Government Technology / Julia Edinger / November 11, 2022Airports are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies to meet their daily operational needs. These initiatives serve as real-world tests and economic drivers in the communities the airports serve. Airports are increasingly turning to emerging technologies to improve the airport experience for customers and employees alike — and automation is taking center stage. In recent years, some have come to consider airports as [testing grounds](https://www.govtech.com/products/airports-emerge-as-testbeds-for-new-tech-during-pandemic.html) for new technologies, from [tech to combat the COVID-19 pandemic](https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/new-airport-technologies-aim-to-combat-spread-of-covid-19.html) to [facial recognition](https://www.govtech.com/products/minneapolis-st-paul-airport-gets-facial-recognition-tech.html). While [some regulatory questions still remain](https://www.govtech.com/products/governments-consider-ethics-transparency-in-cutting-edge-tech), the use of emerging technologies in the public sector is likely to continue. At Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), the airport’s innovation team sees the implementation of new technologies as a process that evolves based on societal changes and economic needs, explained Naashom Marx, CVG’s director of strategic innovation.From [autonomous luggage-transporting vehicles](https://www.govtech.com/fs/cincinnati-airport-tests-autonomous-luggage-vehicle) to food delivery robots, Marx said Avidbots — autonomous robotic cleaning equipment — has been the most impactful. In addition to keeping the airport clean, the deployment has created an opportunity for airport staff at all levels to better understand automation, which also helps to simplify future implementations of autonomous technology. The airport has also adopted IoT sensors, which have helped create what Marx describes as “the heartbeat” of the airport. Meanwhile EASE, a data integration platform, offers a comprehensive view of the operational information. These tools, Marx explained, will be increasingly important as older aviation professionals retire and the airport works to strengthen the workforce. “This is not just playing with toys,” Marx said. “It’s a recruitment tool. It’s a retention tool — not only for CVG, but also the region.”Jessica Yip, COO and co-founder of A&K Robotics, said that thinking about the workforce needs of the future has helped shape the implementation of the company’s products. A&K is an autonomous micromobility company recently put to the test by the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in collaboration with Southwest Airlines. As part of the project, self-driving robot pods transport people with limited mobility so that they can more easily navigate the long distances often found in large airports. Yip said that both ATL and Southwest Airlines have been evaluating how to solve the challenge of the growing demand for mobility assistance. Many factors contribute to this challenge — including an aging population and an increase in travelers following travel restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yip explained that one of the driving factors is that most mobility assistance services today rely on manual labor for execution. For this reason, the turn to autonomous micromobility products is closely tied with the labor shortage. As such, the A&K pods have been designed with the user experience in mind, to be intuitive both for passengers and for staff that will be integrating them into their workflows.Airports influence adoption of technologies in the communities in which they operate, serving as a major regional economic driver, she said. “How I see this is that airports are ultimately like smart cities,” she said. “I see a lot of potential with airports as a microcosm for smart cities that we will live in in the future. … And so, mobility, accessibility and transportation are going to be key in terms of the sustainable communities that we live in in the future.” The technologies that airports use sometimes expand outside of the airport itself. For example, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) now offers passengers a chance to use a Waymo autonomous vehicle service as a Trusted Tester participant between the airport and downtown Phoenix. Currently, these rides are being offered with an autonomous specialist in the vehicle.Aman Nalavade, product