Back
News
Media Requests for News page
All requests for information, interviews, or to conduct media business on site anywhere on airport property, both for routine and for breaking news, should be directed to the CVG Airport media team. For inquiries or requests of a timely nature, please call the media line at 859-767-6397.
- Dec 20, 2021
CVG Airport previews December holiday travel
Erlanger, Ky. (December 16, 2021) – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) expects December holiday travel to be spread out over the next two weeks beginning Saturday, 12/18 through Sunday, 1/2.CVG estimates travel volume for this time period to be 90 percent of 2019 levels. The busier days will be Monday, 12/20 and Sunday, 1/2, but again traffic will be spread out over more days than Thanksgiving travel. The busiest times for departures are as usual 5:00 – 7:00 a.m. with the busier arrival times on some days being 10:00 – 11:00 p.m.“We are expecting to serve 90 percent of the volume we saw in 2019 during the two-week December holiday travel period,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “As people plan for their trips, we encourage travelers to travel healthy and adhere to good public health practices. We’re also encouraging travelers to pack some patience and remember a little kindness is always welcomed by crew members and fellow travelers.”As travelers prepare for their trips, here are specific changes and things to plan for: Travelers should remember to pack a mask or two as they are required to be worn inside the airport and on the aircraft. CVG’s Terminal Garage, ValuPark, Economy Lot and Valet service are open for travelers. For travelers with mobility needs, wheelchair assistance can be scheduled through the airline. Ground transportation drop-off and pick-up locations have changed with the opening of the new rental car and ground transportation center. Travelers can view those changes and other updates to CVG’s facilities at [CVGairport.com/LetsGo](https://cvgairport.com/letsgo).CVG remains the regional leader in offering the most nonstop destinations and the lowest airfares. To review nonstop flights offered at CVG, please check [here](https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvgairport.com%2Fnonstopdestinations&data=04%7C01%7Cmkershner%40cvgairport.com%7C4ca2401c4c6749e9753608d88bf854db%7C6a1858161bcc4c24b4487abfacd1c666%7C0%7C0%7C637413245987400279%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=nI%2FXeNTYYNJRx0qkAxolmvJjNbL4%2Bofash4WLsItmqo%3D&reserved=0).To schedule media availability or request to be on site at CVG, please contact Mindy Kershner at [mkershner@cvgairport.com](mailto:mkershner@cvgairport.com).About CVG Airport:CVG 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 and the lowest average airfares 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](https://cvgairport.com/).Read more - Dec 20, 2021
CVG Airport works with TaskWatch and AWS Panorama to enhance operations with Computer Vision automation
November 22, 2021 (Erlanger, KY) — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is working with TaskWatch and AWS Panorama to implement custom computer vision applications. After a successful pilot in 2020 where analytics were applied to video feeds and integrated into CVG’s existing TaskWatch wearable platform, the airport has now adopted TaskWatch for multiple operational areas for connected workers to respond in real-time to events detected by computer vision.TaskWatch captures existing video streams and detects events defined by airport operations leaders using AWS Panorama. Computer vision algorithms are then run on the edge computing device. Once TaskWatch identifies an event or an anomaly, the system triggers work processes for employees equipped with a TaskWatch wearable device to initiate the appropriate response.Traditional work efforts at the airport have relied on visual cues and radio relays among specific team members leaving others potentially left out or the information misinterpreted. Computer vision automates the same process over multiple and simultaneous events, something that a widely dispersed team is challenged to do under the best of circumstances. Tracking to this level of detail helps ensure that service activities run smoothly, and passengers have the most up-to-date travel information.When the airport was first designed, more than 80% of passengers were connecting through CVG. The remaining 20% of passengers came through the Terminal, or the airport’s “front door.” Now, approximately 95% of passengers start or end their travel through that same front door without major structural modifications. Even with a lower 2019 year-end passenger volume of 9.1 million, capacity through the same Terminal building, curbsides, and roadways handle more than 8.6 million passengers, nearly double the peak activity in the airport’s previous connection-hub days. Faced with limited infrastructure and the reality of not being able to build a new Terminal or add additional roadways, CVG has turned to advancing technologies to manage capacity constraints while maintaining its commitment to customer service and brand reputation.Chief Innovation Officer for CVG Brian Cobb explains:_“CVG Airport is committed to providing a world-class travel experience through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships. Using TaskWatch’s computer vision platform with AWS Panorama, we can bring computer vision to our existing IP cameras to automatically monitor congestion for more than 70,000 square feet of airport traffic lanes. Once TaskWatch detects an issue, such as a disabled vehicle, TaskWatch sends real-time alerts to airport staff so they can provide assistance, keep the traffic flowing, and reduce delays for our passengers.”