Will Rogers World Airport

[warreng88]

O’Connor: Airport lands economic development

By: Cathy O'Connor Guest Columnist October 31, 2017

Things are flying high at the Will Rogers World Airport. On Wednesday, Frontier Airlines begins serving Oklahoma City with nonstop flights to Denver and Orlando, Florida. Nonstop to San Diego begins April 9. The airline joins six other carriers, providing even more choices for travelers and bringing more people to Oklahoma City.

Will Rogers airport has been preparing for the continual rise in air travel – with demand expected to double by 2035. The airport is planning an $89 million expansion project that will add four new airline gates, a consolidated security checkpoint with more capacity and processing efficiency, meeter/greeter lounges, plans for international screening and increased public circulation. Construction is expected to begin in late spring.

Beyond being a hub for arriving and departing planes, airports like Will Rogers are being recognized as economic drivers. The increase in air travel will require a greater demand for aviation employees and services, including maintenance technicians. Currently, there are nearly 35,000 employees that work for maintenance, repair operations firms in the Oklahoma City area alone. The largest MRO in the metro is the Tinker Air Force Base complex. The second-largest concentration of maintenance, repair and overhaul activity is centered around major commercial air carriers and government aviation activity at Will Rogers World Airport.

In September, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded a $2 million public works grant to the Oklahoma City Airport Trust to expand and improve two hangars located at Will Rogers. The hangar expansions will increase capacity and the ability to conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul on newer, larger aircraft.

This summer, SkyWest Airlines became the third MRO firm at Will Rogers by starting construction on a $30 million hangar. The hangar is part of the growing development in Lariat Landing, a designated 1,000 acres at the airport for multi-use business development. The area is designed to attract aviation and aviation-support businesses, as well as hotels, retail and office space.

The Will Rogers World Airport strengthens our economy by connecting our citizens and businesses to markets around the world. It also strengthens our economy at home, by making Oklahoma City attractive and competitive for businesses that operate on a national and global scale.

[Josh Ryan]

Looks like Frontier has leased Gate 12 and the ticket counter space just east of Delta. The lease is valid until July 2018 (!!!).

Also, I notice a new project on the books regarding an AAR Hangar expansion. Tried searching for info, but can't find anything online.

This was our release on the hangar expansions. It kind of got swallowed up on that news day by State budget talks: flyokc.com/oklahoma-city-airport-trust-receives-eda-grant

[Pete]

Since all the rental car companies have now moved to the new Consolidated Rental Car Facility, there are now 4 former rental car lots and facilities that are no longer needed and will be demolished for 'future development'.

[catch22]

A previous plan included moving the employee parking lot from south of the Post Office to the previous rental car facility. This will make way for the east concourse expansion.

Not sure if that is still the plan.

[Josh Ryan]

A previous plan included moving the employee parking lot from south of the Post Office to the previous rental car facility. This will make way for the east concourse expansion.

Not sure if that is still the plan.

There's no plan to move the east employee lot at this time. We just had to eliminate the employee and delivery parking spaces in the old cargo building lot.

[Pete]

Seems like that area could easily be converted to overflow parking in the near term.

[Zuplar]

Isn't part of this the cell lot now? Last time I was there the small one off the road was blocked off and directed me to park there. I sure hope they don't do away with this, because every time I go to pick someone up there are several people waiting, so there is a need.

[Josh Ryan]

Isn't part of this the cell lot now? Last time I was there the small one off the road was blocked off and directed me to park there. I sure hope they don't do away with this, because every time I go to pick someone up there are several people waiting, so there is a need.

We've only discussed ways to improve cell phone parking, there are no plans to get rid of it. Especially since it has become the go-to location for TNC vehicles. The cell phone lane had to be closed because drivers would refuse to move forward and traffic would back onto Terminal Drive. The new lot has improved those traffic issues. Now we just have to keep drivers from parking in the turn lane onto 67th St.

[Zuplar]

We've only discussed ways to improve cell phone parking, there are no plans to get rid of it. Especially since it has become the go-to location for TNC vehicles. The cell phone lane had to be closed because drivers would refuse to move forward and traffic would back onto Terminal Drive. The new lot has improved those traffic issues. Now we just have to keep drivers from parking in the turn lane onto 67th St.

Yeah I'm aware of the problem you are referencing. Just glad you aren't getting rid of it, it's very handy. I probably pick up someone from the airport once every other month, so I get a lot of use out of it.

