Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / March 22, 2023Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will trade Gold Star Chili for Skyline Chili in the airport’s food court.CVG approved a 10-year lease for United Concessions Group to operate a Skyline after the airport requested bids specifically for a chili restaurant. United Concessions also operates CVG food court’s Chick-fil-A in Concourse B. CVG received two bids for the space, one from United Concessions and the other from Gold Star.United Concessions offered a higher amount of investment, both in terms of capital, rent and pay for staffers. The new Skyline also will be open for breakfast, which will include breakfast burritos. United Concessions operates 23 storefronts in several airports.[FULL STORY HERE](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fcincinnati%2Fnews%2F2023%2F03%2F22%2Fskyline-replaces-gold-star-cvg.html&data=05%7C01%7Cmcourtney%40cvgairport.com%7Cc7e11143f7c44232cf0b08db5aec8229%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C638203744065679004%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kzUNayw3Zl7vMwK6EZ62Zca1IVbumSUqREYQRKy3J5g%3D&reserved=0)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Emily DeLetter / February 28, 2023Forbes has named an upcoming direct flight from Cincinnati to London one of the [best new international routes this year](https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2023/02/15/the-13-best-new-international-airline-routes-for-2023/?sh=bc63ea2815e7&fbclid=IwAR2L_5DI2s9AKj_i_o145RewjXkxjewUC9Rv_rEZ3Ajn-wXsqPDwOwT4jP0).The direct flight from the [Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to London-Heathrow Airport](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/11/16/british-airways-cvg-airport-london-heathrow-direct-flight/69653464007/) was one of 13 best new international airline routes for 2023, according to Forbes. A [direct flight launching in May](https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2023/02/15/the-13-best-new-international-airline-routes-for-2023/?sh=bc63ea2815e7&fbclid=IwAR2L_5DI2s9AKj_i_o145RewjXkxjewUC9Rv_rEZ3Ajn-wXsqPDwOwT4jP0) on Aer Lingus from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Dublin Airport also made the list.British Airways announced last year that it will be launching the flight in June. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will have three cabin classes: economy, premium economy and business. It will be the only direct flight to London from Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/02/28/forbes-cvg-airport-british-airways-london/69952742007/)

Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / February 27, 2023Fares at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) are nearly identical to what they were before the pandemic, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.In the third quarter of 2022, CVG’s average fare was $363.82. In the same period of 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic began, the inflation-adjusted average fare was $363.11, according to federal data.CVG’s fares rank as the 31st-cheapest in the nation when compared with the top 100 airports in terms of passengers. That continues CVG’s five-year streak of being the cheapest airport to fly from in a region that includes five other major airports – Indianapolis, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville and Dayton – within a two-hour or less drive from downtown Cincinnati. But in 2019, CVG’s fares were the 20th-cheapest.[FULL STORY HERE](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fcincinnati%2Fnews%2F2023%2F02%2F27%2Fwhere-do-fares-at-cvg-stand.html&data=05%7C01%7Cmcourtney%40cvgairport.com%7Cc7e11143f7c44232cf0b08db5aec8229%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C638203744065679004%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XOZn9UvE35Vj0pJ7rx%2BjKdLX6AfMiHNVkEb3I%2Fo2D4A%3D&reserved=0)

WCPO / Taylor Weiter / February 27, 2023HEBRON, Ky. — CVG Airport is one of 99 airports across the country receiving money for improvements.The Federal Aviation Administration said the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will receive $14 million to design and replace its passenger boarding bridges on Concourse B. Money will also go toward replacing ground power units, pre-conditioned air units and connected electrical, security and access control systems, the FAA said."Today’s funding doesn’t just improve Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport’s terminal. It creates opportunities in the community for good-paying jobs and a chance to be part of our country’s thriving aviation sector," said FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wcpo.com/news/cvg/cvg-airport-receives-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-renovations)