_Speaking on behalf of Amazon Web Services, Kim Majerus, Vice President, US Public Sector Education, State & Local Government, noted:“_Together, AWS and TaskWatch are providing self-service capability for CVG Airport to deploy custom computer vision (CV) applications. Instant response with CV event driven workflows on wearable devices is helping CVG mitigate risks and enhance operations._”Vivek Saini, Operations Head and Co-founder at TaskWatch describes:_“With AWS Panorama and our new computer vision platform, TaskWatch is allowing non-technical enterprise customers to design, build, and deploy custom AI applications. TaskWatch also connects frontline workers to CV events so business risks are mitigated right away and there are enhanced operational efficiencies.”_Using state-of-the-art technology, user-defined events, and identification of operational exceptions, TaskWatch is redefining the way CVG gains efficiencies through automation. Demonstration of successes and quick deployment of custom computer vision solutions have opened doors for additional business use cases with TaskWatch. Supported by the stability of the AWS Cloud and AWS Panorama hardware, TaskWatch can ensure that product delivery is reliable and scalable to meet future-defined needs. At CVG, TaskWatch is maximizing advancements between computer vision and artificial intelligence to minimize operational deficiencies and excel in customer experience.About Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)CVG 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 and the lowest average airfares 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](https://cvgairport.com/). About TaskWatchTaskWatch is a Mason, Ohio based AI and process automation company that enables enterprise customers to design, build, and deploy custom computer vision applications and response workflows.TaskWatch enables process automation on wearables through a zero-code cloud platform. Handsfree employees respond to business events identified on TaskWatch AI/Computer Vision backend, IoT Hub or 3rd party systems such as Robot control systems, ERP systems and even in-house IT systems. TaskWatch initiates collaborative workflows to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks and gain insights into operational details.Read more - Dec 20, 2021
Airport Technology: CVG Airport opts for TaskWatch's computer vision tech
Airport Technology / November 24, 2021 The new technology will help the airport address limited infrastructure hurdles.Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in the US has collaborated with process automation firm TaskWatch and AWS Panorama for deploying custom computer vision applications to boost operational efficiency.Last year, CVG piloted the application of analytics to video feeds and integration into the TaskWatch wearable platform.CVG has now implemented TaskWatch for its various operational areas to help connected staff members give real-time responses to events identified by computer vision.TaskWatch records video streams and identifies events that are defined by the airport operations team with AWS Panorama.In case of anomalies, the system sends an alert to the employees with a TaskWatch wearable device to take action. With such tracking abilities, CVG aims to ensure smooth operations at the airport and provide up-to-date travel information to travelers.Implementation of the new automation technology is said to help CVG overcome the limited infrastructure hurdles.CVG chief innovation officer Brian Cobb said: “CVG Airport is committed to providing a world-class travel experience through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships.“Using TaskWatch’s computer vision platform with AWS Panorama, we can bring computer vision to our existing IP cameras to automatically monitor congestion for more than 70,000ft² of airport traffic lanes.“Once TaskWatch detects an issue such as a disabled vehicle, TaskWatch sends real-time alerts to airport staff so they can provide assistance, keep the traffic flowing and reduce delays for our passengers.”TaskWatch said that with the optimum usage of advancements of computer vision and artificial intelligence, it intends to reduce operational deficiencies at CVG airport.TaskWatch co-founder and operations head Vivek Saini said: “With AWS Panorama and our new computer vision platform, TaskWatch is allowing non-technical enterprise customers to design, build and deploy custom AI applications.“TaskWatch also connects frontline workers to CV events so business risks are mitigated right away and there are enhanced operational efficiencies across business verticals.”In February, [CVG Airport trialled an autonomous tractor](https://www.airport-technology.com/news/cincinnatis-cvg-airport-tests-autonomous/) for its luggage area.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.airport-technology.com/news/cvg-airport-computer-vision/)Read more - Nov 22, 2021
