San Antonio International Airport News & Updates

[Restless One]

Originally Posted by texboy

Instead of renovating terminal A, they should already be talking about demolishing it immediately after the new terminal is constructed instead of throwing lipstick on a pig. It will be a wasted $200M. SA just cannot get out of this small city mindset and it is so frustrating. They talk about thinking big and finally doing big things like the new Terminal, then decide to quite literally throw a paint job on the very reason they are building the new terminal in the first place.

It should be noted that Southwest is going through some major changes right now in terms of their model and could very well go to a hub a spoke model very soon. Does San Antonio want to be just another spoke on another airlines wheel? Something city leadership should consider before its too late. The opportunity is there to give Southwest Airlines their own brand new terminal which I believe they rightfully deserve as the cities largest airline.

I don't remember where I read this, but understand that SAT had a chance to be a hub for a major airline, (at least at the time), in seventies, but city did not want to pay for upgrades at the airport. That has, and still is, costing us.

[SpiritofSeguin]

No matter who the deal is with, San Antonians should not look like idiots at the conference table (that’s seemingly the job of City Council and soon-to-be Mayor Clayton Perry…kidding! XD). No surprise we have ALWAYS been looked down on, but we really haven’t been unreasonable from our perspective if we’ve offered 100 million in negotiations which is kind of a lot for us relative to the 42 million dollar Broadway project, and it seems like Southwest is a pretty big player for economy fliers. Unlike a Spurs arena, the airport is really something that has to be perfected on with each year.

I’m not saying wave the flag of surrender, but it’s in our future best interests to cave in and build. Projects like these are almost once in a generation to get agreed upon, especially if even one phase won’t be done for another…eight to ten years? That’s nearly two whole president terms by then. Who knows what the countries problems will be like, maybe San Antonio could step into the national picture by hosting another major company relocating from xyz, or a new one entirely? That all depends on how awesome of an airport we got.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by Restless One

I don't remember where I read this, but understand that SAT had a chance to be a hub for a major airline, (at least at the time), in seventies, but city did not want to pay for upgrades at the airport. That has, and still is, costing us.

I don't think this claim is correct. SAT was way too small in the 1970s to even be considered for a "hub." American, Eastern, TWA and United were the "major" airlines of that time.

I cannot find any credible literature to confirm said claim.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by SpiritofSeguin

...but it’s in our future best interests to cave in and build.

That is unbelievably poor financial advice. SAT has offered to upgrade Terminal A. If WN wants more - they should pay. However, I wouldn't expect them to in their current position.

Also, anyone who is fretting the possibility of WN's potential departure from the San Antonio market should seriously chill out. They are not going anywhere.

Everything is going to turn out fine and all involved will be very pleased with the "new" airport when construction comes to a close.

[SpiritofSeguin]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

That is unbelievably poor financial advice.

I also do palm readings.

[Keep-SA-Lame]

Originally Posted by Restless One

Yeah, because there is absolutely no history of democratic drunks on our City Council.

Or perhaps you're too young to know.

Literally 100% of the Rs on the Council in the past decade were arrested for DUI lol, get some perspective.

[babysal]

Mayor says San Antonio will move forward with an airport plan that has community, city council and airline input.

W. Scott Bailey – Senior Reporter,
San Antonio Business Journal
Oct 1, 2024

Southwest Airlines’ ongoing fight with the city of San Antonio over where it will land in an expanded and improved Alamo City airport never should have reached this point.

That’s according to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who says the Dallas-based carrier had plenty of time to make its case for a spot in a planned new third terminal at the center of the city’s $2.5 billion San Antonio International Airport expansion and improvements plan.

According to Nirenberg and other city officials, Southwest Airlines chaired the committee that has discussed terminal plans for well over a year.

“As we build this new terminal facility it's important to have all of the airlines at the table in a fair process, and that's exactly what has been taking place over the last 18-plus months,” Nirenberg told me during an exclusive interview. “We cannot abandon that process just because not everyone is satisfied with exactly where they're placed.”