[Josh Ryan]

Yeah I'm aware of the problem you are referencing. Just glad you aren't getting rid of it, it's very handy. I probably pick up someone from the airport once every other month, so I get a lot of use out of it.

Thanks for the feedback.

[DelCamino]

Josh Ryan, can you provide an update on the terminal expansion project? Thanks.

[brianinok]

Josh, another recent trip with a baby made me think of a few things I really like about WRWA and a few things I don't like. I thought I'd share. Thanks!

1. Geez, when traveling with baby gear valet parking would be a godsend. Luckily, even though it was raining the morning we flew out, the garage was open. But when you have to start carrying carseats in addition to luggage the garage is the ONLY viable option we have, and valet would be so much better than the garage.
2. Our elevators are so small compared to some other airports. Barely enough room for a family of 3 with luggage.
3. We keep our airport about 5 degrees warmer than any other airport I've been to. Makes it hard to dress when flying because it's so hot.
4. Either I keep missing it or there is no clock in the security area. With my phone stuck in my bag, it makes me slightly stressed to not know how I am doing time-wise.
5. Everyone is so friendly in OKC, from TSA to gate agents, etc. I rarely find that consistency elsewhere.
6. I really like the red and green lights in garage. They've been useful the last few times I've been in the garage.
7. I wonder if the website could be updated to show the current status of the garage (i.e. "there are currently 48 spaces available" or "based on current conditions we anticipate the garage being open all day / being open until 11:00 am" or some such).

[catch22]

I think it would be handy to have the garage status and pricing for all lots displayed on Meridian by the car rental center. I had to pay to park last month and I couldn't remember how much the lots were so I was a little uneasy on making my decision...

[Josh Ryan]

Josh Ryan, can you provide an update on the terminal expansion project? Thanks.

Right now, we are fine-tuning the budget and preparing the final bid documents. Because of our accountability to the FAA, our budget has to be as accurate as possible. Our hope is to go out to bid in the fall. Once we have received bids we will issue bonds and depending on that timing, begin construction in the first quarter of 2019. The design is still very much the same as you’ve seen in previous renderings.

[Josh Ryan]

Josh, another recent trip with a baby made me think of a few things I really like about WRWA and a few things I don't like. I thought I'd share. Thanks!

1. Geez, when traveling with baby gear valet parking would be a godsend. Luckily, even though it was raining the morning we flew out, the garage was open. But when you have to start carrying carseats in addition to luggage the garage is the ONLY viable option we have, and valet would be so much better than the garage.
2. Our elevators are so small compared to some other airports. Barely enough room for a family of 3 with luggage.
3. We keep our airport about 5 degrees warmer than any other airport I've been to. Makes it hard to dress when flying because it's so hot.
4. Either I keep missing it or there is no clock in the security area. With my phone stuck in my bag, it makes me slightly stressed to not know how I am doing time-wise.
5. Everyone is so friendly in OKC, from TSA to gate agents, etc. I rarely find that consistency elsewhere.
6. I really like the red and green lights in garage. They've been useful the last few times I've been in the garage.
7. I wonder if the website could be updated to show the current status of the garage (i.e. "there are currently 48 spaces available" or "based on current conditions we anticipate the garage being open all day / being open until 11:00 am" or some such).

1> I appreciate your persistence on this, but as I’ve mentioned before, valet parking is not economically feasible at this point in time. As our enplanements continue to grow, we may see a demand for that service. In the meantime, our plan is to get Garage A back open and offer reserved and premium parking options. It has been a difficult project, but we are confident we are on the right track.
2> Without sending a survey out to other airports, I am not really sure how to confirm this information. Which elevators are you talking about? This is the first time I have seen a complaint about the size of our elevators. I know our skycaps are able accommodate wheelchairs, luggage and family members in one elevator.
3> We do not purposefully keep our airport 5 degrees warmer. The abundance of natural light and many doors allow warm and cold air into the building. High winds and sunny days can really keep the system on its toes. In the summer, we remind the airlines to keep their jet bridge doors closed as much as they can. In the winter, we do the same thing, but we also alternate entrance doors at the front of the building to reduce north winds coming directly into the building. We do respond when passengers tell us it is uncomfortable in parts of the building. You can always write us at wrwa@okc.gov if you think an adjustment needs to be made.
4> You can find a digital clock at the bottom of every arrival and departure screen.
5> Glad to hear this. Thank you.
6 & 7> Combining the answers to 6/7 here: We have received some really good feedback on the garage space-by-space system. The system does have the capability to push out real-time availability information. The plan was to activate that feature when the entire project is complete. The next phase of the project will begin soon on the north portion of the garage installing level-by-level counters. I don’t anticipate that we will have our parking operator guess and post estimated closures or closure times as there are so many things that can fluctuate in a matter of minutes. We have seen 50 spaces fill up with one light change at Amelia Earhart.