manager for Waymo, said this is something that Phoenix residents or visitors can participate in voluntarily through the mobile app. This allows the company to ensure accessibility and safety in the coming months, and ultimately will lead to greater confidence when the rides no longer have a specialist in the vehicle. The company will be working to iron out any obstacles, both through user feedback and a collaborative relationship with PHX. “Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is always looking to employ new technology that improves or enhances our customers’ experience,” Gregory E. Roybal, public information officer for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said in an email. He pointed to initiatives like the launch of mobile ID through Apple Wallet at security checkpoints earlier this year and electrochromic glazing on windows that use AI to automatically adjust tint. The emergence of autonomous technologies to improve the customer experience while addressing growing workforce challenges is creating unique technology experiences for passengers. The Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) is complementing its existing staff with Iris. First introduced in June 2021, Iris is an artificial intelligence-powered “digital concierge” that can answer questions through voice-based technology. “We were inspired by the potential of voice responsive, autonomously animated and artificially intelligent technology that could deliver up-to-date information to our passengers in real time and do it in a way that was empathetic to customers,” Jodie Brinkerhoff, vice president of innovation for DFW, told _Government Technology_ in an email. “At scale, Iris also builds business resiliency across the airport enterprise.”As the workforce continues to change and evolve, airports’ widespread adoption of automation-related technologies may indicate to other state and local government agencies the trends to come.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.govtech.com/products/are-airports-the-ideal-testbed-for-the-newest-technologies?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20GT%20-%20The%20Districts&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=234375950&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9eAGJzl30RCpruQcQ_aSNajj2tbjxWTKyP6Wm4q2kX9Loo5hL5TmsAJp8AVNB7aKsvoKLLs9MNji4zWQ3HDZYaNbp9DQ&utm_content=234375950&utm_source=hs_email)

Erlanger, Ky. (November 1, 2022) – Today, FEAM AERO, in partnership with Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), celebrated the official groundbreaking of the company’s new 150,000 square foot hangar – its second major investment on CVG property.The state-of-the-art, three-bay, wide-body hangar will be constructed from the ground up and will create 250 new positions for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals.This facility, representing a $40.2 million investment, will be completed by the end of 2023. FEAM’s new hangar will complement its existing station at CVG, spanning over 100,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art workspace, and currently employing 300 technicians.The Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear; CEO of CVG, Candace McGraw; and President and CEO of NKY Tri-ED, Lee Crume, joined Cam Murphy, President of FEAM, and Fred Murphy, CEO of FEAM at the ceremony to commemorate this important milestone.“Our airport is now the 18th largest cargo airport in the world,” said Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG. “It’s thanks to partners like FEAM who continue to support the incredible growth of cargo operations and career opportunities at CVG. We congratulate FEAM as they prepare to build their second state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance hangar in the Northern Kentucky region.”FEAM’s investment at CVG is representative of their rapid global expansion, and commitment to creating a resilient and robust workforce in major markets throughout the United States. The company’s strategic growth strategy is designed to answer the growing e-commerce demand at CVG, while supporting the local community and providing opportunities for career development and advancement among its team.“We have accomplished great success through our partnership with CVG and the public support from the state of Kentucky,” said Fred Murphy, founder, and CEO of FEAM AERO. “We look forward to growing our local economic impact by creating meaningful careers within the region and bringing our best-in-class standards of quality and safety to the already thriving cargo ecosystem at CVG.”