The plan is for Southwest to operate out of Terminal A. That facility was initially set to undergo $200 million in improvements, a figure Nirenberg said the committee Southwest chaired supported. The city has since offered to raise that figure.

“We're going to set aside another $100 million for terminal improvements above the $200 million that all the airlines thought was adequate,” he said.

While Southwest is now seeking space in a planned new Terminal C, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez has denied the airline’s request for a temporary restraining order. The carrier has indicated that it could request a preliminary injunction hearing.

“We believe the city’s gate-allocation methodology discriminated against Southwest. We look forward to a robust discovery process that will shed light on the city’s actions,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement.

San Antonio has secured commitments from several airlines including American, United, Spirit and Viva Aerobus, as well as UPS and FedEx, for the new Airport Use and Lease Agreement that took effect Oct. 1.

The agreement is for 10 years with a five-year extension. City officials told the Business Journal the agreement will net San Antonio $3.2 billion in revenue. Southwest has not yet agreed to the new AULA.

Nirenberg pulled no punches when asked his thoughts about Southwest’s legal pursuits at this stage of the airport planning process.

“I would say it was a mix of anger and disappointment,” he said.

City officials note that Southwest’s continued presence in San Antonio, where the airline was essentially born, is important. While Nirenberg suggests that the city and airline share a key alignment as both want an airport that offers an improved passenger experience, he insists the city will pursue the plans already in play.

“Those plans have been developed over the course of two years, with community, council and airline input, but most importantly through a process created by the airlines themselves — most specifically with Southwest at the helm,” Nirenberg said.

[JACKinBeantown]

^^ So if that is all accurate, it implies that Southwest is at fault for not having the active involvement they were offered. Is that the case? If so, how did they let themselves not stay involved in the process?

[Rynetwo]

We look forward to a robust discovery process that will shed light on the city’s actions,”

Let us hope our city did everything by the book....

[jkill34]

Originally Posted by Rynetwo

Let us hope our city did everything by the book....

This sounds like a Southwest issue, not a SA issue.

[JACKinBeantown]

Southwest hasn't exactly been a shining beacon of good business practices lately. I'd very easily believe they screwed up the process.

[aggie2008]

This is what is so wild to me the whole time. All the airlines were a part of the process. If Southwest had issues why was it not brought up a year ago? Seemed like a failure on their part already but now we hear they chaired the process?! That’s insane.

I guess I also just don’t understand what they want. They’ve indicated they realize they won’t get the new terminal and they’ve been offered more money for renovations. It seems they are just wanting to obstruct progress at this point.

[GoldenBoot]

Southwest is undergoing several financial and senior management issues at the moment. In fact, several high-ranking shareholders are calling for heads. It doesn't surprise me they totally dropped the ball on this one.

Overall, the airport will be fine and construction will go on as planned. WN will say they are "sorry" and everyone will eventually be happy. WN is not leaving the market. To suggest otherwise would simply be wrong.

[Restless One]

Originally Posted by Keep-SA-Lame

Literally 100% of the Rs on the Council in the past decade were arrested for DUI lol, get some perspective.

100 percent of one is not an argument, notwithstanding I wasn't making one other than that people like to drink.

Chill bro.

[Restless One]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

I don't think this claim is correct. SAT was way too small in the 1970s to even be considered for a "hub." American, Eastern, TWA and United were the "major" airlines of that time.

I cannot find any credible literature to confirm said claim.

Truth be told, I can't either, but I swear I saw an article about this in either the Light or the Express News in the early eighties. Back when we read newspapers.

[Restless One]

Originally Posted by babysal

Mayor says San Antonio will move forward with an airport plan that has community, city council and airline input.

W. Scott Bailey – Senior Reporter,
San Antonio Business Journal
Oct 1, 2024

Southwest Airlines’ ongoing fight with the city of San Antonio over where it will land in an expanded and improved Alamo City airport never should have reached this point.

