Back
News
Media Requests
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.
- Jan 19, 2016
CVG Experiences Passenger & Cargo Growth in 2015
6.6% Passenger Growth and 11.3% Cargo Tonnage GrowthJan. 19, 2016 — In 2015 CVG experienced its largest passenger growth since 2005. Total passenger traffic increased 6.6 percent over 2014, while local passengers increased 16 percent. This represents 367,000 new passengers year-over-year.Cargo traffic grew by 11.3 percent in 2015. For the first time in its history, CVG experienced over 800,000 tons of cargo and has now experienced double digit year-over-year growth in three of the last four years. Since 2011, cargo volume has increased more than 50 percent and CVG continues to be the fastest growing cargo airport in North America. CVG is the ninth largest cargo airport in North America and 34th in the world.CVG also achieved a significant year-over-year decrease in its average domestic air fare with a decrease of 16.7 percent based on second quarter 2015 Department of Transportation reports. The decrease in air fare resulted in CVG dropping to the #20 ranking in the national top 100 airport report.“Both 2014 and 2015 were outstanding years for CVG and we continue to build this momentum,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “We have been successful in diversifying our carrier base with a strong mix of traditional and low-cost carriers. Customers in the Tri-State region have responded in a positive way. We have the community to thank for helping us achieve this great success.”“I congratulate the entire CVG team on the tremendous success achieved in 2015,” said J. Michael Schlotman, CVG Board Chairman. “The transition of CVG to a multi-carrier, multi-use airport operation with emphasis on serving the local community is creating a stronger airport for the future. Our new mission statement says, ‘we want CVG to be the airport of choice to work for, fly from, and to do business with,’ and these results clearly indicate we are moving in the right direction.”In addition to strong passenger, cargo and air fare improvements, airport land development also grew, spearheaded by a new 900,000 square foot distribution center for Wayfair Inc. on 52 acres of airport property. DHL also began development of a new 50-acre aircraft apron expansion capable of parking an additional 16 aircraft. Both projects should be completed in 2016 resulting in new economic development activity for the region.CVG leads the region with nonstop service to 53 destinations and more than 160 peak-day departures. In 2015, CVG added approximately 400,000 new low-cost carrier seats to its product offering and now offers low-cost carrier service to 23 destinations, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.2015 SuccessesPassenger & Cargo Metrics• Served 6.3 million passengers in 2015• Welcomed 367,000 new passengers through the front door• Local passenger traffic increased 16.0 percent• Total enplanements increased 6.6 percent• Total cargo tonnage increased 11.3 percent• CVG is the ninth largest cargo airport in North America and 34th in the worldAir Service Development• Added over 400,000 new low-cost carrier seats to its network and grew total capacity by 5 percent• Allegiant announced a new base of operations at CVG and is now the sixth largest airport onthe Allegiant network serving 13 destinations• CVG is now the eighth largest airport on the Frontier network and serves 11 destinations• Introduced new daily nonstop service with American Airlines to New York - LaGuardia• CVG continues to be the largest origin airport on the Vacation Express network with four destinations• CVG offers nonstop service to 53 destinations with more than 160 peak-day departures – more than any surrounding airportOperational Excellence• CVG earned renewal of Safety Act certification for its Airport Security Management Plan• Completed annual FAA certification inspection with zero discrepancies (“perfect score” by FAA)• Completed 2014 financial audit with no material weaknesses or significant deficienciesCustomer Experience• Recipient of World Airports Award from SkyTrax as Best Regional Airport in North America for fifth consecutive year. CVG is ranked 30th globally for the World’s Top Airports and the highest ranked airport in the United States. CVG ranked fourth for Best Airport Staff in North America.• Won the Best Concession Management Team by Airport Revenue News and was recognized for Best Amenities in the Small Airport Category• The CVG website; CVGairport.com won the Telerik Sitefinity website of the Year• Opened new children’s play area in concourse A• Opened new 1,500 square foot Smashburger concession in concourse A• CVG partnered with ArtsWave to present free performances showcasing the arts of the region to enhance the passenger travel experience• Added three new transportation buses to enhance service for ValuPark customers• Hosted the first ever all female Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.Business Development• Lowered the aircraft landing fee from $2.75 to $2.32 for signatory carriers• Established new five-year business model for airlines that will be in place through 2020• Construction began on a new 900,000 square foot / 52-acre distribution center for Wayfair, Inc.• DHL began construction on a new $108M, 50-acre aircraft apron and ground service equipment maintenance facilityEmployees• Employees and concession partners raise more than $39,000 for United Way and JDRF• The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati awarded CVG, Delta Air Lines and TSA with its Faces of Autism Community Appreciation Award in recognition of the SOAR (Starting Our Adventure Right) ProgramRead more - Jan 12, 2016
Allegiant Announces 2 New Destinations & Celebrates Base Opening
