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RDUUPDATE
From the Chairman Summer is upon us and the Triangle community is taking off to vacation destinations around the country and abroad. RDU continues to provide visitors with first-class customer service from arrival to departure. In the up coming months, we look forward to serving families and friends traveling for holiday weekends, family reunions and much more. While air travel begins and ends at RDU, the airport is also a place where our fascination with flight is indulged. The community is invited to spend the summer exploring RDU’s Observation Park and Crosswinds Cafe, located in the new general aviation terminal. Both locations provide opportunities to experience the wonder of flight with panoramic views of the airport’s runways. Check out pages 2-3 before your next outing to RDU! In May, RDU celebrated the tenth anniversary of nonstop service to London’s Gatwick Airport. The Triangle community has proven to be a strong
market for international service and RDU remains confident in our ability to further expand our service with support from local businesses, the community and our airline partners. RDU welcomes Independence Air to our family this summer. With service from RDU to Washington Dulles International Airport, Independence Air will provide low-fare options to passengers traveling along the east coast. The success of RDU depends on the support of our community. We thank you for another wonderful spring and look forward to seeing you this summer!
I N S I D E
Destination RDU: No Ticket Required . . . . . .2/3 Crosswinds Cafe Lands at RDU . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Success of International Service Reflects Strength of Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Independence Air Launches Service at RDU . . . . . . . . . . .4 Tenth Anniversary of London Service Brings Fanfare to RDU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 New Air Service at RDU . . . .6
David T. Clancy, Chairman Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
RDUUPDATE John C. Brantley Airport Director Karen T. Dunton Communications Specialist, Editor Mindy Hamlin Communications Manager RDU Update is published every other month by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority for its corporate and community partners and air travelers. Suggestions and comments should be sent to: Karen T. Dunton, Editor Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority P.O. Box 80001 RDU Airport, North Carolina 27623 USA Phone: (919) 840-2100 Fax: (919) 840-0175 Email: karen.dunton@rdu.com
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Terminal C Redevelopment Timeline July 1985 — American Airlines begins service to RDU. Soon after, American decides to locate a southeast hub operation at RDU and invests in the development of Terminal C. June 1987 — Terminal C, with 26 gates, opens as American’s hub facility.
The architectural design for Terminal C features vaulted ceilings and large windows providing a welcoming environment for passengers.
Architectural Vision for Terminal C Reflects Beauty of North Carolina The rolling hills of North Carolina and the state’s history of craftsmanship are just some of the characteristics architect Curtis Fentress focused on when designing Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Terminal C. The redeveloped terminal will reflect these elements and be transformed into a multi-airline facility that will greatly enhance the passenger experience. Fentress, of Denver-based Fentress Bradburn Architects, was charged with the task of developing a facility that reflects changes in the aviation industry, as well as the region served by RDU. “What we do is design for a great deal of flexibility,” says Fentress. “Having a facility that accommodates change is the key to a successful airport terminal building.”
ending their trips at RDU, the redevelopment will allow the terminal to accommodate the large number of people who must be processed through the ticketing, security and baggage claim areas. Major features of the terminal redevelopment include a new north concourse, expanded ticketing and security checkpoint areas and a new federal inspection facility for the processing of international flights. The design also includes components for future redevelopment of the south concourse. Pre-construction activities will begin late this year with the demolition of the north concourse. Construction will begin in mid-2005. The redevelopment of the north concourse will be completed in 2008 with all construction completed by 2009.
June 1995 — American closes its hub operations at RDU and leases gates, hold rooms and office space to Midway Airlines. September 2001 — Midway Airlines ceases operations. June 2002 — The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority assumes the lease of Terminal C and other facilities at a cost of $30 million. July 2002 — The Airport Authority begins assembling a project definition team to draft a plan that will guide future development of the terminal. October 2002 — Fentress Bradburn Architects of Denver joins the project definition team to assist in the planning and design of the terminal. March 2003 — The project definition team completes the Terminal C facility study. May-July 2003 — The Airport Authority develops the initial plan for moving forward with the renovation and expansion of Terminal C. August 2003 — The Airport Authority moves forward with the schematic design of the new terminal. March 2004 — Architect Curtis Fentress unveils the architectural design for Terminal C.
