News & Updates
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Newsletter - April 2, 2018
April 2, 2018
Shoals Flight Center…Northwest Alabama Regional Airport… one-stop shop for its customers’ general aviation needs
February 22, 2018
Originally published in the Quad Cities Daily.
The Shoals Flight Center at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) is a one-stop shop for its customers’ general aviation needs, and like larger Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), offers a variety of services and amenities to ensure favorable flights for all.
MSL provides airline service from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee, through Boutique Air, but the airport is home to a lively general and corporate aviation destination, too.
In the general aviation sector, MSL provides high quality service for pilots and companies based in Muscle Shoals, as well as those passing through.
From landing to take off and everywhere in between, the Shoals Flight Center staff provides prompt fueling and excellent customer service.
Previous guests at MSL’s facilities left wonderful comments about their time on the ground, according to AirNav.com. Customer Nels Hanson said MSL was a “top-notch place to stop.”
Others had similar experiences.
“They make you feel right at home,” said Larry Johnson, another customer.
Additionally, pilots have access to the recently renovated FBO, which boasts comfortable snooze rooms, conference rooms, flight planning and other lounge areas.
Next, the Shoals Flight Center maintains a fuel contract with Epic Fuels and provides high quality, pre-blended Jet A fuel with additive and 100LL Aviation Gasoline. MSL’s fuel prices rival prices with other fuel stops within a 50 mile radius, according to AirNav’s fuel comparison.
The Shoals Flight Center even offers 100LL fuel through the M4000 QTPod system, the first self-fueling system approved in Alabama, where pilots can pay at the pump and be on their way. This system is the industry standard for self-serve fueling systems, according to QTPod.
In addition, the Shoals Flight Center owns a Piper Cherokee and a Cessna Skyhawk available for rent at $75 and $130 per hour, respectively. Pilots often utilize these planes during flight instruction, and they can rent them for practice and personal uses.
The Shoals Flight Center at MSL welcomes all pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The FBO is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is available after hours for a $75 per hour call-out fee.
For any questions about the Shoals Flight Center’s services, please call (256) 383-2270 or visit online at www.flytheshoals.com.
Airport needs to increase passengers to protect EAS contract
February 11, 2018
Originally published in the Times Daily.
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport may have to seek another waiver to remain in the Essential Air Service Program if it fails to bring its per passenger subsidy amount below $200.
The airport received a waiver from eligibility requirements for fiscal year 2016 after the Shoals experienced four months without air service, according to an order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Shoals is one of eight communities that has been granted a waiver from the eligibility requirements of the Essential Air Service program.
The EAS program provides an annual subsidy to Boutique Air, which provides daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Nashville International Airport.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently approved a new contract for four years. The subsidy amount is $2,778,811 this year and increases to $2,992,475 the fourth year, according to Boutique's proposal.
To remain eligible, the airline must board at least 10 passengers per day and maintain a $200 or less per passenger subsidy amount.
According to the order, the Shoals and 26 other communities exceeded the subsidy cap, and six failed to board 10 or more passengers per day. Waivers were granted to the Shoals and seven other communities that experienced an extended service hiatus during fiscal year 2016.
The Shoals was without air service for about four months after SeaPort Airlines left the area on Oct. 23, 2015, more than a year before its contract expired. Boutique Air began service Feb. 23, 2016.
The Shoals was granted a waiver because of the service hiatus and the hardship it caused the community. While the Shoals was able to board at least 10 passengers per day, the hiatus impaired the community's ability to maintain the per passenger subsidy cap.
Airport Director Barry Griffith said airports are reviewed every fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.
"This review looks at the total number of enplanements (boardings) in comparison to the annual subsidy amount," he said. "The DOT's regulatory requirement is that you must have 10 enplanements per day with a limit of a $200 subsidy cap per passenger. If MSL is not in compliance with either or both of those requirements, then the community will receive a termination notice from the DOT in the form of an order."
According to the Transportation Department's order, the Shoals annual per passenger subsidy was $243 in fiscal year 2016. The average number of enplanements per day was 17.3.
