That were planned pre-covid? Under the impression that the pandemic has set the aviation industry back years?
Yeah.

I'll be upset if I don't hear 'Jail Break' or 'The Boys are Back in Town' while in Tin Lizzie's

I am a somewhat frequent flyer and I do not see how all of these could survive at the same time in WRWA. Especially a local coffee place when a Starbucks is also planned?

And not just any Starbucks... "the iconic Starbucks." haha. I thought this wording was funny.

Glad to see these local places. I've always thought local concepts can be great assets for cities. I always wish that airports had a local craft brew house with knowledgeable staff who could tell you about the local breweries (or at least have a copy of beerhopokc.com (https://www.beerhopokc.com/)). So, I'd love to see them add that in the future. :)

And not just any Starbucks... "the iconic Starbucks." haha. I thought this wording was funny.

Glad to see these local places. I've always thought local concepts can be great assets for cities. I always wish that airports had a local craft brew house with knowledgeable staff who could tell you about the local breweries (or at least have a copy of beerhopokc.com (https://www.beerhopokc.com/)). So, I'd love to see them add that in the future. :)

all depends on placement I fly Delta so I won't walk down the hall the other direction If it is by the food court...I am in,

From the airport spokesperson:


For the new offerings that are expected this year, two of them will be in the terminal expansion space on either side of the town square. This will be Vino Volo (east side) and Starbucks (west side). TripAdvisor will be located north of Gate 24. Freddy’s will take the space that was occupied by Tucker’s Onion Burgers in the food court.

It would also be nice to have a restaurant space before the check point.

Or one of the coffee places at least, especially with the ability to watch planes in the observation area now.

Thought the news on WRWA interesting. That the company managing the retail at the airport, Paradies Lagardère, is French. Well good for WRWA! That’s going to be quite an improvement over years gone by.

thought the news on wrwa interesting. That the company managing the retail at the airport, paradies lagardère, is french. Well good for wrwa! That’s going to be quite an improvement over years gone by.

nm

I think they manage a lot of airports; kind of like YVR Airports does (which is based in Vancouver Canada).

Im excited for this but can't help but wonder why they omit all of the OKC owned/Hq businesses.
No Sonic, no Braums, no Taco-Mayo, Tucker's is gone as is CoolGreens. no Pizza joint (Mazzios-Tulsa or Empire, something else really local). Love Hatch but Also interesting no national breakfast like Dunkin (would be perfect pre-security actually). I personally will miss Schlotsky's. Personally love Starbucks (for the national name)

what I mean is - it's great to have the new faces but why did we not keep the OKC HQ/Icons and why not have a bkfst/all-day national (like Dunkin) as a safe bet that everybody knows (and who doesn't like donuts/coffee). If I had my wish I would have them all.

I justhope something is open past 6pm.

I justhope something is open past 6pm.

Amen!

If you haven't checked out the artists (Matt Goad) instagram recently, please do, he's been posting regular updates and the new terminal flooring is looking really fantastic.

If you haven't checked out the artists (Matt Goad) instagram recently, please do, he's been posting regular updates and the new terminal flooring is looking really fantastic.
Link for the lazy:

https://www.instagram.com/mattgoadart/?hl=en

I am a somewhat frequent flyer and I do not see how all of these could survive at the same time in WRWA. Especially a local coffee place when a Starbucks is also planned?

Right now during the pandemic, the current offerings are for sure pathetic, but this seems incredibly ambitious.

Speaking of the current offerings, looks like (from the WRWA website) maybe only OKC Flight Cantina is the only place serving food that's open - is that actually correct? Flying out tomorrow morning, was just going to grab something at whatever was open around 8:30, but .....

Floor in new terminal is done per the artist.

Looking forward to seeing it all when l can come out of the covid cave.

Update from VeloCity

https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/development/will-rogers-world-airport-prepares-to-open-expansion/?utm_source=ChamberT&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IntDevelopment&utm_content=WRWAExpansion3_16_21

whoa


We had a record numbers of passengers in 2018, and then bested that by 10% in 2019. Our daily traffic through the terminal was running between 5000 and 7000 passengers a day, depending on the day and the season, before the pandemic. Those numbers dropped to a low of 239 passengers one day in April. We have steadily climbed back to around 50% of our 2019 numbers and have stayed there the past six months or so.