With nearly 100 percent of the airport’s passengers beginning and
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RDUUPDATE
DESTINATION RDU: NO TICKET REQUIRED A visit to Raleigh-Durham International Airport is not reserved for people traveling to places near and far. Families, friends and children of all ages are invited to experience the wonder of flight with an outing to the airport…no ticket required.
Fascination With Flight More than 100 years after Orville and Wilbur Wright made their historic flight, a sense of intrigue, amazement and fascination continues to surround the world of aviation. This interest has prompted airports across the country to create places where members of the community can come together and celebrate flight.
new observation deck was built to replicate a bi-wing plane with plaques placed along the railings to help aviation enthusiasts identify the most common planes operating at RDU. The deck was built to include an audio system broadcasting communications between airplane pilots and air traffic controllers. To enhance the experience, picnic tables, benches, water fountains and a playground were also built.
The Triangle community began visiting RDU as a destination for family fun in the 1940’s. Picnic baskets and binoculars became commonplace at the airport and over the years this trend has continued. In 1988, Observation Park, a place where the community can visit and watch planes land and take off, was opened. The park overlooks the airport’s 10,000-foot runway. In 1996, the park reopened following an extensive renovation. The goal of the renovation was to provide the community with a variety of ways to enjoy their time at RDU. Displays were installed to explain various parts of aviation, flight and how an airport works. The Crosswinds Cafe is located on the second floor of RDU’s general aviation terminal.
Observation Park is a popular destination where families and individuals can enjoy the wonder of flight.
Come For Breakfast, Stay for Lunch For families in the Triangle and people working near RDU, Observation Park is a popular lunchtime destination. Picnic tables and benches provide ample seating while the observation deck is a great place to find shade on a warm, summer day. At Crosswinds Cafe, located in the new general aviation terminal just up the hill from Observation Park, visitors can enjoy a home-cooked meal amid a panoramic view of the airport’s 7,500-foot runway. The Cafe allows people to leave the picnic basket or brown bag at home in exchange
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for a variety of freshly prepared meals perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner outings.
A Day at RDU Whether stopping for lunch or staying for the afternoon, visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of Observation Park year-round. Children watch in awe as airplanes soar into the sky and adults reconnect with the memory of the first time they witnessed the wonder of flight. Together, these individuals continue the fascination with flight begun more than 100 years ago.
See you at RDU!
Activities to Make Your Visit Soar
Crosswinds Cafe serves speciality sandwiches including “The Tug,” named for the equipment used to pull planes from one location to another.
When visiting the airport, there are several activities that can enrich your RDU experience. 1. Keep a diary of time spent at RDU. What sounds did you hear? What types of airplanes did you see? What was the weather like during your visit? These are a few of the questions that will guide you in creating a record of your RDU experience. 2. Make a “rubbing” of airplanes that you see at RDU with the plaques located along the railing of the observation deck. Using a pencil, place a piece of paper on the sign and rub the pencil across the paper. This will produce an outline of the airplane for you to take home as a reminder of your trip to RDU. 3. Enjoy bird watching while at RDU. Bring a bird guide and binoculars to help you identify the different types of birds landing at RDU. You may even see a cardinal, the state bird of North Carolina! 4. Build a paper airplane and “fly” down the model runways located at Observation Park. Visit www.rdu.com for instructions on how to build a paper airplane and visit RDU to watch your airplane soar.