Nonstop Service to Destin & Baltimore / Washington DC Start In SpringJan. 12, 2016 — Allegiant Travel Company has announced plans to further expand their CVG network with the addition of two new destinations.Nonstop service to Destin, Fla. (VPS) and to Washington D.C. via Baltimore / Washington airport (BWI) will begin this spring, both operating with two weekly flights.Allegiant will now offer a total of 13 nonstop destinations from CVG that include: Austin, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; New Orleans, LA; Myrtle Beach, SC; Savannah, GA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Punta Gorda, FL; Orlando, FL; Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL; Jacksonville, FL.“We are excited about Allegiant’s continued growth at CVG with the addition of two new destinations,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “The Florida Panhandle has long been a desired nonstop destination for vacation travelers in the Tri-State region. We are also pleased that CVG will now provide the region’s only low-cost service to another key destination — Baltimore-Washington.”Nonstop service begins from CVG to:• Baltimore / Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on April 29 with fares as low as $39.\• Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) on May 20 and ends Sept. 5 with fares as low as $39.\Officials from Allegiant, CVG and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community are also celebrating the official opening of the new Allegiant Air Base of Operations and a new five-year airport lease agreement. The new base becomes Allegiant’s 14th and will be home to three Airbus A319 aircraft. Allegiant has hired more than 100 new local employees as pilots, flight attendants and support staff.“We are excited and honored that Allegiant has decided to once again grow their operations at CVG and further build on their commitment to the Tri-State community through their new 5 year lease agreement,” stated J. Michael Schlotman, Kenton County Airport Board Chairman. “We congratulate Allegiant on their success at CVG and look forward to supporting their expansion.”\About the introductory one-way fares: Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Jan. 13, 2016 for travel by Aug. 16, 2016. Price displayed reflects purchase by debit card; purchase by credit card subject to surcharge not to exceed $8 each way per passenger. See Allegiant.com for details. For optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.Read more - Jan 8, 2016
CVG Drops to #20 in DOT Fare Report
Air Fares Declined 17% in 2nd Quarter 2015Jan. 8, 2016 — Air fares from CVG continue to decline sharply as reported in the most recent Department of Transportation air fare data. CVG’s air fare position fell to #20, with fares dropping 17.0% year-over-year in the 2nd Quarter 2015 Department of Transportation report released on January 8th. Average fares at CVG have declined in 9 of the last 10 quarters dating back to the 1st quarter of 2013.“We are delighted with the improved air fare performance we have seen over the last two years,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “Travelers across the Tri-State region have taken notice. Our local passenger volume increased 16% year-over-year during the second quarter.”The trend of improved air fares is expected to continue into 2016. Allegiant Air opened a new base of operations at CVG on January 6th which will enable future expansion and additional flight options to both new and existing markets. American Airlines started new service between CVG and New York LaGuardia on Jan. 5 with three daily flights and Frontier Airlines just announced the addition of four new markets starting in April 2016. “We know the key formula for lower fares is providing competitive options for travelers,” said McGraw. “Diversifying our carrier base remains our primary strategic objective. Thanks to the support shown by the region for the new carriers and new route options, we are making progress in that effort.”During the 2nd quarter of 2015, low cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier Airlines represented 17% of the airport capacity compared to just 4% in 2nd quarter of 2014. Together, the low cost carriers boarded more than 138,000 passengers during the reporting period.Read more - Jan 7, 2016
Frontier Announces Service to Four New Destinations
_Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Philadelphia Begin in April_ Jan. 7, 2016 – Frontier Airlines announces four new destinations from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH) and Philadelphia (PHL). Frontier also will bring back seasonal nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW). Frontier will now serve 11 destinations from CVG which includes existing service to Denver (DEN), Orlando (MCO), Las Vegas (LAS) and Fort Myers (RSW). The new flights will start on April 14th, 2016.“Travelers between big cities have enjoyed low fares while many markets have remained overpriced and underserved,” said Frontier Airlines President Barry Biffle. “Frontier’s low fares in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will benefit thousands of new fliers including small business customers, friends and families who need to travel and even people who choose to drive because they haven’t found affordable air travel options. We see hundreds of additional opportunities like these throughout the country, fueling our growth for years to come.”“We are excited that, for the first time, CVG will offer nonstop low cost carrier service to four of our largest markets in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Philadelphia,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “In total, Frontier will be offering more than 50 weekly flights to 11 destinations and are growing their CVG service year-over-year by approximately 6 to 8 percent.” This new service from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will operate on a combination of 230-seat Airbus A321 aircraft, 180-seat A320 aircraft and 156-seat A319 aircraft. Customers can take advantage of Frontier’s bundled choice, The WORKSsm containing Frontier’s most popular options for one low price. The WORKS is available at FlyFrontier.com at time of initial booking and includes one carry-on bag, one checked bag, best available seat including Stretch and Exit Row options, full refundability when canceled at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure, no change fees and priority boarding.“We are proud Frontier is once again expanding their foot print at CVG,” said J. Michael Schlotman, Kenton County Airport Board Chairman. “Thanks to the support of the entire Tri-State community, Frontier has experienced tremendous success at CVG. We are confident these new routes will be a success and further enhances CVG as the airport of choice for the region.”Introductory Fares to Los Angeles and San Francisco start at $79 each way, Houston (IAH) at $59 each way and Philadelphia at $39 each way.Read more - Jan 5, 2016