Passenger traffic increased 21% over 2021; two new airlines launching in coming monthsErlanger, Ky. (February 2, 2023) – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) reached new heights in 2022 with 21% more travelers than 2021, historic air service announcements, and new cargo records. Below are a few highlights from 2022 as well as what’s in store this year.Some air service highlights from 2022: Passenger traffic increased. The airport served 7.6 million travelers ending the year with a 21% increase over 2021. Air Canada resumed nonstop service to Toronto. Delta resumed nonstop service to Paris. Frontier resumed service to three destinations: Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, and Philadelphia. CVG continued to have the lowest airfares in the region. Cargo operations broke records 11 of the 12 months. At the end of 2022, cargo tonnage was up 17% over 2021. 149% increase in cargo between 2015 and 2022. Eclipsed 2 million tons of volume over the last 12 months.“We are in a remarkable time for CVG just coming off our milestone 75th anniversary and celebrating growth not only at the Terminal/Concourses, but all across our campus,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We’re serving leisure and business travelers again, making important investments in infrastructure, and leaning into partnerships that enhance the customer experience and boost workforce development and sustainability. I’m excited for the years ahead as we remain focused on our strategic objectives to redefine and elevate the role of the airport in this region.” (_See video recap_ [_here_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IddRPFk9FPg))What’s ahead in 2023: February 8: Breeze Airways launches at CVG with nonstop service to San Francisco, CA, and Charleston, SC. March 30: Breeze adds nonstop service to two more destinations: Providence, RI, and Orange County, CA. June 5: British Airways launches at CVG with nonstop service to London. Concessions updates include: Braxton Brewing Taproom and Wendy’s opening the first half of the year Cork ‘n Bottle building out a storefront in Concourse A The Local, Hop & Cask, and both Vino Volo locations being remodeled Capital investments include: Improvements to the baggage handling system Replacement of many jet bridges Airfield rehabilitation

FOX 19 / Payton Marshall / January 28, 2023CINCINNATI (WXIX) -Bengals fans, decked out in Who Dey gear, flew from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Saturday afternoon [CVG announced that they added a nonstop United Airlines flight](https://www.fox19.com/2023/01/23/new-way-bengals-fans-get-kansas-city/) to Kansas City for the AFC Championship game.The flight left at 1 p.m. Eastern Time Saturday and will arrive at 1:50 p.m. Central Time just in time for Sunday’s game.Joe Laugherty is one of the many fans at CVG headed to Kansas City.“Last year, we just felt lucky to be there. This year we expect to win,” Laugherty said.As fans awaited to board their flight, some offered words of wisdom to the team.“Sam Hubbard, maybe you want to do what you did last week, and everybody just play hard and bring home a winner,” Tina Waddell said.“I’m expecting us to come out firing—I want to see five wide, four wide right up the middle with Joe Mixon, and we’re going to crush them. That’s what I want to see,” Nick Pridonoff said.Those fans will leave Monday at 7:45 a.m. Central Time on Monday and will arrive at 10:14 a.m. Eastern Time.The Bengals will play the Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. FOX19 Now will bring all of the latest details on everything Bengals.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.fox19.com/2023/01/28/bengals-fans-fly-cvg-kansas-city-afc-championship-game/)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Candace McGraw / January 18, 2023Over the past several years, we have collectively experienced unimaginable change brought on by the pandemic. All industries were impacted including travel and aviation. However, as we wrapped up 2022, I am pleased to share that the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, CVG, has come roaring back to life − leading the region’s economic rebound along the way.Guided by a strategic plan, New Heights, CVG remains steadfast in our vision that sees the airport as the catalyst to transform our region. We continue to focus on business diversification and economic growth at and beyond the airport for the benefit of all of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.The airport authority and companies doing business at CVG collectively employ more than 16,000 people. With a $6.8 billion annual economic impact, more than 47,000 direct and indirect jobs are supported in the region because of CVG.Air service is critical to our mission − to serve the region’s business and leisure travel needs. Last year, we were pleased that passenger numbers have nearly returned to 2019 levels. Air Canada returned to CVG with service to Toronto while Delta resumed flying to Paris-Charles de Gaulle in August. Frontier restarted service to Philadelphia, Phoenix and Raleigh-Durham while American Airlines announced it will start service to Raleigh-Durham this month− its 12th nonstop destination from CVG.New to CVG, Breeze Airways, announced it will begin service to four markets this year: Charleston, South Carolina; San Francisco, California; Orange County, California; and Providence, Rhode Island. And in November, we were proud to announce that British Airways will begin service to London Heathrow starting this June − a coveted flight that is estimated to have a $57 million economic impact annually.CVG is the epicenter of e-commerce in the United States. As North America’s seventh-largest cargo airport and the world’s 18th-largest, cargo volume grew by 149% between 2015 and 2022. In 2022, CVG continued to be one of the fastest-growing cargo airports in the world. We eclipsed nearly 2 million tons of volume over the past 12 months with DHL and Amazon continuing to grow. This success begets growth in related industries, too. FEAM Aero, an aircraft maintenance company with one hangar and more than 300 employees at CVG already, broke ground on a second hangar last fall − a $47 million investment that will create at least 200 new, good-paying jobs for our community.On the business side of the airport authority, operational excellence remains our focus. Capital investments continue with airfield rehabilitation, upcoming replacement of many jet bridges, improvements to the baggage handling system, and service enhancements at our rental car facility, which has now been in operation for more than a year. We are focused on leading our industry to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, such as bringing sustainable aviation fuel production to our region. We are also committed to innovation and engaging with startups and university talent to deploy new tech that improves the customer experience and advances the future of aviation, such as through advanced air mobility and drones. As operator of the Miami University Airport in Oxford, Ohio, we are also focused on improving the aviation infrastructure and services offered in Butler County and beyond.We close out 2022 having celebrated 75 years of commercial air service at CVG. Since that first commercial flight on Jan. 10, 1947, much has changed. CVG is proud to end the year with region-leading low average airfares, 50-plus nonstop destinations for our community, including several international markets, and continued cargo and economic growth. Our airport is an asset that has helped lead regional recovery coming out of the pandemic. We are proud to serve in this role and will continue these efforts throughout this year and beyond._Candace McGraw is the CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport._[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2023/01/18/opinion-cvg-leading-the-regions-economic-rebound/69774647007/)