Lands at RDU With the recent opening of Crosswinds Cafe, located in the airport’s new general aviation terminal, the community has a new place to visit at RDU. The cafe provides pilots, travelers and the community with a home-cooked meal and warm atmosphere along with a panoramic view of airplanes landing and taking off at RDU. A short distance from Observation Park, visitors are encouraged to make Crosswinds Cafe part of the RDU experience. The restaurant’s hours are Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Crosswinds is located in the airport’s new general aviation terminal on East International Drive near the Air Traffic Control Tower. To get to Crosswinds Cafe from I-40, follow signs to the airport terminals. Drive past Terminal A and turn right onto West International Drive. Follow signs to General Aviation. Public parking is located adjacent to the general aviation terminal.
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RDUUPDATE Editorial
Success of International Service Reflects Strength of Triangle
John Brantley RDU Airport Director May 26, 1988 was a beautiful day in the Triangle region of North Carolina. As the day drew to a close, a full moon bathed RDU in light and shown on a B-767-300ER aircraft parked at Terminal C’s gate 18. Following ceremonial remarks by several dignitaries assembled at the gate, the aircraft was loaded and ready to go at approximately 9:15 p.m. The airplane pushed back from the gate and taxied into position at the end of runway 5L, the airport’s longest runway. With clearance from the control tower, American Airlines Flight 34 bound for Paris’ Orly Airport surged down the runway and climbed into the air. Thus began the first nonstop transoceanic international flight at RDU. And with it came the airport’s only change of name to date — Raleigh-Durham International Airport was born. I’ve thought back on that day many times. To me, it was the most notable day in the airport’s history. One that as a youth growing up in Raleigh I had dreamed of as the propeller-driven aircraft of the first half of the 20th century gave way to the long-range jets. To fly across the Atlantic Ocean
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from RDU to Europe without stopping and land in one of the major cities was just a dream then. But on May 26, 1988, the dream became reality. RDU had grown up, and the Triangle region grew up with it. Six years later to the day, another American Airlines B-767-300ER lifted off runway 5L into the night sky, this on a showery day, at approximately 7:30 p.m. heading east across the ocean to London. Flight 174 traveled nearly 4,000 miles that day and arrived at Gatwick Airport about 7:30 a.m. GMT the following morning. After being provisioned, Flight 173 headed back to RDU at noon, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm. While American discontinued the RDU-Paris flight shortly after Labor Day that same year, the daily RDULondon flight has continued without interruption since May 26, 1994. The flight has been supported very heavily by passengers beginning and ending their trips at RDU. It continues to be one of American’s most rewarding international flights, as well as the only European flight of any U.S. carrier that doesn’t operate from one of the carrier’s hubs. More than anything else, it demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Triangle region’s economy and its air travel market. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of RDU-London air service, we see each day that American’s flight is our strongest and most important link with the rest of the world. We greatly appreciate American providing the service and, more importantly, we greatly appreciate the support it receives from our region’s residents and visitors. From that point, let us focus on generating the support needed to justify additional transatlantic flights to other European cities such as Paris, Munich or Frankfurt. The dream of the past has come true. Now let’s make it bigger and better in the future.
New Airline Launches Service at RDU Independence Air means more choices for passengers Independence Air has chosen RDU as one of its 35 summer launch destinations with new low-fare service beginning on June 16th. The schedule starts with nine daily nonstop flights to Washington Dulles International Airport and quickly grows to 14 flights by July 17th. Connections to 25 cities will also be available later this summer.
Independence is the first new carrier to arrive at RDU since the arrival of America West in the spring of 2002. Flights from RDU to Washington will be aboard newly upgraded 50-seat iJETs with all-leather slimline seats that provide more legroom than ever before. Operating under the name Atlantic Coast Airlines since 1989, Independence Air was launched on November 19, 2003. This name change allowed the airline to transition from a regional partner for United Airlines to an independent airline serving passengers nationwide. Welcome to the Triangle Independence Air!
Passengers aboard Independence Air’s iJETS will enjoy comfortable seating and first-class customer service.
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TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF LONDON SERVICE BRINGS FANFARE TO RDU On May 26, RDU and American Airlines celebrated the tenth anniversary of daily, nonstop service to London’s Gatwick Airport. More than 200 passengers on Flight 174 were invited to join the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, American Airlines, community members and business partners in celebrating this milestone. The emergency services team at RDU provides a water salute to Flight 174 as the airplane prepares for takeoff.