\### For more information, or to request an interview with representatives from FEAM AERO, please contact Sara Shake at 954.336.3275 or sara@themrkt.co.To request an interview with representatives from CVG Airport, please contact Mindy Kershner at 859.206.1057 or mkershner@cvgairport.com.FEAM AERO is the largest leading provider of aircraft line maintenance services in the United States. FEAM has maintenance bases at 52 locations globally, including two hangar facilities, and employs a growing workforce of over 1,500 Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Engineers. Over the years, FEAM has diversified its MRO portfolio to include Line Maintenance, Technical Training, Global AOG Support, Technical Support Services, and Base Maintenance. Our full line of services ensures our customers meet their mission goals and mitigate AOG ground time. FEAM holds EASA/FAA Maintenance Organization Approvals and approvals from several other domestic and international aviation regulatory authorities. For more information, please visit [www.feam.aero](http://www.feam.aero).About CVG Airport: CVG Airport has been serving passengers since 1947. The airport welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. As the airport recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it still offers the most nonstop destinations in the region. CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations with an annual economic impact of $6.8 billion. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America – home to Amazon Air’s primary U.S. Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub. Learn more at [CVGairport.com](http://CVGairport.com)

Cincinnati, Ohio (October 19, 2022) – Breeze Airways, the Seriously Nice™ low-fare airline founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, announced today that it will bring service to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) with nonstop flights to Charleston and San Francisco, starting February 8, 2023. Introductory fares for the new flights are $39\ and $99\ one way, respectively.From Cincinnati, OH:Charleston, SC\\ (Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting February 8, Nice from $39\ one way; Nicer from $79\; Nicest from $89\);San Francisco, CA\\ (Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting February 8, Nice from $99\ one way; Nicer from $179\; Nicest from $199\). “Our strategy over the last several years has been to further diversify airline options for local travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We welcome Breeze to the region and are excited for our community to experience their Seriously Nice™ flights to Charleston and San Francisco – two business and leisure travel hot spots. We look forward to working with Breeze and growing their network here at CVG.”“Breeze is always looking for opportunities to bring our fast, efficient, and affordable air service between underserved city pairs -- and Cincinnati is a great fit,” said Tom Doxey, Breeze Airways’ President. “Connecting northern Kentucky, southern Ohio and southern Indiana with South Carolina and northern California, as well as our Seriously Nice™ product, will bring affordability, convenience, and ease to Guests in the Cincinnati Tri-State area. And this is just the beginning. We’ll add more flights and destinations if these sell as well as we expect.”Guests on Breeze may choose from three price bundles that are offered as ‘Nice’, ‘Nicer’, and ‘Nicest’. Nice and Nicer bundles are across Breeze’s fleet of Embraer 195 e-jets and Airbus A220s, while Nicest – including a First Class seat - is only available on the A220s. Guests may also choose a Nice or Nicer bundle and add a First Class seat as well. Breeze has ordered 80 brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for 40 more.Seat pitch for a Standard Economy seat is 30 inches on the A220s and 31 inches on the E195s, while seat pitch for Extra Legroom is 32 inches on the A220s and between 34 and 39 inches on the E-195s, depending on the row selected. First Class seats feature 39-inches of seat pitch, 20.5-inches of seat width, and special features, such as a footrest, for added comfort. All seats on Breeze’s Airbus fleet are fitted with in-seat AC power and USB/C ports.Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are now on sale at [www.flybreeze.com](http://www.flybreeze.com) and via the Breeze app.