If the Shoals receives a termination notice, the community would have the opportunity to respond and point out how boardings have increased, and per passenger subsidy costs have decreased over previous fiscal years, he said.
Griffith said the airport may have to seek another waiver to remain in the EAS program if the per passenger subsidy is not reduced.
"If the airport has to go through this process, we are confident that we can show how our market is recovering and how the traveling public has embraced Boutique Air over the two-year contract period," Griffith said. "We would also highlight the cooperative marketing efforts between the airport and Boutique Air to promote the service, and how we would expand our advertising reach in 2018."
Griffith said more passengers need to utilize the service this year.
"It's a use it or lose it type situation," he said.
Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Caitlin Holland said the airport is important to the Shoals' economy.
Holland, a member of the chamber's Shoals Air Services Committee, said they are looking at additional means of promoting the airport, especially social media campaigns. She said Griffith has brought in some students from the University of North Alabama to help with social media advertising.
She said they're considering billboard and local radio advertising to reach more people.
"They're kicking around some more progressive ads to get the word out," Holland said. "I think Barry is really starting to think outside the box."
Why Fly The Shoals
January 20, 2017
Originally published in the Quad Cities Daily.
When it comes to traveling, how passengers reach their destination matters just as much as the destination itself.
When you “Fly the Shoals” with Boutique Air, your travel goals become our travel goals. Finding affordable fares, gaining access to desirable destinations and having a consistently reliable flight schedule makes Boutique Air at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) a top pick for travel options in the Shoals area.
First, when taking to the skies, travelers want to ensure their fares will not climb as high as the plane they plan to board. A whopping 77 percent of passengers reported comparing price before anything else when booking a ticket, said consumer advocate Christopher Elliot in a survey.
Passengers will “fly private for the cost of commercial” aboard a Pilatus PC-12, a nine-seat, single-engine jet, with fares starting at $39 one way to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and $59 one way to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Additionally, travelers have access to free parking at MSL, cutting travel expenses even more.
Next, Elliot’s survey ranked the airline’s schedule as a traveler’s second highest priority, with 48 percent of passenger votes.
Boutique Air averages three flights to ATL and one to BNA each day. This schedule remains consistent, making trip planning more ideal. Travelers can worry less about planning their flight and focus more on planning their outings in Nashville or Atlanta.
Nashville houses a variety of tourism opportunities and sporting events. The hockey powerhouse team, the Predators, as well as the Tennessee Titans make their home in Music City. Nashville has a vibrant nightlife scene and a plethora of country music and concerts within an hour’s flight from the Shoals.
Likewise, Atlanta has the Falcons, the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coke, where visitors can cheer for their team and tour some of the city’s most popular attractions. In just over an hour, passengers can be inside the city limits, without the travel limitations.
When flying with Boutique Air at MSL, passengers receive great service and a gateway to travel opportunities.
Visit www.boutiqueair.com or call 855-268-8478 to book a seat for your next adventure. We look forward to having you “Fly the Shoals!”
Winter weather truck gets first real test
January 17, 2018
Originally published in the Times Daily.
Tuesday's winter weather was the perfect time for the Muscle Shoals Public Works Department to try out its new winter weather truck.
And what better place to do it than one of the runways at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.
"It was our first time to use it," Public Works Director Butch Fleming said of the vehicle. "It gave us an opportunity to adjust it."
The city modified an older truck that had been mounted with a boom and clamshell attachment which was used for picking up debris. The truck had been taken out of the regular rotation, and the boom attachment was removed.
Workers placed a salt and sand spreader on the back of the chassis, and mounted a snowplow blade on the front. A rubber piece on the blade helps protect the pavement from damage.
Fleming said the snowplow blade can remove snow while the spreader spreads sand or salt behind the vehicle. The operator can lift and turn the blade, and spread sand and salt with controls inside the cab.
After they tested the truck at the airport, Fleming said workers removed snow on Avalon Avenue from the airport to Shoals Hospital. They also used it to remove snow from other heavily traveled city streets, and cleared snow from in front of the police and fire departments.
Airport Director Barry Griffith said the plow was effective in removing the snow, but the runway was still slick because they didn't have the proper chemicals to treat the runway once the snow was removed.
