Last week, the Business Travel Coalition issued a report on the economic fallout from sky rocketing fuel costs saying that at least 150 airports were in danger of seeing some cutbacks by carriers now serving them. In a few cases, airports could lose all of their service. Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport was on this list. However, the small airport that's just 10 minutes from Cornell University and Ithaca College is announcing both a new airline and a new Regional jet service for the flying public.

The Ithaca Airport, a small airport that works daily to ensure constant, collaborative communication with its airlines, tenants, customers, business and leisure travelers and the community at large, is pleased to announce an increase in jet service and welcome a new airline this fall.

"The addition of jet service for Northwest Airlines (NWA) and welcoming a new airline Continental Airlines for fall 2008 are two pieces of extraordinary news," said Robert A. Nicholas, A.A.E., Airport Manager for the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. "During a time of cutbacks, increased service bucks the trend we're witnessing at airports around the country, particularly smaller ones," said Nicholas.

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport announced today its receipt of a substantial federal grant for safety upgrades and improvements.

“We are delighted to receive a $ 7,621,250 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete Runway Safety Area improvements, remove obstructions (trees and shrubs) from around the airport and to complete Phase III of the Parallel Taxiway Relocation project,” said Airport Manager Bob Nicholas.

Another $ 430,000 left over from a previous grant will be added to the larger grant amount giving in excess of $ 8 million of federal funding for these two important projects. An additional grant of $ 211,875 from New York State will supplement the federal grant and leave the airport to pick up the local share of $ 211,875 which has already been factored into this year's operational budget. Both projects are expected to be substantially complete before the end of the year.

David St. George, the chief pilot and chief instructor at East Hill Flying Club, was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and awarded Flight Instructor of the Year for the eastern region (one of six national regions) for 2008.  The award is part of the national General Aviation Awards Program, which is a cooperative effort between the FAA and industry sponsors to recognize outstanding Aviation Maintenance Technicians, Avionics Technicians, Certificated Flight Instructors and Aviation Safety Counselors. These awards highlight the important role played by each of these aviation professionals in promoting aviation safety and education.

David recently flew the club's Mooney to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York to receive the award at the FAA Headquarters in Islip.  David had been an instructor for 15 years with over 10,000 flight hours.  He has also served as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for the past 10 years.  Congratulations to David for his dedication and professionalism and as an important asset to the airport and the community.

Taughannock Aviation Corporation (TAC), the fixed base operator (FBO) for Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, is completing a major new facility that will cap over a decade of growth and facilities expansion. TAC owners, staff, airport manager Bob Nicholas, Airport Services Board members and Doug Levine of the Tompkins County Chamber held a news conference and ribbon cutting that discussed TAC's new facilities on Wednesday, April 2 at 66 Brown Road in Ithaca.

Pictured (left to right) are: Bob Nicholas, Lori Livengood, Garth Dennis, Tom Kohberger(background), Roger Dennis, Erik Balcome(background), Michael Stamm, Dan Dominguez(background), Bob Pass, Joe Longo(background), Larry Baum, Paul Banfield.

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport was one of the first airports in the country to provide terminal-wide wireless access to the Internet for its customers. The program, which has been in effect since December 2003, has been operated by Ithaca-based Clarity Connect. Wireless equipped users will now be able to access the service anywhere within the terminal building free of charge.

Customer service is a high priority at the airport, and what better way to enhance it than by providing an important tool like free wireless internet access for its users. The airport is continuing its partnership with Clarity Connect to offer this service. For our visitors that do not have a wireless device with them, a computer workstation is available for use including 15 minutes of free internet access which will allow users to check e-mail, or briefly surf the web. The computer is conveniently located near the cafe and gift shop and is in easy view of the flight information display to keep track of flight times. Free wireless access is also available for users of the TC3 Conference room in the east wing of the terminal. The conference room is available for use by reservation through the Second Landing Café in the terminal. Please call 266-0007 or inquire in person for availability and terms.