That’s according to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who says the Dallas-based carrier had plenty of time to make its case for a spot in a planned new third terminal at the center of the city’s $2.5 billion San Antonio International Airport expansion and improvements plan.

According to Nirenberg and other city officials, Southwest Airlines chaired the committee that has discussed terminal plans for well over a year.

“As we build this new terminal facility it's important to have all of the airlines at the table in a fair process, and that's exactly what has been taking place over the last 18-plus months,” Nirenberg told me during an exclusive interview. “We cannot abandon that process just because not everyone is satisfied with exactly where they're placed.”

The plan is for Southwest to operate out of Terminal A. That facility was initially set to undergo $200 million in improvements, a figure Nirenberg said the committee Southwest chaired supported. The city has since offered to raise that figure.

“We're going to set aside another $100 million for terminal improvements above the $200 million that all the airlines thought was adequate,” he said.

While Southwest is now seeking space in a planned new Terminal C, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez has denied the airline’s request for a temporary restraining order. The carrier has indicated that it could request a preliminary injunction hearing.

“We believe the city’s gate-allocation methodology discriminated against Southwest. We look forward to a robust discovery process that will shed light on the city’s actions,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement.

San Antonio has secured commitments from several airlines including American, United, Spirit and Viva Aerobus, as well as UPS and FedEx, for the new Airport Use and Lease Agreement that took effect Oct. 1.

The agreement is for 10 years with a five-year extension. City officials told the Business Journal the agreement will net San Antonio $3.2 billion in revenue. Southwest has not yet agreed to the new AULA.

Nirenberg pulled no punches when asked his thoughts about Southwest’s legal pursuits at this stage of the airport planning process.

“I would say it was a mix of anger and disappointment,” he said.

City officials note that Southwest’s continued presence in San Antonio, where the airline was essentially born, is important. While Nirenberg suggests that the city and airline share a key alignment as both want an airport that offers an improved passenger experience, he insists the city will pursue the plans already in play.

“Those plans have been developed over the course of two years, with community, council and airline input, but most importantly through a process created by the airlines themselves — most specifically with Southwest at the helm,” Nirenberg said.

I'd sure like to see a percentage breakdown of flights from and to SAT that are Soiuthwest versus the other airlines, with a showing of percentage of seats filled per flight.


I also don't see those other airlines meeting the low cost fares needed in here poor old San Antonio.

Not saying SW is right, but they have some leverage in this situation.

[babysal]

Tonya Hope, Public Relations Manager
San Antonio International Airport


SAN ANTONIO (October 16, 2024) — American Airlines received tentative approval today to begin a round-trip daily flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The nonstop service between SAT and DCA will provide unparalleled benefits for both cities and their respective regions.

“American would like to thank the city and community of San Antonio, the San Antonio International Airport, U.S. Senator Cruz and the entire Texas delegation for its strong partnership and support of this effort. I’d also like to thank DOT for recognizing the overwhelming value this route will bring to a previously unserved market,” said American’s Executive Vice President Nate Gatten. “We look forward to DOT issuing a final order so we can begin connecting more members of Military City USA with our nation’s capital and our industry-leading global network.”

“Today marks a significant milestone for San Antonio as we get one step closer to securing a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “This connectivity between San Antonio and our nation’s capital is long overdue and will benefit our community in many ways. I’m grateful for the unwavering support of our local leaders and the bipartisan backing of our congressional delegation. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring for economic growth, boosting both our business and military communities.”

“We are thrilled with this announcement, SAT to DCA nonstop service via American Airlines will have so many positive impacts to our city and the entire South Texas region,” said Director of Airports for San Antonio Jesus Saenz. “This is historic and meaningful to San Antonio and our surrounding communities, a true reflection of our partnership with American Airlines along with the countless number of community leaders that have long deserved nonstop service from San Antonio International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Together with American Airlines, we look forward to sharing more details about the launch of this flight soon.”