He said they cannot use salt on the runway. The de-icing chemicals needed are expensive, but the airport may try to work them into the budget in the future.
"It's worked well so far," Bradford said of the vehicle. "We've done all the main streets, the hospital, police and fire departments. We tried to help the airport a little bit."
He said the city will keep sand and salt on hand for inclement weather like this, but Fleming said the truck also could be used to remove debris from streets following a severe thunderstorm or tornado.
The mayor said workers were not able to clear any side streets.
Bradford said the city had to suspend garbage collections Tuesday due to the icy conditions. Griffith said flights at the airport were cancelled but service will resume once conditions are safe.
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Newsletter - January 2, 2018
January 2, 2018
Boutique Air will continue serving the Shoals
November 20, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
U.S. Department of Transportation has decided to continue Boutique Air's Essential Air Service contract to provide commercial air service to the Shoals.
This time, however, the department approved a four-year contract instead of the normal two-year agreement.
Boutique air has served the Shoals since February 2016.
The airline provides daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Nashville International Airport on a nine-passenger Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
"Because of their outstanding performance, the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Authority's preference was to recommend a four-year contract with Boutique Air to continue to provide essential air service to the region," Airport Director Barry Griffith said.
Rick Elliott, a member and former chairman of the airport authority, said the committee that selected Boutique, the airline and the Transportation Department all wanted a four-year agreement.
The EAS program provides a government subsidy to the airline for operating in the Shoals and other markets in the U.S. Elliott said the four-year agreement helps the Transportation Department financially.
"They will be able to forecast what financial requierments are going to be in the next four years," he said.
Locally, it gives airport officials some comfort knowing the airline will be in place for the next four years, so long as it meets certain criteria, such as boarding at least 10 passengers per day, and it keeps the per passenger subsidy at or below $200.
"Boutique Air has re-established dependable and affordable air service for Northwest Alabama," Griffith said. "Shoals residents have embraced the service, and our numbers are starting to climb."
The Shoals was issued a show-cause order in September because it was not in compliance with the subsidy cap, but received a waiver from the Transportation Department due to a service hiatus that occurred in fiscal year 2016 after SeaPort Airlines prematurely left the area.
The Transportation Department's order stated that a final order addressing the Shoals' eligibility "will be forthcoming."
Griffith said the subsidy cap has been brought down to near $200.
Elliott said he does not know how long the EAS program will be around, so one day, the community will have to step up to support commercial air service.
"There has to be a willingness on the part of the community to pay their fair share instead of knocking on everybody's door for a handout," he said.
Both Griffith and Elliott said access to air travel is good for business, good for jobs and the financial health of the community. Elliott said it's just as important for people wanting to come to the Shoals as it is to those needing to travel outside the area.
Airport authority wants Boutique Air to remain in Shoals
October 24, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
A committee charged with selecting a commercial airline for the Shoals is asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve the Essential Air Service proposal submitted by Boutique Air.
Boutique Air has provided commercial air service at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport since February 2016. The nine passenger Pilatus turboprop aircraft provides three daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and one to the Nashville International Airport.
Boutique was one of four commuter airlines that submitted proposals to provide commercial air service to the Shoals.
A committee that included Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford, Airport Director Barry Griffith, airport authority members, Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Caitlin Holland and Shoals Economic Development Authority Executive Director Forrest Wright met with Boutique President Shawn Simpson and Brian Murphy of airline corporate development to discuss the proposal.
Griffith said the airport authority had the final say in selecting Boutique and asked Bradford to draft a letter to the Transportation Department.
Bradford said the committee appeared to be united in its desire for Boutique to continue providing air service.
"Boutique Air's average completion (rate) of 98.8percent has helped reestablish community trust in the airport," Bradford said.
Bradford said the Shoals is seeking a four-year agreement this time, rather than the typical two-year contract period.
"The DOT is in favor of the four-year contract becuase it gives them the ability to forecast their budget and know they have service lined up during the contract period," Griffith said.
The airport director said the other three proposals were discussed, but the committee chose not to ask for those airlines to make local presentations.
