Updates about Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (NWFBIA)

**Lake View Too** · 02-17-2010, 01:39 PM

451 posts so far about this little old airport...it had better be the most spectacular airport of all time! Where's my sarc mark or sarcasterist or whaterever it is?

(I feel so much better...)

**BeachSiO2** · 02-17-2010, 01:54 PM

I just looked at Delta flights for a three day trip during the same week in April, May and June. They all had the same starting city, but the first two landed in PFN for approx. $620. The third one landed in ECP for $325. Very interesting...

**Paula** · 02-17-2010, 07:39 PM

I compared a southwest flight with a delta flight from Detroit to the new Panama City airport. The southwest flight was about $350 and the Delta was about $370 - not much difference, but I hope there are sales. Delta's flight into Fort Walton Beach was $450. So, the new airport will be making it less expensive to get to SoWal. I will be looking for sales for sure.

**goofer44** · 02-17-2010, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Paula

Now that I've finished crying because Southwest did not decide to offer direct flights from Detroit, I've looked to other solutions. Southwest has connecting flights from Detroit through Nashville or Baltimore to the new airport, and both are cheaper than other flights into Panama City or Fort Walton Beach. They take about the same amount of time as well. And I assume Southwest will have sales as well. So, even if we haven't gotten rid of the layover from the midwest to SoWal, at least flights look like they'll be cheaper. And that makes me very happy. A direct flight would make be ecstatic.

Southwest has a hub in Phoenix. Perhaps someday there will be direct flights to the new airport. In the meantime I should be enjoying cheaper fares too.

**beachmouse** · 02-24-2010, 09:44 AM

St. Joe Co. reports 2009 loss as it awaits opportunities around Panama City airport | Jacksonville.com

St. Joe said in its annual report filed today that it does not expect �significant favorable changes� in the housing market in 2010.

Company officials are much more optimistic about the opening of the Panama City airport. St. Joe last fall negotiated an agreement with Southwest Airlines Co. that will bring eight daily non-stop flights into the airport.

�We believe this is a game changer for our company and our shareholders,� St. Joe CEO Britt Greene said in a conference call with analysts.

**kurt** · 02-24-2010, 10:23 AM

Tannehill: Delta To Fly Bigger Jets to New Airport — The New ECP

Delta Air Lines is expected to bring bigger planes and lower prices, [Airport Authority Chairman Joe] Tannehill said. Government officials expect the airport to draw new companies, increase tourism and help the Bay County economy recover from the worst recession since 1975 faster than other areas of the state.

Delta is expected to begin flights of MD-88 jets when the new airport opens at the end of May.

**BeachSiO2** · 02-24-2010, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Tannehill: Delta To Fly Bigger Jets to New Airport � The New ECP

Delta Air Lines is expected to bring bigger planes and lower prices, [Airport Authority Chairman Joe] Tannehill said. Government officials expect the airport to draw new companies, increase tourism and help the Bay County economy recover from the worst recession since 1975 faster than other areas of the state.

Delta is expected to begin flights of MD-88 jets when the new airport opens at the end of May.

The prices look lower already from what I checked. It will be great if they switch to MD 88's.

**Will B** · 02-24-2010, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Tannehill: Delta To Fly Bigger Jets to New Airport � The New ECP

Delta Air Lines is expected to bring bigger planes and lower prices, [Airport Authority Chairman Joe] Tannehill said. Government officials expect the airport to draw new companies, increase tourism and help the Bay County economy recover from the worst recession since 1975 faster than other areas of the state.

Delta is expected to begin flights of MD-88 jets when the new airport opens at the end of May.

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

The prices look lower already from what I checked. It will be great if they switch to MD 88's.

But...and I stress a big "but"...

If they don't fill them, don't be surprised if the 88's aren't gone within a couple months. My gut feeling is that Delta expects a surge due to SW, but if they can't fill them, Delta will revert back to the smaller regional jets.

It's a calculated risk at best. Currently, the aircraft being used only operate at about 60-70% capacity...maybe 80 as a stretch. That sounds like a good number until you put those passengers in a MD88. Now, you're talking about 20%. That math doesn't add up to $$ made. If they can fill 'em, more power to them, but only time will tell.

**BeachSiO2** · 02-24-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by singinchicken

But...and I stress a big "but"...