\  Introductory fares promotion is only available when booking a new reservation and on select routes. Supply is limited. No advance purchase requirement applies. Promotion must be purchased by October 24, 2022 (11:59 pm ET) for travel by May 16, 2023. Price, rules and routes displayed includes taxes & government fees. Prices, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions and blackout dates may apply.\\ Route operated by A220 aircraftBREEZE B-ROLL FOR BROADCAST MEDIA: [https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/wdVrjlK9EX](https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/wdVrjlK9EX)About Breeze Airways Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 from 16 destinations primarily in the east and southeast of the United States. One year later, it was ranked as the No. 2 U.S. best domestic airline of 2021 by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. In 2022, Breeze expanded west across the U.S., including coast-to-coast flights, and now offers 102 nonstop routes between 34 cities in 19 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating - delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly.Flights are on sale at flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app.Media Contact: Gareth Edmondson-Jones Breeze Airways 917 399-9355 Gareth.EdmondsonJones@FlyBreeze.comMindy Kershner CVG Airport 859 206-1057 mkershner@cvgairport.co

Erlanger, Ky. (August 5, 2022) – American Airlines is announcing new nonstop service between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).The new flight to Raleigh will operate daily beginning January 10, 2023 (CVG’s 76th anniversary). American will fly the Embraer 175 aircraft with 12 First Class and 64 Economy seating [(images and broll](https://news.aa.com/multimedia/images/default.aspx)). Tickets will be available for purchase at [](http://www.aa.com)[aa.com](https://www.aa.com/homePage.do) on Saturday, August 6.“American Airlines is excited to connect Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Raleigh-Durham with new daily nonstop service this January,” said Philippe Puech, American Airlines Director of Short-Haul Network Planning. “We expect this route will appeal to both business and leisure customers alike, offering a time-saving option between the two regions.”Direct service to Raleigh will be American’s 12th destination served from CVG. It complements the airline’s existing nonstop service to Austin, TX (AUS); Boston, MA (BOS); Charlotte, NC (CLT); Chicago, IL (ORD); Dallas, TX (DFW); Miami, FL (MIA); New York, NY (JFK and LGA); Philadelphia, PA (PHL); Phoenix, AZ (PHX) and Washington, DC (DCA). Additionally, American offers hundreds of one-stop routes from Cincinnati year-round.“Raleigh-Durham is a strong addition to American’s growing network at CVG, serving both leisure and business travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This service is welcomed as another option for local travelers to get to the Triangle Region, a growing area where art and science intersect.”“We are pleased that American Airlines is expanding its network at RDU by offering daily service to Cincinnati,” said Michael Landugth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “Travelers now have more options when flying between the Research Triangle and the Cincinnati region.”The planned schedule is: Starts Frequency CVG to: Departs Arrives January 10, 2023 Daily CVG to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) 8:15 p.m. 9:50 p.m. Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to CVG 7:00 a.m. 8:45 a.m.

CVG is proud to have been named by [](https://www.facebook.com/Skytrax.uk/?cft[0]=AZXqy1f3-DzLVLa3IT2ocUH5tc_s5rdTFpSLxE2zRnY7XHivngnp5CYSZLnhUMDQdMxfwp-KI3UO8ygA7uQT7e87HOed0FKBOZNktOWKkGuN3Fhf6hl1zmUM6bOm_-42UyhCN-_QOglgr_7m0dqDILqoUEgPnLcuEohsILXoXN61ehe_AEnrXzLmRtTOtleiFf0NKpaJ9-HymEiRua6HuQ6C&tn=kK-R)[Skytrax](https://www.worldairportawards.com/?cft[0]=AZXqy1f3-DzLVLa3IT2ocUH5tc_s5rdTFpSLxE2zRnY7XHivngnp5CYSZLnhUMDQdMxfwp-KI3UO8ygA7uQT7e87HOed0FKBOZNktOWKkGuN3Fhf6hl1zmUM6bOm_-42UyhCN-_QOglgr_7m0dqDILqoUEgPnLcuEohsILXoXN61ehe_AEnrXzLmRtTOtleiFf0NKpaJ9-HymEiRua6HuQ6C&tn=kK-R) as the Best Airport in North America for Staff Service in 2022! We are also proud to be ranked as the second-best regional airport in North America.Every employee at CVG remains focused on delivering excellent customer service for the benefit of our passengers and betterment of our airport community and region.

Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / May 25, 2022By one measure, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in April had its best month since the pandemic started.The passenger volume in April was at 84% of what it was in the same month in 2019, the best percentage the airport has posted in such a comparison since March 2020 when airports and airlines were sent into a tailspin by the Covid-19 pandemic.The recovery continues to be powered by leisure travel, which has almost completely returned to pre-pandemic levels. That’s borne out by CVG’s two ultra-low cost carriers, Frontier and Allegiant Airlines. Allegiant’s number of enplaned passengers was at 99% of 2019 levels in April, while Frontier’s was at nearly 130%. Both airlines offer a low base price, with fees for everything from a seat assignment to beverages to overhead baggage.Nearly all of such airlines’ traffic is leisure travel.“Low-cost carriers have done better than any other carrier type during the pandemic,” said [Bobby Spann](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Bobby%20Spann), CVG’s vice president for external affairs.In April, CVG had 304,089 enplaned passengers, the fifth-highest total number since March 2020.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/05/25/cvg-has-its-best-month-since-the-pandemic-started.html) (subscription-based)

WLWT5 / Lawson Gutzwiller / May 17, 2022Air Canada has officially resumed nonstop service between Cincinnati and Toronto.Service between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Toronto Pearson resumed on Sunday after being suspected for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.There was a ribbon-cutting relaunch celebration at the airport on Sunday.There are now twice daily flights available to book on Air Canada. The flights depart CVG at 6:10 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 7:42 a.m. and 6:12 p.m.“People are ready to travel, and we’re excited to resume service between Cincinnati and Toronto with double daily flights operated by Air Canada Express Jazz with a 50-seat CRJ200. With overall travel demand accelerating, our flights linking Cincinnati and Toronto are of interest to customers looking to visit friends and family and explore Canada’s largest city," said Lisa Pierce, vice president, Canada & USA Sales at Air Canada. "The route reconnects two well-established business markets and Air Canada’s flights are scheduled to connect easily to a myriad of flights across Canada and Europe through our Toronto Pearson hub."[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wlwt.com/article/air-canada-nonstop-service-cincinnati-toronto-cvg/40025986) - COMPLETE WITH VIDEO

91.7 WVXU / Jolene Almendarez / May 4, 2022Travelers headed through the Greater Cincinnati international airport this spring and summer will see crowd sizes nearly identical to pre-COVID days. Airport officials say that means people should start arriving at the airport at least two hours early, again. But a new piece of technology could help streamline the security experience.TSA Regional Spokesperson Mark Howell says new, upgraded computed tomography machines will help keep lines moving."The screening machines that we're using for computed tomography are very similar to what hospitals used to diagnose folks in the hospital. We just use it for a security function, and that's looking for potential threats inside of a bag," he said. "And what the software and the machines are able to do is take a bag and move it 360 degrees on a swivel and take layers of those images to look for those threats."That means electronics and liquids can stay inside bags during screenings.He says that's a security boost and efficiency gain for passengers, which is needed as passenger numbers start returning to pre-pandemic levels. In Kentucky, that starts earlier than other places due to the Flying Pig Marathon and Kentucky Derby weekend bringing in tourists to the area."So things are starting to pick up as people are starting to get out, really, for the first time in the last couple of years," Howell said.CVG Spokesperson Mindy Kershner says the airport is anticipating serving 85-90% of the number of people served in 2019. But the increase in demand is not necessarily being met with the same number of flights as before."What I've been encouraging folks to do is to plan ahead with booking your flight for the summer, if you haven't already. Really, that comes down to this increased demand and the fact that some flight capacity hasn't quite returned, yet," she said.Frontier Airlines and Air Canada are resuming some of their services in May and Delta is offering flights to Paris again, she said."So there are still flights coming back, but that demand is so high," Kershner said.The last two computed tomography machines will be installed at the airport Friday.[](https://local12.com/news/local/bengals-fans-flood-airport-to-board-flights-to-la-for-super-bowl-cincinnati-cvg-plane)[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2022-05-04/new-tech-at-cvg-will-help-streamline-pre-covid-sized-crowds) - COMPLETE WITH VIDEO AND PICTURES

WKRC-TV 12 / April 20, 2022Local 12's cameras were there as the latest Tri-State Honor Flight returned. Vets got to spend a day in Washington D.C. to visit their memorials. Mike Igel, who served in the Marines during the Vietnam War, says he was moved to tears by the trip and big welcome home."We knew a couple people would be here, but nothing like this, honestly. It just takes you back to what you didn't get in the '60s," Igel said.The next Honor Flight leaves CVG on May 24.[FULL STORY HERE](https://local12.com/news/local/veterans-receive-warm-welcome-after-returning-from-honor-flight-washington-dc-capital-memorials-monuments-cvg-cincinnati-local-12-wkrc-tristate-ohio-kentucky-indiana-news) - COMPLETE WITH VIDEO