Episodes

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 environment, and must-have apps to help ease your travel experiences. Guest in this Episode Tony Clark (left) is the Technology Manager for the Metropolita...

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, discusses the planning and coordination it takes to schedule transportation for UT’s student athletes. Elliott also mentions some of his most memorabl...

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 Mike Porter, Airport Operations Specialist, as they discuss TYS weather operations, SEADOG and recent operational efforts to assist airports during Hur...

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 his organization is working to help airports proactively prepare for the next big threat. Guest in this Episode Scott Broyles is the President and Chi...

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 facility works to make the public’s visual experience extraordinary. Guests in this Episode Alexandra Bradley (left) is the Brand and Experience Manage...

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 have to improve your checkpoint experiences and what to expect in the future. Guest in this Episode Eddie McGaha is the Assistant Federal Security Dir...

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 and Air Service Development at TYS, talks about how his department attracts and retains new airlines and new destinations for McGhee Tyson Airport. Gue...

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 future of transportation, including the advanced technology of drones, 3D printed self-driving public transportation, and the 3D printed Rally Fighter, whi...

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, Principal at C2RL, discuss how the current expansion will help the Airport Hilton at TYS stay fresh and valuable to everyone who visits. Along with discussin...

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 plays a role in the life-saving mission of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. From assisting in the hospital’s recruitment of top-tier physicians to ...

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 travel planning, we speak with Alexandra Stockton, a luxury travel expert, who shares some tips on beginning to plan your vacation and also shares the...

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 a great place to make connections and build relationships that last a lifetime. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, this episode features three heartwa...

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 Knoxville’s President and CEO, Lisa New, discusses how the zoo relies heavily on air cargo to transport animals and its staff across the world. We also hea...

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 current and future growth—the experts being their passengers. In this episode, we hear from special guests from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Author...

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 (log) books! In the episode, From the Runway Up hosts, Becky and Caitlin, highlight the top 18 events that happened at TYS in 2018. Guests in this E...

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, Bill has experienced a lot in his 36 years at TYS. In this episode, Bill Marrison discusses how his love for aviation began, talks about his favorite ...

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 Allegiant chose Knoxville as a base of operations. Guests in this Episode Hilarie Grey (right) is the Director of Corporate Communications for Allegiant. B...

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. In this episode, Jim Evans, Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development for MKAA, discusses what airports are responsible for in regards t...

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 episode, we speak with the airport’s Director of Public Safety, Tom Aiken, and Lieutenant Kelly Simerly about what it takes to successfully implement a ...

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 events, GIS is an aspect that is relied upon by all airport departments and customers. In this episode, Blake Sartin, Senior GIS Manager for MKAA, d...

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 airport’s plan for the next 20 years. In this episode, Bryan White, Vice President of Engineering and Planning for MKAA, along with Bill Barley, the Mar...

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. In this episode, Doug Lawyer, Vice President of Economic Development for the Knoxville Chamber, discusses what all went into recruiting Cirrus Aircraft...

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 Experience and General Manager of the Vision Center at Cirrus Aircraft, as he explains why they chose Knoxville as their home and how ‘The Cirrus Life’ is redefining aviation. ...