Volunteers in authentic Beefeater costumes greeted guests to the “royal” reception and provided British ambiance at the event. A painting of London’s famous Big Ben clock tower, created by local artist Alexandra Murphy, graced the Kitty Hawk Suite located in Terminal C where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cake and champagne to celebrate the occasion. Passengers and guests received commemorative note cards and prints of an original pen and ink drawing created by Jerry Miller, a local artist who also created drawings to celebrate the inaugural flight from RDU to London in 1994.
international service, North Carolina is ranked 18th in overseas arrivals. “Not only has North Carolina become an alternate tourist destination,” said Minges, “it has also become a profitable investment area for United Kingdom business owners.” American Airlines carries more than 100,000 passengers annually on the RDU-London route.
Prior to the boarding of Flight 174, Tim Clancy, board chairman of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, David Cush, vice president-passenger sales for American Airlines, and Lynn Minges, executive director of the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development, welcomed guests and thanked the community for their ongoing support of international service at RDU.
“Upgrading the size of the aircraft was a step in improving transatlantic access for the Triangle region. The B-777 expands the ability to serve more passengers,” says Teresa Damiano, director of customer service and organizational support for the Airport Authority.
In 2001, the London flight transitioned to a Boeing 777, the largest airplane to have scheduled service through RDU. This new airplane features 240 seats as opposed to the 190 seats on the B-767 previously used for the flight.
Aviation enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the B-777 each day at approximately 6:45 p.m. as the airplane departs RDU.
Did You Know?
Board chairman Tim Clancy welcomes guests to the celebration and thanks the community for its support.
”American Airlines put RDU on the map with its hub operation and the operation of international service beginning with the Paris-Orly flight in 1988,” said Clancy. “That flight marked the one and only time we changed the name of the airport, thereby creating Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The London flight has continued to demonstrate the Triangle community’s strength as an air service market.” More than 10 years after RDU and American Airlines petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation for
• The first Boeing 777 entered service on June 7, 1995. Since then, B-777s have flown more than 1.25 million flights. • There are 3 million parts in a B-777. • The B-777 is capable of cruising at altitudes up to 43,100 feet. • The B-777’s landing gear is the largest ever incorporated into a commercial airplane. With six wheels on each main landing gear and two wheels on the nose gear, it has an unmistakable footprint. • A lightly loaded B-777 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. • The wingspan of a B-777 is 199 feet and 11 inches. • The B-777 can hold more than 45,000 gallons of fuel.
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New Air Service at RDU
Airlines serving Raleigh-Durham International Airport continue to add service to new destinations, as well as additional frequencies to our passengers’ favorite cities. American Eagle American Eagle increased service between RDU and four of its existing destinations in April. The airline added one daily departure each to Columbus, Hartford, Boston and New York JFK. The airline also added one more round trip to Boston and two more to New York JFK in May.
On July 1, American Eagle will begin three daily nonstop flights between RDU and Providence, Rhode Island. On October 1, the airline will launch nonstop service between RDU and Austin, Texas with two daily departures. Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines announced it will begin nonstop service between RDU and Philadelphia on July 6. The airline will offer four daily departures to the popular business destination.
V i s i t R D U ’s W e b s i t e a t w w w. r d u . c o m PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID Communications Department Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority P.O. Box 80001 RDU Airport, NC 27623 www.rdu.com (919) 840-2100 / (919) 840-0175 fax
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Members David T. Clancy, Chairman, City of Raleigh W. Stephens Toler, Vice Chairman, Durham County Robert D. Teer, Jr., Treasurer, City of Durham Stephen K. Zaytoun, Secretary, Wake County Kenneth D. Gibbs, Sr., City of Durham Craigie D. Sanders, Durham County Michael Weeks, Wake County Robert W. Winston, City of Raleigh
Raleigh, N.C. Permit No. 1947