If they don't fill them, don't be surprised if the 88's aren't gone within a couple months. My gut feeling is that Delta expects a surge due to SW, but if they can't fill them, Delta will revert back to the smaller regional jets.

It's a calculated risk at best. Currently, the aircraft being used only operate at about 60-70% capacity...maybe 80 as a stretch. That sounds like a good number until you put those passengers in a MD88. Now, you're talking about 20%. That math doesn't add up to $$ made. If they can fill 'em, more power to them, but only time will tell.

Fair enough. I will enjoy them while I can.

**DuneLaker** · 03-02-2010, 01:49 PM

Does anyone know if the Northwest Florida "International" airport will make it easier for our international friends to get here? Right now, friends in Germany who fly Lufthansa rent a car in Orlando or sometimes from Atlanta. Will Southwest airlines or any airline flying into new airport strike a deal with airlines like Lufthansa so travelers can book directly into our SoWal area? As it is now, these friends are not able to book to this area directly. With the Patriot Act, they must fly back and forth to Germany every three months. Better connections would sure make it easier for them and encourage their friends to visit. They are very excited about the new airport being only 20 or so minutes from their beach house in SoWal.

While I'm at it, I hope the taxi service being developed to serve this international and well traveled national group is up to the task. The last time our friends flew into the area and took a taxi from the airport to SoWal, the trip was horrific and they feared for their safety. The driver was over an hour late (probably had to sober up.) Vehicle was dirty and not in good working order. The finishing touches of good ground transportation must not be neglected.

**Will B** · 03-02-2010, 02:21 PM

Delta will fly them all the way through out of the new airport. Lufthansa is a member of the Star Alliance. They should be able to book straight through to Sowal on USAir, Continental, and United. I can't remember which of those three, if any, will be at the new airport. Currently, USAir and Continental both fly into Ft Walton which may or may not help.
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If you are flying Southwest, Airtran, or a few other point to point carriers chance are slim. They keep their costs down by not having connecting bag agreements and connections from other airlines. Maybe that's all changing in today's environment, but that's how they used to work.

**kurt** · 03-03-2010, 04:59 AM

http://newpcairport.com/2010/03/sout...cing-airfares/

Southwest Competition Already Reducing Airfares

In a letter to The News Herald that was published Feb. 25 (“New airport has yet to land lower airfares”, Mr. Bruce Kennedy complained that the new airport has not resulted in lower airfares.

To make his case he compared the purchase of two Southwest Airlines’ tickets to San Antonio departing on June 1 and returning on June 6. The total price for the two round-trip tickets was $587.60, or $293.80 per person.

He compared this with Delta Air Lines fares for the same dates and found their fares to be $3 lower. His conclusion is that nothing has changed and Panama City fares remain high even with the new Southwest service.
That is incorrect.

The U.S. Department of Transportation collects data on actual air fares sold, with the latest information available being the 12-month period ending in September 2009.
Based on that information, the average round-trip airfare sold from Panama City to San Antonio during that 12-month period was $694 per person.

That cost does not include taxes and other fees that were included in Mr. Kennedy’s fare quote. Therefore the comparison is $1,388 (plus taxes and fees) for two tickets in 2009 versus $587 (including taxes and fees) with the new Southwest fares.

The fact that Delta is matching the Southwest fares is evidence that the competition provided by Southwest is generating significantly lower air fares.

Mr. Kennedy was also critical of Southwest’s level of customer service referring to seat assignments and beverage services. In response I would note that Southwest has routinely been ranked by various consumer and industry organizations as No. 1 in the airline industry in customer service.

The new airport is about many things that will provide economic benefits to our community. This includes improved airline service at lower cost to the traveling public.

RANDY CURTIS
Executive Director
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

**Paula** · 03-03-2010, 05:35 AM

Delta to Fort Walton Beach has had some great airfare sales this year. There was one in the fall, and there's one going on now with rates from Detroit to Fort Walton Beach below $300 through June.

I still think an untapped market for SoWallers is the midwest. This cold, snowy winter up north has inspired people who live up north to think about going south. Both my winter renters from this year already booked for next winter (even though it was so cold in SoWal this year).