[Josh Ryan]

I think it would be handy to have the garage status and pricing for all lots displayed on Meridian by the car rental center. I had to pay to park last month and I couldn't remember how much the lots were so I was a little uneasy on making my decision...

Catch, we may not place them that far north, but that is an interesting suggestion and one we can pass along to the engineers and designers as they develop the plans for the replacement of the roadway signage in the next couple of years.

[Jeepnokc]

Catch, we may not place them that far north, but that is an interesting suggestion and one we can pass along to the engineers and designers as they develop the plans for the replacement of the roadway signage in the next couple of years.

With people coming in east and west off 59th street, would be better placed south of 59th.

[catch22]

With people coming in east and west off 59th street, would be better placed south of 59th.

True. With the economy lot so close to 59th i think it's important to give people as much time to decide.

[gopokes88]

Josh,

The lights in the garage are absolutely fantastic and I love them. You have saved me many quarters calling every 5th car a dam it car.

[Josh Ryan]

Josh,

The lights in the garage are absolutely fantastic and I love them. You have saved me many quarters calling every 5th car a dam it car.

They have been pretty popular. They also help drivers to focus a little more on navigating the older garage, since they don't have to spot search at the same time. Thanks for the feedback.

[brianinok]

1> I appreciate your persistence on this, but as I’ve mentioned before, valet parking is not economically feasible at this point in time. As our enplanements continue to grow, we may see a demand for that service. In the meantime, our plan is to get Garage A back open and offer reserved and premium parking options. It has been a difficult project, but we are confident we are on the right track.
2> Without sending a survey out to other airports, I am not really sure how to confirm this information. Which elevators are you talking about? This is the first time I have seen a complaint about the size of our elevators. I know our skycaps are able accommodate wheelchairs, luggage and family members in one elevator.
3> We do not purposefully keep our airport 5 degrees warmer. The abundance of natural light and many doors allow warm and cold air into the building. High winds and sunny days can really keep the system on its toes. In the summer, we remind the airlines to keep their jet bridge doors closed as much as they can. In the winter, we do the same thing, but we also alternate entrance doors at the front of the building to reduce north winds coming directly into the building. We do respond when passengers tell us it is uncomfortable in parts of the building. You can always write us at wrwa@okc.gov if you think an adjustment needs to be made.
4> You can find a digital clock at the bottom of every arrival and departure screen.
5> Glad to hear this. Thank you.
6 & 7> Combining the answers to 6/7 here: We have received some really good feedback on the garage space-by-space system. The system does have the capability to push out real-time availability information. The plan was to activate that feature when the entire project is complete. The next phase of the project will begin soon on the north portion of the garage installing level-by-level counters. I don’t anticipate that we will have our parking operator guess and post estimated closures or closure times as there are so many things that can fluctuate in a matter of minutes. We have seen 50 spaces fill up with one light change at Amelia Earhart.

Josh, thank you for your thorough response!

I might disagree with you on valet parking, but I am glad the close garage is being converted to premium parking. That is a step-up. Is that where you will be able to reserve a spot ahead of time? Will you be able to reserve it weeks or months in advance? Will you be reserving a general spot in the lot or a specific spot? And what of the situation where a huge truck parks over the line and you can't fit in the empty spot next to them? And will it be reserved so full that if your flight is canceled and you come back to OKC a day late it will cause a problem for someone else? Just curious how it will be set up. My thought is that I will use this every time I fly though.

I agree with other posters that a sign on Meridian south of 59th showing parking status would be great. But if you can reserve premium parking ahead of time I'll be doing that.

My last two trips took me to DEN and MSP. Both had significantly larger elevators all over the airport. We used them to get from each level because of the baby gear. At MSP we used the elevators in the garage (because that's where the rental cars are) and they were also large.

I consistently find OKC warmer than other airports. I also find this in the winter. When we were flying out it was before the sun was up and chilly and raining outside, so I assume the heater was on. When it's chilly I expect to wear a long sleeved shirt, but I nearly always feel uncomfortable in that at our airport. I never experience this at other airports. Maybe it's just a weird phenomenon with only me. Or maybe I always choose the seat under the heater vent.