American Begins Service to New York
Up to 3 Daily Flights to La GuardiaJan. 5, 2016 – American Airlines begins service today from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to New York LaGuardia (LGA).Starting January 5th, American will offer three daily flights Monday through Friday and 2 daily flights on Saturday and Sunday. The new service will be operated with state of the art Embraer E-170 aircraft featuring 9 First Class and 60 Economy seats.“Our goal is to provide as many options and choices of carriers in all CVG markets,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “We are especially pleased that American has decided to add LaGuardia to their CVG network since it is a key business market for our passengers.”New York - La Guardia becomes the 8th destination served by American from CVG and is in addition to Charlotte, Washington – Reagan, Dallas, New York – JFK, Miami, Chicago – ORD and Philadelphia. American is the second largest carrier at CVG, offering 244 weekly flights.“This is great news for our business travelers in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community,” said J. Michael Schlotman, Kenton County Airport Board Chairman. “New York is our highest-demand business market. The new service will further build on the convenient options available in this market. We are proud American is growing their service at CVG.”Read more - Dec 10, 2015
CVG Earns Safety Act Renewal
Remains Only US Airport with Certification==========================================Dec. 10, 2015 — The Department of Homeland Security has renewed CVG’s Safety Act Designation and Certification awards for its Airport Security Management Plan. The awards recognize CVG’s Airport Security Management Plan for meeting and exceeding all current industry standards through the implementation of innovative anti-terrorism counter-measures. The Certification award in particular recognizes CVG for demonstrating and documenting the consistently proven effectiveness, with high confidence of enduring effectiveness, of its Airport Security Management Plan.The renewal award is valid through December 31, 2020. CVG originally received Safety Act Designation and Certification in June 2011, becoming the first airport in the country to apply for and receive protection under the Act.“We are very proud of our Safety Act Designation and Certification,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “The awards validate the innovative work and attention to detail the professionals at CVG perform every day. Providing a safe environment and protecting our passengers, customers and employees is our top priority.” Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III, Kenton County Airport Board Chairman added, “I congratulate the entire CVG team for this outstanding achievement. We strive to be an industry leader in all facets of airport operations and these awards are just another example of the outstanding work our team does every day.”The term Safety Act refers to the Department of Homeland Security program instituted in 2002 and is an acronym for the “Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies” Act. The Safety Act provides important legal framework and liability protections for providers of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies whether they are products or services. The goal of the Safety Act is to encourage the development and deployment of effective anti-terrorism products and services by providing liability protections.Read more - Dec 8, 2015
CVG Team Recognized for Work with Autism Society
Dec. 4, 2015 — The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati has awarded CVG, Delta Air Lines and TSA with its Faces of Autism Community Appreciation Award in recognition of the SOAR (Starting Our Adventure Right) Program.The SOAR Program operates in conjunction with The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Delta Air Lines and TSA.SOAR is a unique acceptance-through-education opportunity, professionally designed to provide those on the Autism Spectrum first-hand airport familiarization and encouragement to travel by air while increasing understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among our airport community professionals. Individuals with ASD and up to three family members experience a fully guided tour of airport travel processes to include check-in, security, departure gate, aircraft on-boarding, and return to bag claim. Volunteer health, airport, airline, and security personnel will be present throughout for mutual support and education.“We strive to accommodate our passengers at CVG. It is a true honor to be recognized alongside Delta Air Lines and TSA with 2015 Faces of Autism Community Appreciation Award by Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “The SOAR Program is a great opportunity for families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to experience CVG. We want our passengers to feel safe and comfortable when flying.”“Delta employees at CVG are proud to volunteer and support SOAR, an important community event. We enthusiastically look forward to it each time it’s presented,” said Eric Flannery, field director, Delta Air Lines. “We are humbled to receive the 2015 Faces of Autism Community Appreciation Award alongside CVG and TSA.”“Our TSA Cares programs strives to provide travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process,” said Mark Howell, spokesperson, TSA. “The SOAR program is an extension of TSA Cares. We grateful to be honored with the 2015 Faces of Autism Community Appreciate Award with CVG and Delta Air Lines.”“The families and children that we work with at The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TKOC) are greatly appreciative of the SOAR program. Due to SOAR, some families can now fly to experience a family vacation,” said Dr. Jennifer Smith, psychologist at TKOC/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Co-Chair of the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Faces of Autism Awards Committee.Currently, the SOAR programs is offered twice a year at CVG. The next SOAR will be occur in Spring 2016. If you are interested in more information, please email info@cvgairport.com.Read more - Nov 27, 2015