**kurt** · 03-04-2010, 06:14 AM

Noted Chef to Cater Airport Grand Opening — The New ECP

The anticipated large crowd at the four-day gala planned for the opening of the new airport near West Bay on May 23 will be fed by noted Pensacola chef Jim Shirley, officials said Wednesday.
Shirley is perhaps best known for preparing the meals for Spanish King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia when they visited Pensacola to help celebrate the 450th anniversary of the Spanish settlement.

For those interested in attending the the Grand Opening “Green Tie” Dinner, The News Herald reports:

Tickets for the Friday dinner will go for $1,250 per 10-person table, with individual tickets selling for $125. The first day of operations for the new $318 million airport is set for Sunday, May 23, including the first official flight of low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines.

Contact Grand Opening Committee Chairman Dan Rowe to purchase tickets. Rowe told The News Herald:

Tammala Spencer of Panama City has been hired as the official event planner for an amount “not to exceed” $31,000, Rowe said. Bids for producing the event totaled $281,000. The cost for entertainment was not included, Rowe said.

All money is being raised through donations from private companies, organizations and individuals; “in-kind” services.
Airport Authority board members refused to use budgeted airport funds for the gala.

**kurt** · 03-08-2010, 08:09 AM

St. Joe reveals timetable on West Bay, gears up marketing | timetable, bay, west - News - The News Herald

St. Joe Company is gearing up to promote West Bay as a premier location for industries and plans to have infrastructure in place before 2012. “What we are creating in West Bay is a new central business district for Bay County,” said Kevin Johnson, St. Joe vice president of economic development. “This is the largest mixed-use facility in the United States of America.”
Johnson spoke to a packed room of more than 200 government and city leaders during the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly First Friday event.
“The most exciting news is they have a timetable and they are investing in infrastructure,” said Janet Watermeier, Bay County Economic Development Alliance executive director.
St. Joe has a timeline to complete infrastructure for the first 100 acres at the new industrial park adjacent to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport by about mid-2011, Johnson said. Another 300 acres are planned to be ready by the end of that same year, he said. Eventually, 1,000 acres will be developed for industrial, flex-commercial office and retail use....

**RKauffman** · 03-14-2010, 12:28 PM

Does anyone who has been keeping track of this project know how likely it is to slip from the scheduled May 23 opening? There were some rumors a few weeks ago about a potential delay caused by some nonpayments to contractors/subs.

I'm planning on taking advantage of one of the new nonstop Southwest flights (Baltimore)for Memorial Day, but if the opening date might slip then I might need to figure out alternate arrangements...

**kurt** · 03-14-2010, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by RKauffman

Does anyone who has been keeping track of this project know how likely it is to slip from the scheduled May 23 opening? There were some rumors a few weeks ago about a potential delay caused by some nonpayments to contractors/subs.

I'm planning on taking advantage of one of the new nonstop Southwest flights (Baltimore)for Memorial Day, but if the opening date might slip then I might need to figure out alternate arrangements...

Contractors threatened to stop work but were paid last week the money they said they were owed so official word is on schedule. My guess is it will be open on the promised day but we'll have to wait and see what kind of flight schedules they will be able to keep for the first few weeks.

**kurt** · 03-25-2010, 04:41 AM

Tannehill Pushes for Cross-Wind Runway — The New ECP

Airport Authority board Chairman Joe Tannehill is usually unflappable, presiding calmly at board meetings that can sometimes grow contentious over issues such as budgets, industrial development or sod.

On Tuesday, he took the unusual step of moving out from behind the board member’s dais to renew his strong support for building a crosswind runway at the new airport under construction near West Bay.

“We need to do everything we have committed and promised,” he said from the audience podium, noting that the board will go through changes in the coming months. Both his term and the term of Vice Chairman Bill Cramer expire in June…

…Admitting he was taking the board by surprise, Tannehill said he would ask other members in two weeks to advertise for bids on the secondary runway, expected to cost about $18 million.
“If we can construct the crosswind runway without going out for more debt, we should do it,” Tannehill read from a prepared statement. “We have committed the crosswind runway to our GA (general aviation) friends, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation).”

Tannehill made a case that the airport had a total of $321 million to spend for the construction of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, including two loans totaling $40 million from Florida’s State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loans program, $15 million of which was untapped so far…

RB · 03-25-2010, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

Fair enough. I will enjoy them while I can.

I can see delta flying in the MD88's but reducing the # of flights per day from Atlanta. I think they have 8 flights per day now. I see no reason why they couldn't reduce this to 5 or 6 with bigger planes until demand grows.

