Updates about Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (NWFBIA)

On the issue of passenger demand for flighst to the new airport, I think you miss the point. Most of the time, I end up flying into Pensacola and then drive to Sowal because the flights into Pcola are much cheaper (thank you AirTran). But I will fly into the new airport in a heartbeat if I can geat flights at a reasonable cost.

I live in the DC area. What I am really hoping for are direct Southwest flights out of nearby BWI (Southwest's east coast sub-hub). That could make my trip to the beach house a quick 3- 4 hours. That's how long it takes to drive to the nearby brownwater beaches.

Trust me when I say -- if you get Southwest flying into that airport -- the seats will be filled.

That's the idea, but it may take time. Some people seem to be under the impression that this whole project is being done as some sort of light switch. People like to down the new airport because they haven't really read what the airport authority is saying. The airport authority is saying the over the next 50 years it will eventually be a major airport with international flights. Most of the Debbie downers hear that next year we'll have 747's of international visitors and then they gleefully laugh the it won't happen. Well it won't as it's a new airport, and probably won't have a low cost carrier the day it opens either.

That's the idea, but it may take time. Some people seem to be under the impression that this whole project is being done as some sort of light switch.

Where the 'ell would someone get that impression??

Oh, yeah: Flights at new airport to begin May 2010, official says - LATEST NEWS BRIEFS - The News Herald

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Mel Ponder was named executive director of Coastal Vision 3000 in front of a crowd of nearly 100 business and community leaders at the site of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport. Ponder unveiled plans for a membership campaign for the nonprofit marketing organization that has branded a six-county area of Northwest Florida as "The Beach."

Attending Thursday's presentation were state Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, airport executive director Randy Curtis, St. Joe Co. spokesman Jerry Ray and Davage "Buddy" Runnels, chairman of Destin-based The Sterling Companies.

Runnels, co-founder of Coastal Vision 3000, said national and international flights would begin landing at the new airport in May 2010. "It brings hope and faith that our future is bright," he said.

Gaetz praised the group for its forward thinking.

"I believe a rising tide floats all boats, and Coastal Vision 3000 represents a regional consensus to grow our economy through smart economic decisions," Gaetz said.

On the issue of passenger demand for flighst to the new airport, I think you miss the point. Most of the time, I end up flying into Pensacola and then drive to Sowal because the flights into Pcola are much cheaper (thank you AirTran). But I will fly into the new airport in a heartbeat if I can geat flights at a reasonable cost.

I live in the DC area. What I am really hoping for are direct Southwest flights out of nearby BWI (Southwest's east coast sub-hub). That could make my trip to the beach house a quick 3- 4 hours. That's how long it takes to drive to the nearby brownwater beaches.

Trust me when I say -- if you get Southwest flying into that airport -- the seats will be filled.

Southwest is a big player in here in Omaha. If they go to the new airport, which I believe they will, That will get us down there more often. Our only flights are through NWA, and that is a pain in the butt!

Southwest covers the lower part of Florida pretty well, so this would seem like the next migration. Either way, I hope that it lowers the price from NE some.

Where the 'ell would someone get that impression??

Oh, yeah: Flights at new airport to begin May 2010, official says - LATEST NEWS BRIEFS - The News Herald

OK...one more time...

All "international" means, in the grand scheme of things, is that customs services are located at the airport. That means that when Joe Schmo, who has loads of money and an airplane, flies in from, let's say, the Caribbean or from somewhere north of the border in Canada, he doesn't have to call for customs to drive to the airport from the Port of Panama City. That is an international flight by definition. SWGB is 100% correct. It is not a light switch for commercial scheduled flights. If the new airport does get a scheduled commercial flight in the future, it will likely be seasonal service from Canada.

It would be fabulous if Southwest flew to PC from Dallas. Even if we have to make a stop in Houston or N.O. We always fly into Pensacola, but it takes so long to make it to SoWal. PC has got to be faster.

It would be fabulous if Southwest flew to PC from Dallas. Even if we have to make a stop in Houston or N.O. We always fly into Pensacola, but it takes so long to make it to SoWal. PC has got to be faster.

Why not fly into Val-P?

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Why not fly into Val-P?

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Perhaps because Southwest doesn't currently fly into Val-P?

Perhaps because Southwest doesn't currently fly into Val-P?

OP Stated: "We always fly into Pensacola, but it takes so long to make it to SoWal."

Southwest doesn't currently fly to Pensacola either. Hence my suggestion of Val-P for next visit vs. PNS.

At the July 28 Airport Authority Board meeting, the Board received an update on the relocation project and awarded bids for the NAVAID package and exterior signage.
Airport Relocation Report

• 40% of the edge lighting on the Runway and Taxiways is complete.
• 63% of the utilities package is complete with all of the power distribution lines completed.
• 44% of the terminal package is complete. The terminal building, public safety building and the Air Traffic Control Tower are each about two weeks behind schedule while the Air Cargo and Air Maintenance buildings are ahead of schedule.
• The terminal roof is approximately 90% complete.
• The landscaping contract is underway and erosion measures and Best Management Practices (BMP) are in place along the main access road.
• There are 43 people working in Morrell Branch restoring the area and removing silt. Another 25 people are performing the same type work in Kelly Branch. Both crews are working 50 hours per week on the project.