4th Straight Month of 20%-Plus Growth
Best Overall Month Since June 2006==================================Nov 19, 2015 – For the fourth consecutive month CVG has experienced year-over-year local passenger growth of 20% or more in October.Local passengers increased 21.8% year-over-year, representing more than 257,700 originating passengers. Total enplanements, which includes connecting traffic, increased 9.5% while cargo tonnage grew 6.1% and parking transactions increased 15% compared to October 2014.“October was the strongest month for local passengers since June of 2006 and this was our best October since 2000,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer. “We are experiencing our best year of passenger boardings in over a decade.” Year to date, CVG local traffic is up 16.7% and total enplanements are up 6.6%.New low cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier Airlines account for the largest increase in year-over-year passenger volumes. The two carriers now represent more than 20% of the local traffic and are helping bring down the average air fare as reported by the Department of Transportation. Other carriers are also seeing significant increases in passenger volume as a result of using larger aircraft on existing routes from CVG. United Airlines increase by 27.1% and American increased 22.3%. Delta Air Lines increased 2.7%.Read more - Nov 19, 2015
Holiday Travel Tips at CVG
Nov. 19, 2015 — CVG is getting ready for the Holiday travel season offering passengers travel tips to get you to your destination faster. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving will be the busiest travel days. We recommend travelers get to the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Passengers should check with their airlines for the most up to date flight information.Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, commented, “With increased flight options and more capacity, we expect passenger volumes to increase approximately 10% compared to 2014.” Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III, Kenton County Airport Board Chairman added, “Customer service is a top priority for CVG. We encourage our passengers to visit our website, where travelers can check their flight status, weather and see up to the minute security wait times for both TSA Pre-Check and general screening.”Passengers can also take advantage of our multiple parking amenities which include: valet parking, reserved premium parking and golf cart shuttles in the garage. You can also reserve your parking spot in the garage through our online booking system. CVG gets you from our long-term parking lot to the terminal in four minutes or less.CVG offers over 20 unique and diverse eating options including The Club at CVG which is a shared use lounge located in Concourse A. In addition, we have two locally unique experiences in our Graeter’s kiosk locations. New this season is the Kids Landing play area is located in Concourse A near Starbucks.Our 160 volunteer Airport Ambassadors will be out in the Terminal and Concourses to answer questions and help with any questions for our passengers traveling for the holidays. Look for the Airport Ambassadors at the Information Booths located in Concourses A and B plus Baggage Claim.Preparing For Your TripBook your trip as early as possible and take advantage of great holiday fares. You can always find fare deals on our website.Before Leaving HomeTo save time checking-in at the airport, print your boarding pass, select your seat and check your bag on-line from the comfort of your home. You can also check the status of your flight at CVGairport.com.Familiarize yourself with passenger and baggage security procedures at tsa.gov.Follow CVG on Twitter: @CVGairport. During the holiday season, CVG will continue to post travel tips, weather information and promotions to assist travelers.At the AirportLook for our Public Safety Assistants wearing the yellow jackets/vests located from curbside to security ready to answer your questions and help get you to your gate faster.Passengers in a wheelchair, using a stroller or service dog can utilize a designated lane in security which is staffed by our Public Safety Assistants. Free Wi-Fi is available including plenty of outlets to recharge all your electronics before the flight.Security TipsFor protection against lost luggage, label your bags inside and out with your contact information. Be sure to include the address and phone number of your destination.Weapons may not be carried aboard the aircraft. This includes replicas, toy weapons and anything that can be mistaken for a weapon. Check tsa.gov for a list of approved checked items including accepted liquid and limitations.When using general screening, be prepared to remove blazers, coats and bulky sweaters and activate any electronic or battery-powered equipment as part of the security inspection. This includes laptops, music players, games and phones. PreCheck customers may leave jackets and shoes on and electronic devices may remain packed in carry-on luggage. You can find more information about Pre-Check online via tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. Passengers can utilize CVG’s Pre-Check Enrollment Center located on the baggage claim level which is open from Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 5 pm.Do not wrap gifts that you plan to carry onboard. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift.Read more