“We appreciate the long-time efforts of our community partners, business leaders and our congressional delegation to secure this nonstop flight, which will have a profound impact on San Antonio,” said San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh. “We are especially grateful to Senators Cornyn and Cruz and Representatives Casar, Castro, Cuellar, Gonzales and Roy for their unrelenting advocacy. We are ready to leverage this opportunity to its fullest and are committed to maximizing the economic benefits for the San Antonio region.”

This flight provides the most convenient access from San Antonio to the nation’s capital and unlocks improved connectivity and enhanced options for travelers. It also builds on the robust service already provided at SAT by American. American plans to start nonstop service to SAT in the coming months.

American’s application included more than 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community backing the nonstop service, including bipartisan members of the Texas Congressional delegation, mayors, military organizations, advocacy groups and chambers of commerce.

To celebrate the inauguration of this route, American will use distinct flight numbers to honor the city’s proud history and the region’s strong ties to the military. Flight 1718 commemorates the year San Antonio was founded, while Flight 1947 reflects the year the U.S. Air Force was established.

[SpiritofSeguin]

Originally Posted by babysal

Tonya Hope, Public Relations Manager
San Antonio International Airport


SAN ANTONIO (October 16, 2024) — American Airlines received tentative approval today to begin a round-trip daily flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The nonstop service between SAT and DCA will provide unparalleled benefits for both cities and their respective regions.

“American would like to thank the city and community of San Antonio, the San Antonio International Airport, U.S. Senator Cruz and the entire Texas delegation for its strong partnership and support of this effort. I’d also like to thank DOT for recognizing the overwhelming value this route will bring to a previously unserved market,” said American’s Executive Vice President Nate Gatten. “We look forward to DOT issuing a final order so we can begin connecting more members of Military City USA with our nation’s capital and our industry-leading global network.”

“Today marks a significant milestone for San Antonio as we get one step closer to securing a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “This connectivity between San Antonio and our nation’s capital is long overdue and will benefit our community in many ways. I’m grateful for the unwavering support of our local leaders and the bipartisan backing of our congressional delegation. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring for economic growth, boosting both our business and military communities.”

“We are thrilled with this announcement, SAT to DCA nonstop service via American Airlines will have so many positive impacts to our city and the entire South Texas region,” said Director of Airports for San Antonio Jesus Saenz. “This is historic and meaningful to San Antonio and our surrounding communities, a true reflection of our partnership with American Airlines along with the countless number of community leaders that have long deserved nonstop service from San Antonio International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Together with American Airlines, we look forward to sharing more details about the launch of this flight soon.”

“We appreciate the long-time efforts of our community partners, business leaders and our congressional delegation to secure this nonstop flight, which will have a profound impact on San Antonio,” said San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh. “We are especially grateful to Senators Cornyn and Cruz and Representatives Casar, Castro, Cuellar, Gonzales and Roy for their unrelenting advocacy. We are ready to leverage this opportunity to its fullest and are committed to maximizing the economic benefits for the San Antonio region.”

This flight provides the most convenient access from San Antonio to the nation’s capital and unlocks improved connectivity and enhanced options for travelers. It also builds on the robust service already provided at SAT by American. American plans to start nonstop service to SAT in the coming months.

American’s application included more than 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community backing the nonstop service, including bipartisan members of the Texas Congressional delegation, mayors, military organizations, advocacy groups and chambers of commerce.

To celebrate the inauguration of this route, American will use distinct flight numbers to honor the city’s proud history and the region’s strong ties to the military. Flight 1718 commemorates the year San Antonio was founded, while Flight 1947 reflects the year the U.S. Air Force was established.

Can they figure this all out before I take my planned vacation assuming the election goes the way it should go? I really don’t wanna have to take a United flight into Dulles…

[SAhometown]

All-time record September!

https://flysanantonio.com/wp-content...ats-Report.pdf