**kurt** · 03-29-2010, 06:17 AM

Airport “Coming Together” for May 23 Opening — The New ECP

Overall construction of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is now 93 percent complete as workers rush to meet a May 23 grand opening date, officials said last week.
“Everything is on schedule and looking good,” said Jeff Dealy of KBR, program manager for the $318 million airport relocation project. “It’s all coming together in April”…
…The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has scheduled a final pre-inspection of the 10,000-foot runway for mid-April and a concluding inspection for mid-May, he said.
FAA officials already conducted a successful flight inspection of the runway earlier this month.
In addition, all of the outlying structures of the $63 million seven-building terminal complex — minus the terminal building, which is about 92 percent complete — is expected to be turned over to the Airport Authority by mid-April, Dealy said…

**scooterbug44** · 03-29-2010, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by RB

I can see delta flying in the MD88's but reducing the # of flights per day from Atlanta. I think they have 8 flights per day now. I see no reason why they couldn't reduce this to 5 or 6 with bigger planes until demand grows.

Delta is going to have to SEVERELY step up its customer service (like actually start providing some) if it wants to fill those planes!

My last experience flying with them was such an infuriating cluster from start to finish that I can't wait to fly Southwest (or basically any airline but Dont Expect to Leave The Airport)!

**kurt** · 04-01-2010, 04:40 AM

**GoodWitch58** · 04-01-2010, 11:40 AM

In case anyone is interested in the new airport and Southwest, this looks like a good presentation. Commuity is invited. "You are invited to "The Sky's The Limit Airport Conference" tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the GCCC Conference Center of Student Union East. This conference is co-sponsored by Gulf Coast Community College and the Airport Authority.

The new airport in the West Bay region of Bay County is the first new airport in the United States built since 9-11 and may transform our region in the next few years and decades. Our speakers will include representatives from the St. Joe Company and all of the local Economic Development offices. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Jack Kasarda who is the foremost world expert on the community "aerotropolis" which grows around a new airport. Come to see how our region will likely change in the future.

We will also have a speaker from Southwest Airlines who talk about our new air service and lower prices to fly in and out of our area. Tourist Development Council speakers from Bay and Walton counties will speak about more tourism dollars coming to the region."

2nd April 2010
9:00 am - noon
GCCC Conference Center

Welcome Dr. Kerley

St Joe Rod Wilson

Economic Development Panel Discussion
Kevin Johnson, Rick Marcum, Dawn Moliterno,
Ed Nelson, Jimmy Patronis, Janet Watermeier
Al Wenstrand, facilitator

Keynote Dr. Kasarda

Southwest Airlines Dana Williams

Tourist Development Dan Rowe
Sonny Mares

Closing Remarks Randy Curtis

**Hop** · 04-12-2010, 06:04 PM

FOXNews.com - They Have THAT at the Airport?

**Diane4145** · 04-12-2010, 11:46 PM

After seeing the $ and difficulties people have to get here, I have a new appreciation!

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Does anyone know if the Northwest Florida "International" airport will make it easier for our international friends to get here? Right now, friends in Germany who fly Lufthansa rent a car in Orlando or sometimes from Atlanta. Will Southwest airlines or any airline flying into new airport strike a deal with airlines like Lufthansa so travelers can book directly into our SoWal area? As it is now, these friends are not able to book to this area directly. With the Patriot Act, they must fly back and forth to Germany every three months. Better connections would sure make it easier for them and encourage their friends to visit. They are very excited about the new airport being only 20 or so minutes from their beach house in SoWal.

While I'm at it, I hope the taxi service being developed to serve this international and well traveled national group is up to the task. The last time our friends flew into the area and took a taxi from the airport to SoWal, the trip was horrific and they feared for their safety. The driver was over an hour late (probably had to sober up.) Vehicle was dirty and not in good working order. The finishing touches of good ground transportation must not be neglected.

**kurt** · 04-13-2010, 06:37 AM

St. Joe’s future set on new Panhandle airport | jacksonville.com

Wearing a hard hat amid the construction dust of the passenger terminal for the new Northwest Florida International Beaches Airport, it's hard to imagine that Southwest Airlines' first flight out of Panama City will take off on schedule on May 23.

But Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill insists the new airport will open as planned next month.