WLWT-TV 5 / January 18, 2023HEBRON, Ky. — Travelers at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will have another food option starting this summer.CVG announced Wendy's will be opening inside the food court in Concourse B this summer.“This partnership with the Sinkula family-owned franchise brings a new option to CVG travelers,” Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG, said in a statement. “We are pleased to expand concessions, giving travelers more options for a quick bite before their flight.”The new location will also offer Wendy's breakfast in addition to their regular menu.“As a local family-owned and operated business, we are so excited to bring Wendy’s to CVG," said Jessie Sinkula Aston, Co-President, Sinkula. "Our goal is for our customers to have an easy, fast, and tailored dining experience while enjoying the fresh-made, craveable Wendy’s food they love when they travel.”[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wlwt.com/article/wendys-opening-cvg-airport-this-summer/42554513)

WVXU / Ann Thompson / January 16, 2023The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is looking to lower passenger stress levels in 2023 through innovation. Robots[CVG lays claim to be the first to try “Grab and Go” robots which serve travelers in Concourse B.](https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2023/01/10-tech-trends-that-will-shape-passenger-experiences-and-business-performance-in-2023/) (now Pittsburgh and Rome, Italy have them) Customers order from a mobile app and the robot brings food right to the gate.“Not everybody has the ability to stop at Trip Advisor, grab a couple of items and be on your way.” Airport Spokesperson Mindy Kershner says some people are unable to rush around the airport. CVG looks to expand the number of restaurants and concessions participating this year. Self-driving baggage tractors[ThorDrive](https://www.thordrive.ai/) has been testing its autonomous vehicles at CVG since the beginning of 2021. The self-driving baggage tractors could eventually transport passenger luggage to and from aircraft, [as WVXU reported](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2021-02-01/autonomous-vehicles-making-their-debut-at-cvg).CVG’s Kershner says, “The next step for us is to work with our tenant airlines and hopefully adopt and scale up a fleet of autonomous vehicles.”Touchless technologies and biometricsThere could be a day when CVG doesn’t have kiosks. Kershner says the airport is looking into doing more with passenger phones. This could involve verifying identity, making secure payments and eliminating any printing.When Kershner was flying to Canada she had to get her face scanned. It’s possible CVG could do some biometric testing this year. Air Canada is one airline that uses it.Shortening lines with dataA complicated computer formula may be the reason you might see fewer bottlenecks.Layer by layer, the airport is adding pieces to its predictive passenger persona, the most recent of which is the University of Cincinnati’s artificial intelligence. The two have signed an agreement to work together on crowd prediction.Engineer Javier Viaña, was already seeing results [when WVXU interviewed him in March, 2022](https://www.wvxu.org/podcast/focus-on-technology/2022-03-07/cvg-ai-predict-passenger-movement).That data is plugged into CVG’s EASE system — or Enterprise Assets Situational Exceptions — a patent-pending hardware and software program the airport began using in 2019.Viaña’s program applies artificial intelligence to the system because there are so many variables like: Will passengers park a car? Will they check a bag? Are they with a group? When will they get food? Does a business traveler going to Orlando arrive the same time as a family of five?Using fuzzy logic, which is a kind of computer decision-making that relies on degrees of truth, it can predict surges of passengers in 15-minute increments. New airlines and destinationsBy April, Breeze Airways will start flying to Charleston, S.C., Providence R.I., and San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. Direct flights to London on British Airways begin June 5. CVG is also trying to do deals with airlines for greater capacity and additional destinations.Kershner says, “We have an amount of opportunity for existing and potential carriers to destinations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We also have several domestic markets we’re working to restore such as St. Louis, Kansas City, San Diego and others.”CVG says it caters to both business and leisure travelers and a [new category “bleisure](https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2022/06/27/what-is-bleisure-travel-and-how-is-it-transforming-the-hospitality-industry/?sh=259b97647231).” With remote work, more people are combining business and leisure or just hopping a flight to work from someplace with better weather.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2023-01-16/cvg-new-airlines-new-flights-new-technology)