Bid for NAVAID Package
Three bids were submitted for consideration for the Runway 16/34 NAVAID and Air Traffic Control Tower equipment package at the new airport. Based on a review by PBS&J, the Board awarded the bid to Hypower, Inc. for $2,040,200.
Bid for Exterior Signage Package
Five bids were submitted for consideration for the Exterior Signage Package at the new airport. Based on a review by PBS&J, the Board awarded the bid to Panama City based Bell Signs for $691,890.88.
Bids submitted for the NAVAID package and exterior signs package can be downloaded here.

VP is a great little airport - but in my experience, the flights there are much more expensive. The issue is cost. I currently choose Pensacola (even though it adds a 2 hour drive to my place) because it's cheaper.

Look at the record -- passengers always win when Southwest enters a market. Other airlines across the area will be forced to lower prices to compete. And every single time there has been a new airport built in the state of Florida, significant economic growth has followed. Southwest in a new airport will be an economic shot in the arm to an area that could use it -- and it will come just about the time the PC area will be coming out of its real estate slump.

I look at this from the perspective of a part-time 30A resident who lives full-time in the DC area. I desperately want a BWI to Bay County direct flight. The other side of the coin ... I am certain there are many people (especially military families) who would use flights in the other direction. I mean, who wouldn't want a cheap flight from PC to your nation's capital?

Come on Southwest --- we need you!

VPS has always been more expensive than PFN. They need more airlines to compete in order to drop prices.

On the other hand, the flights into VPS are always packed to the gills at those high prices so there's no incentive to lower them. People are still choosing to fly there at a premium rather than PFN.

Pensacola is its own animal. It's a little too far removed from the area to be a player in the grand scheme of things. They probably share passenger load for the areas from VPS to points west, but I doubt they get many PFN passengers. Dothan is closer to PFN than Pensacola is...

Pensacola and Mobile each try to poach the other city's air travelers. I've seen billboards for That Other Airport in each of the cities.

VP is a great little airport - but in my experience, the flights there are much more expensive. The issue is cost. I currently choose Pensacola (even though it adds a 2 hour drive to my place) because it's cheaper.

Look at the record -- passengers always win when Southwest enters a market. Other airlines across the area will be forced to lower prices to compete. And every single time there has been a new airport built in the state of Florida, significant economic growth has followed. Southwest in a new airport will be an economic shot in the arm to an area that could use it -- and it will come just about the time the PC area will be coming out of its real estate slump.

I look at this from the perspective of a part-time 30A resident who lives full-time in the DC area. I desperately want a BWI to Bay County direct flight. The other side of the coin ... I am certain there are many people (especially military families) who would use flights in the other direction. I mean, who wouldn't want a cheap flight from PC to your nation's capital?

Come on Southwest --- we need you!

Somehow I just can't see Southwest going into the new PC airport anytime soon--I can be wrong (it's been known to happen once...maybe twice).

Southwest had its quarterly earnings call last week. Since Nov, they've reduced their flights by 300 (9%) and had to deeply discount fares to fill up planes. Even though their planes were filled above average capacity--their revenues were down below post 9-11 levels. Their business travel and freight revenues were in the toilet and they're very concerned about raising fuel costs going forward. They clearly played a great hand when they hedged the price of fuel last summer, but they currently haven't got a clue of how to play the market going forward.

From what I know about Southwest, and their penchant to minimize costs while maximizing revenue, I don't see them chomping at the bit to bring their airline into the middle of a pine forest where their pax (for the next several years) will be primarily seasonal tourists. And though "pax always win" when Southwest enters a market, Southwest doesn't make business decisions based on that premise.

I think that Val-P or Pensacola would be a better fit for their airline; each is flanked by midsized cities with business, military and tourist traffic (although I don't see them jumping on those in the near future either). I would think Pensacola would be choice #1, but AirTran already has that market.

I think the Coastal 3000 and their ilk are running on the "build it and they will come" mindset that is a product of the bubble era. The recession has changed everything and they just don't see it (or want to see it)...they're too busy looking in the rear view mirror...or just "in" the rear.

I would much rather have Air Tran, they're known to have seasonal service. Myrtle Beach used to only have Air Tran during season. That would be fine with me as I really don't want to get the heck out of dodge until season hits. Since the military regularly charters planes with Air Tran it would seem like an easy move.

Contract 1: Heavy Civil and Airfield Lighting
Approximately 91% of contract is complete with 77% of the contract time used.