Any recent travelers (or spotters) have any updates on the terminal expansion particularly pics from inside? :)

Any recent travelers (or spotters) have any updates on the terminal expansion particularly pics from inside? :)

Unfortunately, the new area is entirely blocked off from view (drywall walls). I don't think the public can catch a view of anything yet. When I flew a few weeks ago, I couldn't see anything.

https://i.gyazo.com/a942540eb8dde57b2a19029b181441a1.png

9/24/2020 Updated Google Earth imagery. I didn't know they would shut down Gate 24 to accommodate the expansion project.

https://www.okcchamber.com/clientuploads/Board_Exec/2021Board_Exec/Airport.pdf

Nice update, thanks

Press release:

*************

American Airlines Announces Nonstop Service
to New York’s LaGuardia Airport

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 22, 2021 – American Airlines announced today that it will begin nonstop service from Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) beginning November 2, 2021.

Last year, WRWA and American Airlines announced New York City as a new destination, but the service delayed due to the pandemic. “This is great news for Oklahoma City,” says Mark Kranenburg, airports director. “New York LaGuardia has been a much sought-after destination; one that will greatly enhance the air service options for our leisure and business travelers. We appreciate American’s commitment to our community.”

“We are excited to strengthen our network at OKC with new nonstop service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport just in time for the winter holiday season,” said Brian Znotins, American Airlines Vice President of Network Planning. “As more customers return to the skies, we look forward to welcoming more Oklahomans to fly with us and further connecting them with our global network.”

With the addition of New York LaGuardia, every American Airlines gateway in the U.S. is served nonstop from Will Rogers World Airport. As of today, American’s nonstop destinations from WRWA include Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago, Charlotte, New York LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Ronald Reagan Washington National. The new service will bring the average number of daily departures by American to 20.

The new LaGuardia service will operate once daily utilizing the Embraer 175 aircraft offering two-classes of service. The current schedule is as follows*:



OKC to LGA LGA to OKC

Departs

Arrives

7:30am

11:50am

Departs

Arrives

7:00pm

9:45pm


*Times may vary slightly



Flights go on sale Saturday, April 24 and may be booked through aa.com.

That's awesome. Glad American is adding service back at a quick pace.

very nice, hopefully United will bring back it's full slate of hubs then OKC flight ops will be nearly back to normal.

Press release:

*************

American Airlines Announces Nonstop Service
to New York’s LaGuardia Airport

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 22, 2021 – American Airlines announced today that it will begin nonstop service from Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) beginning November 2, 2021.

Last year, WRWA and American Airlines announced New York City as a new destination, but the service delayed due to the pandemic. “This is great news for Oklahoma City,” says Mark Kranenburg, airports director. “New York LaGuardia has been a much sought-after destination; one that will greatly enhance the air service options for our leisure and business travelers. We appreciate American’s commitment to our community.”

“We are excited to strengthen our network at OKC with new nonstop service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport just in time for the winter holiday season,” said Brian Znotins, American Airlines Vice President of Network Planning. “As more customers return to the skies, we look forward to welcoming more Oklahomans to fly with us and further connecting them with our global network.”

With the addition of New York LaGuardia, every American Airlines gateway in the U.S. is served nonstop from Will Rogers World Airport. As of today, American’s nonstop destinations from WRWA include Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago, Charlotte, New York LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Ronald Reagan Washington National. The new service will bring the average number of daily departures by American to 20.

The new LaGuardia service will operate once daily utilizing the Embraer 175 aircraft offering two-classes of service. The current schedule is as follows*:



OKC to LGA LGA to OKC

Departs

Arrives

7:30am

11:50am

Departs

Arrives

7:00pm

9:45pm


*Times may vary slightly



Flights go on sale Saturday, April 24 and may be booked through aa.com.

That press release is not entirely accurate. I've seen nothing announced about resuming the nonstop flights from Oklahoma City to American's Philadelphia gateway.

That press release is not entirely accurate. I've seen nothing announced about resuming the nonstop flights from Oklahoma City to American's Philadelphia gateway.

Philadelphia? Huh?

Wow. Brian Znotins is at AA now? He has been moving around. He was let go from United several years ago, went to Canada to work for WestJet. I wonder when he came to AA? Super nice guy. I thought he would stay at WestJet as I believe he told me has was Canadian.

Wow. Brian Znotins is at AA now? He has been moving around. He was let go from United several years ago, went to Canada to work for WestJet. I wonder when he came to AA? Super nice guy. I thought he would stay at WestJet as I believe he told me has was Canadian.

Do you know if he has any feelings towards OKC one way or the other? Cause if he likes OKC and believes in the market that could be a v v v good thing for us.

Do you know if he has any feelings towards OKC one way or the other? Cause if he likes OKC and believes in the market that could be a v v v good thing for us.

He is a very "data" person. I wouldn't expect him to see anything at OKC that isn't in the numbers. At United he told me he bought tickets and a huge vacation package for his family, only to later have to cancel the entire route because it wasn't performing. He could have probably limped the route another month or two to save his vacation plan, but he didn't. He is very nonemotional about route planning.