"We'll make it. The windows may not be washed, but we'll make it," he said.

They'd better. This is the first international airport built in the U.S. in 15 years, so it's receiving a lot of attention.

"In my view, it's not an option. It's [May 23] a fixed date," said Lisa Walters, a Panama City attorney who is the immediate past chairwoman of the Bay County Economic Development Alliance.

"The globe is watching us," she said.

In particular, a group of executives who currently work in a Riverside Avenue office in Jacksonville are watching closely. Many economic development officials in the Panama City area are hoping the new airport will make the region more accessible and open up new opportunities. But no one will benefit more than The St. Joe Co., the Jacksonville-based company that owns 71,000 acres immediately surrounding the airport and 300,000 acres within 40 miles of the site.

"This is really the future of our company," said Rod Wilson, president of the West Bay Sector for St. Joe. West Bay is the name given to the land adjacent to the airport that St. Joe intends to develop.

The new airport is in a remote area of Bay County surrounded by largely undeveloped land. But St. Joe and area economic officials envision practically a new city sprouting from the airport.

"We are creating a new central business district for the region," said Kevin Johnson, St. Joe's vice president of economic development who was brought in last fall to market West Bay.

"We have a greenfield opportunity," Johnson said, referring to the vast area that is basically wide open for new and planned development.

"Greenfield opportunities are an anomaly.

"This is a very tide-changing opportunity for the state of Florida."

The opportunity is so important to St. Joe that after being headquartered in Jacksonville for three-quarters of a century, the company will move its offices to a new building in West Bay next year so it can monitor development of the region more closely.

"To me, it's about moving the company where the shareholders' assets are," said St. Joe Chief Executive Officer Britt Greene.
...

**DuneLaker** · 04-13-2010, 08:02 AM

Got email today from Southwest Airlines with Panama City Beach photo featured. I had signed up a month or so ago to get notices. This was the first time I've noticed the new airport featured with a picture on an email promo. When you click to book a package deal, several South Walton resorts and hotels pop up - Sandestin, Seascape and Watercolor. Will be interesting to see what their booking numbers do.

**legstad** · 04-13-2010, 08:34 AM

Regarding international flights. There will be direct service to and from Orlando, so they should be able to connect there from their Luthansa flights. (Also, one-stop same plane service orginating from Ft. Lauderdale through Orlando) Regarding the taxis, guidelines have been established for transportation servicers that should improve service.

**DuneLaker** · 04-13-2010, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by legstad

Regarding international flights. There will be direct service to and from Orlando, so they should be able to connect there from their Luthansa flights. (Also, one-stop same plane service orginating from Ft. Lauderdale through Orlando) Regarding the taxis, guidelines have been established for transportation servicers that should improve service.

Thanks. Do you know how their baggage will connect?

**kurt** · 04-13-2010, 09:05 AM

Does anyone think there will be at least one direct flight to Europe?

**kurt** · 04-13-2010, 09:06 AM

CB Richard Ellis to market first 1,000 acres of mixed-use property

Jacksonville, FL - April 12, 2010 - The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) today announced the launch of VentureCrossings Enterprise Centre at West Bay, Florida. VentureCrossings, one of the nation's largest, most unique office, retail, hotel and industrial developments, encompasses the first 1,000 acres to be developed by St. Joe within the 75,000-acre West Bay Sector Plan adjacent to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opening in May.

The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the first international airport built in the United States in the last 15 years, replacing the existing Panama City - Bay County International Airport. St. Joe donated 4,000 acres within its West Bay Sector Plan for the construction of the new airport.

VentureCrossings includes approximately 100 acres designated for retail, office and hotel uses, approximately 300 acres for light industrial uses, and approximately 600 acres for manufacturing, distribution and logistics companies seeking "through the fence" access to the new airport's 10,000-foot runway.

Within VentureCrossings, St. Joe is developing an approximately 50,000 square foot Class A multi-tenant office building with construction beginning later this year. The Company is relocating its corporate headquarters, currently in Jacksonville, Florida, to this multi-tenant building by the summer of 2011. The new offices will provide St. Joe with a location central to its numerous residential communities and commercial properties, as well as its lands slated for new business and development opportunities in the region.