• 40% of the edge lighting on the Runway and Taxiways is complete.
• Phoenix has submitted a plan to DEP for draining the 75 acre pond.
• There are 43 people working in Morrell Branch restoring the area and removing silt.
• Another 25 people are performing the same type work in Kelly Branch.

Crews are working approximately 50 hours per week on the project.
Contract 2: Terminal Building, ATCT and Support Buildings
Approximately 40% of the contract is complete with 48% of the contract time used.
Terminal:

• Exterior sheathing all areas is 75% complete.
• Roof sheathing and underlayment all areas is 95% complete.
• Beginning installation of CMU walls in Baggage Handling area.

Air Traffic Control Tower:

• Continuing mechanical/electrical and plumbing work.
• Continuing MEP work through Level 4.

Terminal Support Facilities:

• Continuing interior framing of Air Maintenance Facility and Air Maintenance Shed.
• Continuing with the installation of exterior wall panels and installation of electrical in Air Cargo Facility.

Rental Car Facility:

• Continuing with plumbing and electrical rough-in.
• Began compacting and prepping for Slab on Grade.

Public Safety Building:

• Completing metal decking and installing stairs.
• Continuing installation of CMU at vehicle bay.

Manpower:

• An average of 165 personnel are on site Monday through Friday.
• 9 workers on site on Saturday.

Contract 3: Utility Contract
Approximately 49% of contract work is complete with 54% of the contract time used. All interim milestones are being met or exceeded.
Main Access Road:

• 3W2″ Power Distribution Duct Bank: 95% complete
• Installation of wiring by Gulf Power.
• Street Light Duct Work is 94% complete.
• Wire being pulled.
• Boxes being installed.
• 6W4″ Power Distribution Duct Bank: 100% complete.
• Jack and boring on Main Access Road for fire hydrant installation.

Joyner Road:
24″ Water Main is 98% complete.
GA Access Road:

• 12″ water main is 96% complete.
• 30″ water main is 86% complete.

Lift Station:

• Lift station is 50% complete.
• Plumbing being installed

Fuel Farm:

• Fuel farm is 15% complete.
• Electrical work in progress.

Booster Station:

• Booster station is 35% complete.
• Concrete roofs being installed.

Triturator:

• Triturator is 10% complete
• Vault installation in progress

Contract 4: Landscape/Hardscape Contract

• Continuing to collect and transplant Juncus plants to wetlands area in Kelly Branch.
• Disking and limerock on Main Access Road to begin on Thursday August 5th.
• Seeding of Main Access Road scheduled for Monday August 10th.
• ValleyCrest to use erosion control matting where necessary along Main Roadway.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAiA8L9LDxA"]YouTube - Panama City Airport Update[/ame]

Just got this today...
Thanks Kurt for the update... Saw this photo also...

Southwest Airlines rumor affirmed

Sunday my daughter was on a Southwest flight from Corpus Christ to Dallas. Southwest Founder Herb Kelleher was also on the flight. She asked the flight attendant to confirm with him that Southwest Airlines would be coming to the new Panama City Airport. He nodded in the affirmative. Yahoo!!!

Sunday my daughter was on a Southwest flight from Corpus Christ to Dallas. Southwest Founder Herb Kelleher was also on the flight. She asked the flight attendant to confirm with him that Southwest Airlines would be coming to the new Panama City Airport. He nodded in the affirmative. Yahoo!!!

I saw on the Atlanta news the other day that South West was purchasing Frontier Airline, and that would bring SW in to ATL. I hope if your flying into PC in the future on SW you want have to go through the ATL nightmare.

That would take one exclamation point out of my "Yahoo!"

You're correct about ATL nightmare. I'm hoping that won't be the case with Southwest.

Announcement near on low-cost carrier for new airport - The News Herald

Airport officials might be just weeks away from announcing the addition of a new low-cost air carrier to the Panama City-Bay County International Airport under construction near West Bay, officials said Tuesday.

....

Rowe said airport officials were probably only 45 days away from making an announcement about a low-cost carrier’s commitment to the new airport, set to open in May 2010.


“We are in the 11th hour,” board member Andy Phillips agreed. “We are very, very close.”
One of the carriers mentioned by TDC members Tuesday was Southwest Airlines, one of the possible carriers airport officials are trying to recruit. The value of such a low-cost carrier would be in chartered international flights, Phillips said.

You mean the nay sayers and debbie downers could be wrong?
Lord help us, next they might have some sort of feriner plane.

Word on the street - YES, Southwest is coming to PFN - will provide direct service to Orlando, Baltimore, Nashville and Houston. Typically, airlines do not make formal announcements about new routes/destinations until 4 weeks prior to start up. This is a very competitive business!
I travel almost weekly and utilize VPS since it has better service and cheaper rates - but I'm counting the days until the new PFN is open!!!

I'll be checking out the new airport in person later today. The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is having a little tour with about 200 Realtors.

Looking forward to your report SJ. The more I know about this airport, the sooner we may be able to build our home in Grayton.