projects for new taxiways, airport lighting and roadways.

Cossey has worked in aviation operations management since he was a teen and held positions at five airports spanning more than 30 years. His previous employment includes serving as the Director of Operations at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Director of Airside Operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. He spent the majority of his career on the Oregon Coast where he was the Operations Manager and Director of Information Technology at the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, and Airport Director at the Newport Municipal Airport.

Cossey holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois, Springfield and Bachelor’s degree from Linfield College in McMinnville Oregon majoring in Business Management and Information Systems Design. He is currently a Doctoral Student in the University of Illinois Public Administration program.

Cossey is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is an International Airport Professional with the Airport Council International (ACI).

###

NOTES:  For comments or additional information please see contacts below.

Dr. Jon Smith
TCAA Chairman
423-439-5493
SMITJL01@etsu.edu

Gene Cossey
541-217-8160
gene.cossey@gmail.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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Airport Authority Receives $1.69 Million TDOT Grant for Aerospace Park

TRI Admin on January 15, 2019

Blountville, TN. – The Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) has been awarded a $1,690,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Aeronautics Economic Development Fund to further the development of Aerospace Park.

TDOT’s grant funding should allow TCAA to complete the final phase of construction including final grading, access roads and utilities for the Aerospace Park development project.

“Aerospace Park is an important economic development project for our region, and we appreciate the commitment Governor Haslam and TDOT Commissioner Schroer have made to its success through the award of this grant,” said Jon Smith, TCAA chairman. “We also greatly appreciate the support and hard work our legislative delegation, community partners and staff have devoted to this project.”

The purpose of the TDOT Fund is to advance job creation and investment opportunities in aerospace industry, which helps Tennessee’s airports continue to be important economic development engines for their regions and the state.

###

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 four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 21 acres certified for immediate development and an additional 140 acres under development.