"VentureCrossings is an unparalleled greenfield site and a unique multi-modal opportunity for expanding businesses interested in air, land and sea access," said Kevin Johnson, St. Joe's Vice President of Economic Development. "Because of our region's strong military presence and transportation assets, West Bay is an ideal growth area for industries including aerospace, defense, renewable energy and logistics services."

Northwest Florida already has seven military installations and research institutions, including Tyndall and Eglin Air Force Bases. The region is also home to over 1,900 aerospace and defense businesses, in addition to a well-trained workforce that includes military personnel, veterans and retirees.

St. Joe has engaged CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services firm, to help attract VentureCrossings' first retail, office and industrial occupants for this prime development location.

"VentureCrossings is an exceptional location for companies requiring large capacity and room for expansion with proximity to the new international airport, the deepwater port at Port Panama City, rail and highway connections, and an attractive quality of life," said Robert McFarlane, Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis Global Corporate Services. "We believe VentureCrossings will attract companies seeking to benefit from the 'blank canvas' this major new commercial development represents."

For more information on VentureCrossings, visit www.venturecrossingsfl.com.

**Will B** · 04-13-2010, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Does anyone think there will be at least one direct flight to Europe?

Nope...current loads into Panama City don't warrant one. Maybe a charter flight here or there, but no scheduled service...

**Will B** · 04-13-2010, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Thanks. Do you know how their baggage will connect?

That's a sticky wicket. Southwest, to the best of my knowledge, does not have connecting baggage agreements with other airlines. That's part of the low cost business model. If that, in fact, true, the bags will have to be claimed in Orlando and rechecked with Southwest.

**DuneLaker** · 04-13-2010, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by singinchicken

That's a sticky wicket. Southwest, to the best of my knowledge, does not have connecting baggage agreements with other airlines. That's part of the low cost business model. If that, in fact, true, the bags will have to be claimed in Orlando and rechecked with Southwest.

How far is the Southwest terminal from arriving/departing international flights. Will be curious to see what the real process is. Will customs be handled in Orlando or West Bay or both?

**scooterbug44** · 04-13-2010, 10:23 AM

I caught part of a radio ad this morning touting the new airport/Southwest and it sounded like they have added more new routes - Chicago Midway and another I didn't catch were mentioned in addition to Nashville, Baltimore, Houston, and Orlando.

P.S. Other airlines should take note - I am just one of the people loving their new ad campaign about "take my bag, not my money."

**Will B** · 04-13-2010, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

How far is the Southwest terminal from arriving/departing international flights. Will be curious to see what the real process is. Will customs be handled in Orlando or West Bay or both?

Dunno...

Looks like Lufthansa comes into gates 60-99 on the B terminal and SW uses gates 100-129 on the A terminal...

http://www.orlandoairports.net/image...nding_maps.swf

Here are the international arrival procedures...

Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Arrivals Guide

From what I can see on Flyertalk.com and Lufthansa.com, there is not an agreement between the two airlines which means that they will have to claim their bags and recheck them with SW. I can't find anything concrete, but all indicators point that way.

**scooterbug44** · 04-13-2010, 11:37 AM

I thought the whole point was to have customs in PCB.

Typically you arrive, go through passport control, collect your luggage, go through declarations, then recheck your luggage for domestic screening and go through security again yourself.

Or, if you are like me, you clear passport control and find an airline rep waiting to tell you that your luggage is in a different country/continent and it gets delivered several days later.

**Will B** · 04-13-2010, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I thought the whole point was to have customs in PCB.

Typically you arrive, go through passport control, collect your luggage, go through declarations, then recheck your luggage for domestic screening and go through security again yourself.

They will have Customs at the new airport. That's why "international" is in the name. You can fly directly into the existing airport, today, from an international location, but you have to wait for Customs to come over from the Port of Panama City to clear you, your airplane, and the luggage. When an airport has "international" as part of the name, all that means is that there is onsite Customs available.

**HelenM** · 04-13-2010, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Paula

I compared a southwest flight with a delta flight from Detroit to the new Panama City airport. The southwest flight was about $350 and the Delta was about $370 - not much difference, but I hope there are sales. Delta's flight into Fort Walton Beach was $450. So, the new airport will be making it less expensive to get to SoWal. I will be looking for sales for sure.

Even if there isn't much of a difference in the ticket price, remember that Southwest doesn't charge for 2 bags per passenger, while the other airlines do.