Please know that I am very pleased with our airport. You and the staff continue to improve it. Sure, I'd like things to come faster, but money and passengers don't grow on trees!

[HangryHippo]

I will echo the comments about the elevators in the parking garages that take you down to the tunnel to the terminal. They are way too small.

[Josh Ryan]

Josh, thank you for your thorough response!

I might disagree with you on valet parking, but I am glad the close garage is being converted to premium parking. That is a step-up. Is that where you will be able to reserve a spot ahead of time? Will you be able to reserve it weeks or months in advance? Will you be reserving a general spot in the lot or a specific spot? And what of the situation where a huge truck parks over the line and you can't fit in the empty spot next to them? And will it be reserved so full that if your flight is canceled and you come back to OKC a day late it will cause a problem for someone else? Just curious how it will be set up. My thought is that I will use this every time I fly though.

I agree with other posters that a sign on Meridian south of 59th showing parking status would be great. But if you can reserve premium parking ahead of time I'll be doing that.

My last two trips took me to DEN and MSP. Both had significantly larger elevators all over the airport. We used them to get from each level because of the baby gear. At MSP we used the elevators in the garage (because that's where the rental cars are) and they were also large.

I consistently find OKC warmer than other airports. I also find this in the winter. When we were flying out it was before the sun was up and chilly and raining outside, so I assume the heater was on. When it's chilly I expect to wear a long sleeved shirt, but I nearly always feel uncomfortable in that at our airport. I never experience this at other airports. Maybe it's just a weird phenomenon with only me. Or maybe I always choose the seat under the heater vent.

Please know that I am very pleased with our airport. You and the staff continue to improve it. Sure, I'd like things to come faster, but money and passengers don't grow on trees!

We will work with ABM on managing any customer service issues that arise with reserved parking. They manage this type of product at JFK, Newark Liberty and at a Loews Hotel near Chicago O'Hare. The current plan is to use their existing online system to allow people to reserve through flyokc.com. Further details regarding reservation lead time, etc., is still to come.

There are currently no plans to change the stations 3 & 4 elevators in the garage, which I assume would be the elevators that stick out to you the most. The upcoming projects that would affect elevators would be Station 2 renovations and the terminal expansion.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

[Josh Ryan]

Josh, thank you for your thorough response!

I might disagree with you on valet parking, but I am glad the close garage is being converted to premium parking. That is a step-up. Is that where you will be able to reserve a spot ahead of time? Will you be able to reserve it weeks or months in advance? Will you be reserving a general spot in the lot or a specific spot? And what of the situation where a huge truck parks over the line and you can't fit in the empty spot next to them? And will it be reserved so full that if your flight is canceled and you come back to OKC a day late it will cause a problem for someone else? Just curious how it will be set up. My thought is that I will use this every time I fly though.

I agree with other posters that a sign on Meridian south of 59th showing parking status would be great. But if you can reserve premium parking ahead of time I'll be doing that.

My last two trips took me to DEN and MSP. Both had significantly larger elevators all over the airport. We used them to get from each level because of the baby gear. At MSP we used the elevators in the garage (because that's where the rental cars are) and they were also large.

I consistently find OKC warmer than other airports. I also find this in the winter. When we were flying out it was before the sun was up and chilly and raining outside, so I assume the heater was on. When it's chilly I expect to wear a long sleeved shirt, but I nearly always feel uncomfortable in that at our airport. I never experience this at other airports. Maybe it's just a weird phenomenon with only me. Or maybe I always choose the seat under the heater vent.

Please know that I am very pleased with our airport. You and the staff continue to improve it. Sure, I'd like things to come faster, but money and passengers don't grow on trees!

We will work with ABM on managing any customer service issues that arise with reserved parking. They manage this type of product at JFK, Newark Liberty and at a Loews Hotel near Chicago O'Hare. The current plan is to use their existing online system to allow people to reserve through flyokc.com. Further details regarding reservation lead time, etc., is still to come.

There are currently no plans to change the stations 3 & 4 elevators in the garage, which I assume would be the elevators that stick out to you the most. The upcoming projects that would affect elevators would be Station 2 renovations and the terminal expansion.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

[catch22]

Hey josh, I flew out last Saturday. I tried to find some breakfast but Tucker's was closed and so was Coolgreens, and Route 66 grill. Only options were Schlotsky's and Cinnabon so I passed and bought a granola bar at one of the convenience stores.

This was at 9am...

Was very odd.