"We have been very pleased with their on-time performance and reliability," Griffith said of Boutique Air. "We have seen a tremendous turn around in people flying out of Muscle Shoals because flights are on schedule and we are tracking to have over 12,000 passengers by end of the year."
The airport is boarding more than 10 passengers per day and is very close to meeting the $200 per passenger subsidy requirement.
"We anticipate the DOT will write the order for the sevice before the end of the year so there will be no service interruption," Griffith said.
Grant to help build airport hangars
October 12, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
A Federal Aviation Administration grant will help the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport build new hangars.
Airport Director Barry Griffith told Shoals Air Services Committee members the $350,000 grant will be matched by $350,000 provided by the airport.
Griffith said the type of hangars constructed has yet to be determined.
There are 30 hangars at the airport. Some are T-hangars, which would resemble a large letter T from above, while others are box hangars that resemble a large garage that can house one or more aircraft.
The airport also has 18 aerial ports, which are open-air covers similar to a carport.
The hangars are clustered on various parts of the airport. The newest hangar was built in the southeast quadrant near Shoals Research Airpark and houses three aircraft.
Most of the hangars are owned by individuals, but six are used by large corporations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Griffith said the new hangars also will be built in the southeast quadrant, which has been developed through a series of grant projects.
There is a development meeting next week to discuss what type of hangers will be built. Once that is determined, specifications will be developed and the project will be sent out for bids.
Griffith said there is a preference for box hangars, but T-hangars are more economical.
"We have a waiting list of about eight people who have put deposits down," the airport manager said.
Box hangars are also conducive to raising awareness of the airport. The airport held a W.C. Handy Music Festival event in a hangar this year.
Committee member and Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Caitlin Holland said a young professionals group in Huntsville hosted an event at a hangar at the Huntsville International Airport.
Holland said a hangar would be a good venue for that type of event in the Shoals.
"The airport is cool a place and we're blessed in the area to have it," Holland said. "But unless you're travelling, you don't have to go over there."
In addition to the Handy festival event, there is a local chamber Christmas party held in a hangar.
Committee member Steve Wiggins said aircraft owners will often add furniture and televisions to hangars, making them a place to socialize with other pilots at the airport, thus creating a sense of community.
Airport seeking funds to resurface runway
October 11, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
The Northwest Alabama Regional Airport is seeking funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to resurface and redesignate one of its two runways.
Director Barry Griffith said the airport has a funding request in its Airport Capital Improvement Project list. Griffith said it's been about 12 years since the the runway was resurfaced.
Griffith said the project is estimated to cost $3,939,000, with 95 percent of the cost covered by the FAA, while the airport and the Alabama Department of Transportation will cover the remaining 5 percent. The local and state contributions would be $81,750.
The director said due to ongoing shifts in the planet's magnetic field, runway 11/29 will be redesignated as runway 12/30, Griffith said.
The project also includes the replacement of directional signage, wind indicators and various runway markings.
The runway designation tells pilots what direction they need to fly to line up with the runway. The numbers are tied directly to a runway's location in relation to the Earth's magnetic poles.
Airport security fencing project about halfway to completion
October 10, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
A Mississippi firm is about halfway done installing 14,100 feet of new security fencing to protect the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.
Airport Director Barry Griffith said the project is being completed by Columbus Fence Co. through a $243,300 Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The airport and the Alabama Department of Transportation are each providing a 2.5 percent match.
Griffith said the 6-foot-tall fence is topped with three strands of barbed wire and includes wildlife deterrent fencing to repel burrowing animals and three perimeter gates. It's replacing old fencing located at the north end of the airport property.
4 airlines vying for Shoals EAS contract
October 8, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
Four commuter airlines are vying for a contract that will provide federally subsidized air service to the Shoals, including the current carrier Boutique Air.
The Shoals Essential Air Service Contract expires in February. Requests for proposals have been submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which administers the EAS program.
In addition to Boutique Air, Air Choice One, SkyValue Airways and Contour Aviation have all submitted proposals.
"The airport authority and Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford are reviewing proposals and anticipate making a selection prior to the deadline date of Oct. 19," Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Director Barry Griffith said.