At his tenure with Continental, and later United, he didn't show much interest in small central markets. Vasu Raja at AA has been running both departments (revenue management, and network planning) so this is an interesting move to segregate the two departments again. (Like all other carriers) The two work very closely, and both have input on routes. Network builds the system, revenue prices it. Frankly, I think Vasu has done a tremendous job at network. I am not sure Brian is as aggressive as AA may want. While I like Brian, he was in charge during United's most stagnant years. How much of that was led by Smisek, I am not sure. United has become way more aggressive since Brian's departure, though.

It is really cool seeing the movement in the aviation industry. A lot of VP moves, building new generations of teams as the old generation moves on. Scott Kirby came to UA from AA, and is now CEO. He wants to make AA jealous, and he brought his disdain for WN from AA and America West. Kirby likely moved Znotins out because of his lack of aggressiveness. Now Znotins is at AA, which is being very aggressive - which again seems strange. There's a lot of bloodthirsty teams being built the past 3-4 years who are just now settling in to top roles and getting the keys to the airline. The next 10 years will be the most exciting in US aviation since deregulation. A lot of new routes are going to be tried, new strategies, new innovations, new onboard products as the "new blood" finally gets to put their ideas to the test.

Here are some pictures that show part of the airport expansion progress:

https://twitter.com/urbanoracle/status/1385556364693442560?s=21

He is a very "data" person. I wouldn't expect him to see anything at OKC that isn't in the numbers. At United he told me he bought tickets and a huge vacation package for his family, only to later have to cancel the entire route because it wasn't performing. He could have probably limped the route another month or two to save his vacation plan, but he didn't. He is very nonemotional about route planning.

At his tenure with Continental, and later United, he didn't show much interest in small central markets. Vasu Raja at AA has been running both departments (revenue management, and network planning) so this is an interesting move to segregate the two departments again. (Like all other carriers) The two work very closely, and both have input on routes. Network builds the system, revenue prices it. Frankly, I think Vasu has done a tremendous job at network. I am not sure Brian is as aggressive as AA may want. While I like Brian, he was in charge during United's most stagnant years. How much of that was led by Smisek, I am not sure. United has become way more aggressive since Brian's departure, though.

It is really cool seeing the movement in the aviation industry. A lot of VP moves, building new generations of teams as the old generation moves on. Scott Kirby came to UA from AA, and is now CEO. He wants to make AA jealous, and he brought his disdain for WN from AA and America West. Kirby likely moved Znotins out because of his lack of aggressiveness. Now Znotins is at AA, which is being very aggressive - which again seems strange. There's a lot of bloodthirsty teams being built the past 3-4 years who are just now settling in to top roles and getting the keys to the airline. The next 10 years will be the most exciting in US aviation since deregulation. A lot of new routes are going to be tried, new strategies, new innovations, new onboard products as the "new blood" finally gets to put their ideas to the test.

Awesome information. Thanks.

I agree on the next decade. I’ve seen AA and UA are using a lot of international jets (777s & 787s) on domestic routes this summer. If it sells really well, I wonder if that sticks around.

Philadelphia? Huh?

Yes, Philadelphia. There were multitudes of cities in the NE that Philadelphia provided a connection too. It was also possible to go to Europe from OKC with one connection in Philadelphia. That certainly makes it a gateway. Like Charlotte, Philadelphia was a USAir hub when they merged with American.

Press release:

****************

WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT
TSA MASK MANDATE REMAINS IN EFFECT

OKLAHOMA CITY, Thursday, April 29, 2021 – Airport operators and airlines are subject to federal regulations by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which issued a security directive on February 1, 2021 requiring masks be worn while in and on airport property, on commercial aircraft, and in various modes of surface transportation. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also issued an order applicable to the airport and requiring masks be worn while traveling.

Even though the City of Oklahoma City’s mask ordinance is set to expire at 12:00 a.m. Friday morning (April 30), Will Rogers World Airport is required to adhere to TSA’s directive and the CDC order, while they remain in effect. Passengers and visitors to the airport will still need to wear a mask.

TSA Security Directive:
https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1542-21-01.pdf

CDC Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Mask-Order-CDC_GMTF_01-29-21-p.pdf

Oh boy. I can see this being a big problem. The anti maskers are going to throw a fit.

They're gonna have a fun conversation with the TSA after they throw that fit, don't **** around at airports. I hope that the results when someone tries are well reported on in the local press.

Oh boy. I can see this being a big problem. The anti maskers are going to throw a fit.

I hope not. If you go to the airport it is surely to take a plane where you have to wear your mask anyway.

Let them get themselves added to a no fly list.