CVG Airport previews this year’s holiday travel season
Erlanger, Ky. (November 18, 2021) – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) expects November and December to be the busiest months for passenger traffic since the pandemic started with the more popular destinations being Florida, Arizona, and Cancun. CVG estimates Thanksgiving travel volume to be 90-95 percent of 2019 levels. The busiest days will likely be Wednesday, 11/24 and Sunday, 11/28. The busiest times for departures are as usual 5:00 – 7:00 a.m.“As people plan to reunite with loved ones, we are expecting to serve 90-95 percent of the volume we saw in 2019 during the Thanksgiving travel week,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We continue to work with all of our partners from the airlines to TSA and the concessions to offer a seamless travel experience, and we encourage travelers to get vaccinated and adhere to good public health practices while traveling.”As travelers prepare for their trips, here are specific changes and things to plan for: Travelers should remember to pack a mask or two as they are required to be worn inside the airport and on the aircraft. CVG’s Terminal Garage, ValuPark and Valet service will be open for travelers. Ground transportation drop-off and pick-up locations have changed with the opening of the new rental car and ground transportation center. Travelers can view those changes and other updates to CVG’s facilities at [CVGairport.com/LetsGo](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcvgairport.com%2Fletsgo&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C3f92c2666d214737fc0e08d9aadba3ef%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637728682657125578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=03BdebNkPMOIWYtDFm9i%2BQCiFV%2BqXX5n1luaRAEjhws%3D&reserved=0).CVG remains the regional leader in offering the most nonstop destinations and the lowest airfares. To review nonstop flights offered at CVG, please check [here](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvgairport.com%2Fnonstopdestinations&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C3f92c2666d214737fc0e08d9aadba3ef%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637728682657135533%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=xfMo0iIyEumX3sNeP15QyJJk8BPAWbAqwTVOP1cyybQ%3D&reserved=0).Read more - Nov 19, 2021
Cincinnati Enquirer: Traveling out of CVG airport this holiday season? Here's what to expect
Cincinnati Enquirer / Brooks Sutherland / November 19, 2021Holiday travel through Greater Cincinnati is expected to return close to 2019 levels during Thanksgiving, one year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised American travelers to stay home amid COVID-19 spikes. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport estimates around 180,000 to 190,000 inbound and outbound travelers will pass through the airport from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2 this year. CVG said Thanksgiving travel volume will be at 90% to 95% of 2019 levels. The busiest days will likely be Wednesday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 28. The busiest times for departures are between 5 and 7 a.m.This year, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If vaccinated, masks are still required during travel. If not vaccinated, the agency recommends getting tested before and after travel in addition to mask-wearing while flying. Here's what you should expect if traveling through CVG this holiday season. Federal airport mask mandate Masks are required regardless of vaccination status when traveling at an airport in the U.S. The federal regulation, which was set to expire in September, was extended until January 2022, a few days before the deadline. The mandate is enforced through the federal Transportation Security Administration, and non-compliance can prevent the boarding of a plane or cause a passenger's removal from a plane if deemed necessary. International travel Most individuals traveling internationally to the United States must be vaccinated per a White House order signed in October. Children under 18 are exempt from the order, and non-tourist travelers from nearly 50 countries with nationwide vaccination rates of less than 10% are also eligible for exemption, but are asked to become vaccinated within 60 days of arrival to the U.S. Traveling after recovering from COVID-19Individuals who recovered from the virus may travel if they have tested positive in the last 90 days and have met criteria to end isolation. Concessions and contactless ordering Participating restaurants at CVG offer contactless ordering that can be accessed by scanning a QR code on site. Concession offerings and hours of operation vary each day depending on flight activity and staffing at CVG. To access daily concession schedules and offerings, visit [https://www.cvgairport.com/flight/tips/flyhealthy/concessions](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvgairport.com%2Fflight%2Ftips%2Fflyhealthy%2Fconcessions&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C6db321d2ba624dfdba1c08d9ab858a4f%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637729412330528206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=r8CSUjIoEkEiaBMc2ChNkPXQXz86eaqjadDCTf4JWTo%3D&reserved=0).REAL ID requirementThe deadline to obtain a government-issued "REAL ID" card was pushed back once again due to the pandemic. The new deadline to secure a compliant identification card is May 3, 2023. The previous deadline was slated for Oct. 1, 2021. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID card can still travel over the holidays, but beginning on the new deadline, every American air traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification in order to travel domestically.COVID-19 testing For those needing testing to be compliant with certain travel regulations, such as travel to the United States from an international location, CVG has partnered with Skyology Lab to offer on-site testing at the airport. The lab is open to both travelers and the general public. Fees for testing at the airport are molecular (PCR) tests with results available on-site within 35 minutes ($200 per test), RAPID antigen tests with results available within 20 minutes ($150 per test), and serology test with results available within 20 minutes ($75 per test). The Skyology Lan does not accept health insurance as a way of payment. Payment can be made online for pre-registered appointments. A driver's license, passport, or other official photo ID is required at the time of testing. New rental car facility is openA consolidated rental car facility at CVG opened last month, connecting the rental center to a terminal for easier access. At the center's Ground Transport West, travelers can access valet services, CVG's ValuPark and Economy Lot Parking Shuttles, off-airport parking shuttles and hotel shuttles. At Ground Transport East, travelers will have access to rideshare services, limousines, taxi services, employee shuttles, shared-ride vans, charter buses and public transit. [FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/travel/2021/11/18/2021-cincinnati-northern-kentucky-international-airport-thanksgiving-travel-guide/8638471002/)Read more - Nov 15, 2021
Airport Improvement: Alaska Airlines adds another flight option to Seattle from CVG
Airport Improvement / October 28, 2021_Two nonstop flights to Seattle will be available summer 2022_Erlanger, Ky. (October 28, 2021) – Today, Alaska Airlines announced an added frequency to its existing daily nonstop service between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The carrier began service on May 20th of this year and is already adding a second daily roundtrip flight between the Cincinnati region and the Puget Sound region beginning June 16, 2022.“The greater Cincinnati community showed up in support of our new nonstop flight to Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We’re thrilled to strengthen our commitment with an additional frequency next summer to give our guests more options.” _Flight schedule (flight times based on local times, new flights highlighted in yellow):_“We can’t thank Alaska Airlines enough for strengthening our region’s connectivity to the West Coast and beyond,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This is a direct response to our community’s utilization of this new service, which began in May of this year.”Tickets for all flights are available for purchase now on [alaskaair.com](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaair.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cmkershner%40cvgairport.com%7Cc9de47413e0049001ff008d99a329b40%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637710364725857206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=vI873pnhTcox4zJHHyupixcxMU4Jjt2pktgA05I%2FhxQ%3D&reserved=0). [FULL STORY HERE](https://airportimprovement.com/news/alaska-airlines-adds-another-flight-option-seattle-cvg)Read more - Nov 9, 2021
Cincinnati Enquirer Opinion: CVG upgrades create safe, seamless experience
Cincinnati Enquirer / Forum/Opinion Section / November 8, 2021Letter from Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG Airport, to Cincinnati RegionSome of you have been traveling throughout this pandemic while others are considering flying for the first time in a year and a half. For those who have traveled, everyone has had a different experience.At Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), we work hard so that you have a safe and seamless travel experience every time. Getting you to where you need to go this holiday season and into 2022 is our top priority.Over the past decade, we’ve come a long way. Thanks to your support and alongside our business partners, we experienced record-breaking local passenger growth for the past several years. While this growth has been celebrated, it resulted in some growing pains felt within our facilities, which we were working through. New construction and improvement projects were prioritized and have moved forward.Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, presenting more challenges. We’re working with our partners to find solutions to these challenges and improve every day. Here are just a few examples of how we’re transforming your travel experience: Construction/new rental car center and Terminal expansion: For several years now, we have been working on projects leading up to the recent opening of our new rental car center. More than $175 million has been invested in this project. That facility is now open, offering a more efficient rental car experience and an updated ground transportation center. Travelers no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental car lots since the counters and pick-up area are now connected to the Terminal. Parking: Earlier this year, parking availability was limited due to the pandemic. We now have several parking options open for travelers at various price points. We are also offering online, pre-paid reserved parking, as well as a frequent parking program. Accessibility: We committed not just to fixing escalators and walkways, but, in some cases, even replacing them for increased reliability and efficiency. Across our Terminal Garage footprint and in the Terminal, these projects have taken several years, and we are now near completion. Concessions: We are continuing to partner with a unique blend of local offerings in both retail and food and beverage. We’ve added high-quality vending machines for 24/7 food and beverage options. And we’re working with concession operators on new concepts and reopening your favorites as passenger travel returns. Baggage Claim and other Terminal improvements: Earlier this year, we replaced four baggage carousels and continue to improve the baggage system. Other mechanical upgrades in our Terminal facilities are in process; the airport is investing tens of millions of dollars in these critical systems. Cell phone lot: For those picking up friends or loved ones from the Terminal, we opened a new entrance to the cell phone lot in July. We have repaved and restriped the lot, which is just minutes from passenger pick-up.I can’t stress enough our commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for you, while also fulfilling our role as a regional leader and economic driver. We’ve made a lot of progress, and still have more work to do. I want to thank everyone who has come through CVG’s doors. As you get ready to travel again, we invite you to visit [CVGairport.com/LetsGo](https://cvgairport.com/LetsGo) to learn more about what we’ve done.We can’t wait to see you soon._Candace McGraw is chief executive officer of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)._[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/2021/11/08/opinion-cvg-upgrades-create-safe-seemless-experience/8581175002/)Read more - Nov 4, 2021
WLWT-TV 5: American Airlines launches new nonstop flight from Cincinnati to Boston
WLWT-TV 5 / November 2, 2021HEBRON, Ky. — American Airlines has launched a new nonstop flight from Cincinnati to Boston at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Tuesday. The new flight will operate out of CVG three times daily — departing at 10:08 a.m., 3:48 p.m. and 8:07 p.m.The flight will be the 11th direct service from the airline from CVG.“Boston is a top 10 market from CVG, so this new service is very exciting for our community in terms of both leisure and business travel,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “American Airlines has been a strong partner since they began service here 74 years ago, and we welcome the start of this new service.”On Tuesday, there were balloons and signage at the ticket counter and gate areas to celebrate the first flight.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wlwt.com/article/american-airlines-launches-new-nonstop-flight-from-cincinnati-to-boston/38138291)Read more - Nov 1, 2021
Business Courier: Airline expanding nonstop service at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Chris Wetterich / Cincinnati Business Courier / October 28, 2021Alaska Airlines is adding flights at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.Alaska, which began service in May to Seattle, will go from one to two nonstop flights per day on the CVG-Seattle route, the airport announced Thursday.The new flights will start on June 16.CVG officials have reported that the existing single daily flight has been a major success for Alaska. It also has added competition on the route to the Pacific Northwest. Previously, only Delta Air Lines offered service to Seattle."The Greater Cincinnati community showed up in support of our new nonstop flight to Seattle," said [Brett Catlin](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Brett%20Catlin), vice president of network and alliance at the airline. "We're thrilled to strengthen our commitment with an additional frequency next summer to give our guests more options.In August, CVG officials reported that roughly 90% on Alaska's flights were full and that the flight was "hitting it out of the park," according to [Bobby Spann](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Bobby%20Spann), CVG's vice president for external affairs.The flight is timed for business travelers, and there are many business links between Seattle and Cincinnati, not the least of which is Amazon.com's headquarters and its new air services hub at CVG.The current flight leaves CVG for Seattle at 6:40 p.m. Eastern time and arrives at 8:45 p.m. Pacific time. The return flight leaves at 10:16 a.m. PST and arrives at 5:41 p.m. ESTThe flight starting June 16 will leave at 7 a.m. EST and arrive at 9:05 a.m. PST. The return flight will leave at 10:20 p.m. PST and arrive at 5:45 a.m. EST.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/10/28/airline-expands-service-at-cvg.html) (subscription-based)Read more