**HelenM** · 04-13-2010, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I caught part of a radio ad this morning touting the new airport/Southwest and it sounded like they have added more new routes - Chicago Midway and another I didn't catch were mentioned in addition to Nashville, Baltimore, Houston, and Orlando.

P.S. Other airlines should take note - I am just one of the people loving their new ad campaign about "take my bag, not my money."

I love that ad campaign too! Flying Southwest could save a family of 3 about $300 roundtrip by not paying for luggage!

**scooterbug44** · 04-13-2010, 03:23 PM

I really don't think it is at all unreasonable for me to be able to check one bag that easily meets their size and weight guidelines for free (that really just contains all the stuff I can't take through security) in return for me only carrying on one small bag and/or personal item that I stow below the seat.

And if the airlines think I am not adding 10-15 pounds of extra stuff to my bag and using them as a shipping service because it galls me to pay extra for this "service", they obviously have not been paying attention.

On the plus side, people across the country are enjoying all the specialty food items, gifts, and books I bring when I MUST check a bag.

**beachmouse** · 04-13-2010, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by singinchicken

When an airport has "international" as part of the name, all that means is that there is onsite Customs available.

There are plenty of small border region airports that serve less than 20K commercial passengers a year that are 'International Airports' because the guy who mows the grassy areas next to the runways and cleans the toilets is also appropriately credentialed to serve as a part-time customs official when someone at the airport needs that service.

**Will B** · 04-13-2010, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by beachmouse

There are plenty of small border region airports that serve less than 20K commercial passengers a year that are 'International Airports' because the guy who mows the grassy areas next to the runways and cleans the toilets is also appropriately credentialed to serve as a part-time customs official when someone at the airport needs that service.

I have no reason to doubt that. I'm giving the FAA's criteria for an airport being designated as "international". I guess that, technically, if you are scrubbing a toilet at that airport then Customs is technically on site.

**DuneLaker** · 04-13-2010, 08:34 PM

I am going to come back in my next life as a road engineer and add to that runway/airport engineer. How could they have the "wrong rocks" under the drainage system at the airport that could be a problem as discussed on the 6 p.m. news and cause delay for a crosswinds runway!! Good grief. I swoon knowing that they are going to be paving my road and changing the drainage. Yuck!!! I can't go into that here, wrong thread. But, how can they not have paved this airport area to the most exact, correct specifications?! Should be story in the morning papers. Will have to catch the news again at 10. (Thanks for posting the story this am Goodwitch, you too Kurt, so I could edit airport runway to airport drainage area. I was listening/watching while posting on SoWal at 6 and ended up not watching again at 10. I had paving on my mind.)

**inside635** · 04-13-2010, 09:12 PM

Been following this thread for 15 or so months. After reading 495 replies, this Texan who drives 12 hours, can't wait for the airport to open. Even if there aren't as many Texas license plates in SoWal this summer, do know that our $$$$ are happily going in SoWal's tax coffers! We Texans happily give out tax $$$ to SoWal.
As I was going to my school the other day, I was behind 3 cars that had 30A decals on the back window. I was the third! I have about 85ish days till we are basking in the sun in SoWal! See you then!

**GoodWitch58** · 04-14-2010, 06:36 AM

Airport board learns of new problems | problems, airport, west - News - The News Herald

Hopes for a renewed discussion about building a crosswind runway at the new airport were dashed Tuesday when the Airport Authority board learned that millions of dollars might be needed to fix the site�s stormwater drainage system.

With just 40 days remaining before a scheduled May 23 opening, $4 million in specialized sand in a large filtration pond might have to be replaced. In addition, the wrong type of crushed rock was used for the support of more than 6 miles of under-drains.

**kurt** · 04-14-2010, 06:37 AM

TDC official hits the road for new airport | official, airport, panama - News - The News Herald

The executive director of the Bay County Tourist Development Council has been earning his share of frequent flyer miles recently, promoting the opening of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Besides already having visited New York, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Houston, Dan Rowe is planning upcoming trips to Nashville, Tenn., and Orlando, talking to local newspapers and lifestyle magazines and giving interviews on local television stations.

.....

“That is what we are all about, telling the world about the new airport and Panama City Beach,” Rowe said. “There is a lot of interest in the opening of the new airport.”
Rowe is not the only regional tourism official on the road talking up the link between new airport’s potential and Southwest, which has started airing television commercials promoting Northwest Florida in key markets.

Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, recently spoke to the Walton County Chamber of Commerce about travel opportunities a new non-stop route will open between the new airport and Nashville, a city within which Southwest, the nation’s largest domestic airline, has operated for 15 years.

Southwest Airlines and TDC officials signed an agreement in November 2009 that coordinated spending local bed-tax funds with Southwest’s efforts to market the area.

A month later, Southwest announced it would operate eight daily nonstop flights to the new airport from Orlando, Nashville, Tenn., Baltimore and Houston, four “gateway” cities in which a strategic marketing message would appear.

**kurt** · 04-14-2010, 06:45 AM

Southwest Airlines Commercials Sell Panama City Beach

As the Airport Authority races to complete the project by May 23rd, Southwest Airlines is already [COLOR=darkgreen ! important]selling[/COLOR] the new destination all over the country.
Bay County Tourist Development Council members received an update Tuesday on the latest marketing efforts for the area.

Southwest is currently running two commercials highlighting Northwest Florida's 17 hidden beaches, accessible through one destination, Northwest Florida Beaches International.
Southwest filmed the commercials a few months ago in various locations around town, featuring real Southwest employees.
They are hoping these advertisements will attract even more people with their low costs and zero baggage fees.
Some of the money collected through the TDC's 5th cent [COLOR=darkgreen ! important]sales tax[/COLOR]funded the commercials.

**kurt** · 04-14-2010, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

I am going to come back in my next life as a road engineer and add to that runway engineer. How could they have the "wrong rocks" under the runway that could be a problem as discussed on the 6 p.m. news!! Good grief. I swoon knowing that they are going to be paving my road. Yuck!!! I can't go into that here, wrong thread. But, how can they not have paved this runway to the most exact, correct specifications?! Should be story in the morning papers. Will have to catch the news again at 10.

More Drainage Issues at New Airport Site

"It could be no problem, it could be serious."
That's Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill's assessment of the potential issue involving the backbone of the underground drainage system laid out over a substantial part of the airport property.

Contractors buried the maze of large pipes, then surrounded it with rock. But, instead of using hard, durable rock, workers apparently used a softer rock, which could deteriorate over time.

"It could be something that will require us to take a lot of rock, 80,000 cubic yards of rock out and put harder rock in," commented Tannehill.
Before they begin digging up asphalt, grass and concrete, board members want to test the rock to answer some key questions.

"The question is, the rock that is put in there, after testing, how long is it going to last? Is it going to be 50 years, 100 years, is it going to be 5 years?" asked Tannehill.

"That will be an issue for the engineers to address. I don't think it's quite that severe of an issue at this point in time," said Airport Authority executive director Randy Curtis.

The other issue is who's responsible for the error. Board members say they don't know who's at fault, or why they are only hearing about it now.

"The one consistent fact that's out there is it's either the engineers or the contractor. That will play out as we go into mediation, further discussions," Curtis said.

Despite the concerns, board members say it won't delay the airport's May 23 opening. But, it could delay other projects.

Because of the potential costs of replacing that soft rock, Tannehill now wants to put discussions of a cross-wind runway on hold.

"I'd like to say I deferred it," said Tannehill. "I'll probably be pushing the cross-wind runway after I go off the board."

Tannehill and Vice Chairman Bill Cramer's terms end in June.

Board members will hold a special meeting next week to further discuss the issues, including sand problems in the stormwater drainage system.
On a related note, contractors say they have finally managed to grow grass on the airport site -- about knee-high in some places. They say they went out of the design specs to find a solution.

**SWGB** · 04-14-2010, 10:25 PM

Went on a tour of the new airport today. They definitely have a ways to go, but we were assured they would be open. We got to drive down the runway and tour the tower. Here's some photos:

This is the Rental Car area across from the terminal. This will house out of service rentals, car washing, and maintenance areas.

The new fire station is located in the center. Along with the terminal and air traffic control tower this has to be complete in order to open.

General Aviation aircraft hangers in the distance. Some may be done by the opening, but most likely general aviation will continue to use the old airport until June.

The terminal. Actual jet ways and they'll actually be used. Not sure if it's going to be a Delta or Southwest Jet that will be first to land or take off.

More of the Terminal

More terminal. The area at the bottom is the baggage area which includes all of the x-ray, bomb, and other security equipment.