They're gonna have a fun conversation with the TSA after they throw that fit, don't **** around at airports. I hope that the results when someone tries are well reported on in the local press.

I mean given there was a straight brawl up at the miami airport and they did nothing, I wouldn't hold your breath

pete, shouldn't these last few posts be moved to the OKC Aviation thread, they've been about airline ops and air chatter?

I thought this thread (WRWA) was more for development or administration (such as the airport construction or new restaurant/hotel at the terminal for example) whereas the Aviation thread is for Operations, experiences, and airplane/airline chatter (such as new flights, ops reports, and current flight regs, trip via WRWA reviews).

everytime I see a new post here I'm so excited to hear/see about new development or perhaps insight into the terminal expansion only to find flight ops or regs (which should be in the dying OKC Aviation thread, no?).

Bunch of photos taken today from our own shawnw:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121b.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121c.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121d.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121e.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121f.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121g.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121h.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121i.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121j.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121k.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121l.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121m.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121n.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121o.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121p.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa052121q.jpg

Can't wait to see it for ourselves soon! Looks great.

Nice job capturing the artist behind the terrazzo design, Matt Goad, in his natural habitat. Really happy for him to have a legacy project like this. He’s a good dude.

Anybody know if CLEAR will be added when the new security area opens?
https://www.clearme.com/

. . . stunning upgrade!! will never forget my first flight into WR in mid 60's. . .had to board/de-plane on staircase on wheels and walk on the tarmac into the terminal!!

Holy smokes that's gorgeous. Great new area and hopefully will make a strong first impression for visitors to OKC.

Nice job capturing the artist behind the terrazzo design, Matt Goad, in his natural habitat. Really happy for him to have a legacy project like this. He’s a good dude.

Here's some video snippets spliced together of him talking about the work:
https://youtu.be/10YIUUIj8sE


https://youtu.be/10YIUUIj8sE

Sorry if it has been posted but what airline(s) will use the new terminal addition?

Delta

Delta

The Airport Trust needs to be held accountable by City Council for such a crappy decision. The airline with the least amount of interest in OKC, and the weakest schedule of the major airlines gets the nicest gates in the airport. The bulk of their flight schedule is usually done by 2pm with a handful of flights in the evening.

The Airport Trust needs to be held accountable by City Council for such a crappy decision. The airline with the least amount of interest in OKC, and the weakest schedule of the major airlines gets the nicest gates in the airport. The bulk of their flight schedule is usually done by 2pm with a handful of flights in the evening.

You're right... but also, as a Delta guy, I love it. :)

You have to wonder if Delta made some sort of quiet deal for the future? Texas/the SW is such a hole in Delta's network since they pulled hub/focus from DFW ages ago.

You're right... but also, as a Delta guy, I love it. :)

You have to wonder if Delta made some sort of quiet deal for the future? Texas/the SW is such a hole in Delta's network since they pulled hub/focus from DFW ages ago.

Then made things worse by dropping Memphis, Now you basically have to go to Atlanta and back for anywhere in Texas or gulf coast

With the new gates/terminal area. Now parts of the old terminal can be closed for renovation. Right? Right guys?

Guys..?

^

Actually, a big part of the existing terminal is being renovated.

Besides all the additional restaurants and retail, one of the two current security areas (the one in the eastern section) is being converted into a big greeter lounge.

The rest of the terminal was just fully upgraded about 10 years ago.

Delta just has a few gates, so it makes sense to put them at the end of one side of the terminal. It’s not about which gate is nicest I think, but more about keeping gates together. Then the airlines with more gates can be located together.

^^
You're exactly right. And more importanly, the success of the new concessions that are planned would be hindered if the heaviest utilized gates are placed in the new area, thereby limiting foot traffic to the rest of the terminal and past the majority of concessions.

The Airport Trust needs to be held accountable by City Council for such a crappy decision. The airline with the least amount of interest in OKC, and the weakest schedule of the major airlines gets the nicest gates in the airport. The bulk of their flight schedule is usually done by 2pm with a handful of flights in the evening.

Agreed. American should have been given the gates, they clearly have the deepest commitment to OKC right now. That new Alaska partnership is huge as well.

You're right... but also, as a Delta guy, I love it. :)

You have to wonder if Delta made some sort of quiet deal for the future? Texas/the SW is such a hole in Delta's network since they pulled hub/focus from DFW ages ago.

They are building up Austin as a focus city. I would bet there will be OKC-AUS flights that will allow for connections elsewhere. AUS is not as well-situated for connections as ATL and SLC though unless you’re going to Mexico.

SLC, MSP, DTW, ATL and eventually AUS is a decent lineup but still not as good as what AA and United offer