Episodes

In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Matt Bergwall, Executive Director of the Vision Jet product line at Cirrus Aircraft, to explore why Cirrus has become one of the biggest innovators in personal aviation. The conversation highlights the company's focus on safety, technology, pilot training, and why Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport serves as the headquarters for Cirrus' customer delivery, training, and service operations. Listeners will learn what makes the Ci...

What happens when a major ultra-low-cost airline shuts down? In this episode of The Runway Up, the team sits down with aviation industry analyst Bill Swelbar and Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Vice President of Air Service & Marketing Jim Evans to unpack the closure of Spirit Airlines and what it means for travelers, airports, and the future of affordable air travel. Although Spirit never served McGhee Tyson Airport, its shutdown is sending ripples across the aviation industry. Bill a...

Episode Summary In this special episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin sit down with retired Chief of Public Safety W. Tom Aiken to reflect on his extraordinary 46-year career at McGhee Tyson Airport. Chief Aiken shares firsthand stories from decades of aviation safety, from the airport’s earliest years and the 1982 World’s Fair to the sweeping operational changes following September 11, 2001. Hear how airport public safety evolved over time, the leadership philosophy that guided...