Boutique Air is offering to continue daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Nashville International Airport. They're proposing a two-year contract with an option for four years.
The subsidy amount would be $2,778,811 the first year and $2,848,281 the second year. If the contract expands to four years, the subsidy amount the fourth year would be $2,992,475, according to the airline's proposal.
Flights would continue on a nine-seat, pressurized Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. To increase brand recognition, the airline said it would spend at least $20,000 on advertising and marketing.
According to their proposal, Boutique Air has increased Muscle Shoals' passenger traffic by 241 percent versus Silver Airways, and 743 percent versus Seaport Airlines.
Seaport served the Shoals for not quite a year in 2015 while Silver Airways provided service from 2012 to 2014.
The Shoals endured a gap of four months without air service until Boutique Airlines took over in February 2016.
Air Choice One is offering 24 weekly flights to Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta on a 19-seat, twin-engine Beachcraft 1900 aircraft. The schedule would provide 12 weekly flights to each city. For the first two years, the subsidy amount would be $2,795,870 per year. If a four-year option is selected, the subsidy amount for the final two years decreases to $2,767,911.
Countour Airlines is offering 24 weekly flights to Atlanta and Nashville, Tennessee on board a twin‐engine Jetstream 31/32 airliner that seats 19 passengers. The proposal offers 12 flights to each city per week, or 18 flights to Atlanta and six flights to Nashville per week.
The subsidy amount would be $2,998,172.35 per year. The airline is currently serving Tupelo, Mississippi, and would deduct $100,000 from the subsidy amount of each community selected.
SkyValue Airlines is offering contracts to both the Shoals and Tupelo, Mississippi. The airline would provide 12 weekly fights to Atlanta on board an Embraer ERJ 145, which is capable of accommodating up to 50 passengers. The subsidy amount would be $4,573,115 for two years.
Griffith said he is trying to remain neutral in the decision-making process.
"It's really the board's selection," Griffith said.
Bradford said he and his family have had good experiences with Boutique Air, and he's received compliments from members of the public as well.
"Every time I've flown it's been 75 percent full, sometimes 100 percent," Bradford said. "They've done everything they said they were going to do."
Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Caitlin Holland said the preference leans to signing another contract with Boutique.
"I know the correspondence I've seen shows strong support for Boutique," she said. "They seem to be very reliable. Certainly our numbers look good."
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Newsletter - October 2, 2017
October 1, 2017
Officials pleased with drill outcome
September 29, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
Local officials said they were pleased with the overall response during a Thursday drill at Northwest Alabama Regional Airport but added there always is room for improvements.
Local emergency responders descended on the airport during the drill, which involved a scenario of two planes crashing on the airport runway.
Students from Northwest-Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama volunteered for the roles of victims. In all, 26 were labeled with various levels of serious injuries. Responders evaluated them in a massive triage operation.
Mike Melton, director of the Colbert County Emergency Management Agency, said the agencies met afterward to evaluate their responses.
Melton said they noted communications issues and the need for a more secure spot to take patients during the triage phase, but the operation went well.
"We feel like we could accomplish what we would need to if this were the real thing," Melton said. "We will study write-ups by the evaluators to see what we could do better next time."
He said evaluators likely would complete those in a few days.
Melton said local law enforcement agencies would help handle Muscle Shoals police calls during such an emergency, and a system needs to be put in place regarding when to call those agencies.
"Do you call them as soon as it hits or only if they get overloaded?" Melton asked.
He said those back-up agencies likely would become involved in planning meetings for such emergencies to handle that issue.
Airport Director Barry Griffith said the Federal Aviation Administration requires a full-scale drill every three years.
Griffith said he was impressed by local emergency agencies and evaluators. He said the drill included people posing as family members of victims who attempted to breach security to get to the scene.
"The airport emergency drill was very successful," he said. "They were able to point out positives as well as improvements that are needed, so that airport personnel are better trained to handle these types of emergencies."
Melton said the drill always is a learning experience.
"One reason we exercise is you have turnover in every agency," he said. "It's important to continue these exercises and try to give people an idea of what it could be like during an emergency."