TUS July eNews

Airport Workers Day Brings the Airport Community Together

The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) proudly hosted its inaugural Airport Workers Day event on June 25^th, a relatively new industry event, which brought together employees from across the airport community for a well-deserved day of appreciation and recognition. Team members from the TAA, our airline partners, rental car companies, concessionaires, federal agencies, and other airport tenants gathered to enjoy food, activities, and camaraderie while celebrating the collective effort that keeps Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN) operating every day.

The event reflected TAA’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the collective team that makes our airport system successful. This includes, and is not limited to, representatives in roles that support the operation and administration of the airport system, along with tenants and federal agencies who play integral roles in the travel experience.

Airport Workers Day reflects TAA’s commitment to recognizing the people who make our airport system successful, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. It was a fitting reminder that we make it easy to fly because of their hard work.

Summer Travel is in Full Swing

Summer travel season has officially arrived, and TUS is preparing for another busy July. Passenger volumes continue to remain strong as families head out on vacations, students return home, and business travelers take advantage of expanded nonstop service.

To help make your trip as smooth as possible, consider these travel tips:

• Check your airline’s baggage policies before leaving home.
• Pack smart by reviewing TSA guidelines for carry-on items.
• Reserve parking in advance here.
• Download your airline’s mobile app for gate updates and real-time notifications.

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your travel experience even easier.

New Aircraft Rescue Vehicles Officially in Service

Safety is a core fundamental of every airport.  To further strengthen the TAA’s emergency response capabilities, the TAA recently added two new Rosenbauer Panther Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) apparatus to the TAA Fire Department fleet to replace two fire trucks at the end of their useful life.  The timing of these truck replacements were twofold: 1. To address end of useful life of the apparatus; and 2. To remediate contamination from the federally mandated Aqueous Film Forming Foam, which contains the forever chemical PFAS.  The TAA also replaced the water tank in the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), a quick response vehicle, to ensure the vehicle was free from contamination and extend the useful life of this apparatus.  All TAA Fire Department apparatus now use Fluorine-Free Foam (F3), approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, which does not include the PFAS chemical.

The Rosenbauer Panther state-of-the-art vehicles are equipped with advanced firefighting technology. Their addition to the TAA ARFF Fleet ensures our personnel have access to the tools and resources necessary to respond effectively to any aircraft emergency situation.

Investments in equipment, training, and infrastructure remain essential to maintaining compliance with federal regulations and allow the TAA to maintain the highest levels of preparedness while reinforcing TAA’s commitment to safety across the airport system.

TUS Talks July Podcast with Bill Buckmaster

Considered Tucson’s most trusted voice for news and information, Bill Buckmaster has interviewed thousands of newsmakers during his nearly 40-year tenure in Southern Arizona. An avid traveler, Bill has visited more than 100 countries, all 50 states, and most of the Canadian provinces.

Why Are Airline Tickets More Expensive This Summer?

If you have noticed airfare prices climbing recently, you are not imagining it. One of the largest factors influencing ticket prices is the rising cost of jet fuel.

Jet fuel prices are affected by global oil markets, refinery capacity, seasonal demand, geopolitical events, and supply chain conditions. Because fuel represents one of an airline’s largest operating expenses, increases in fuel costs often translate into higher fares, especially during peak travel periods.

The good news? Travelers can often save money by booking earlier, remaining flexible with travel dates, and flying mid-week when demand tends to be lower. Planning ahead remains one of the best way to secure lower fares while enjoying more flight options.

Curious Airport Codes

Nashville International Airport, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is commonly referred to by its airport code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, reflecting the airport's original name, Berry Field.

The code EWR does not directly spell “Newark” because certain letters, particularly those starting with “N,” were reserved for U.S. military use when the airport codes were assigned. To create a unique and available code, the letters E and W were used as filler, while the R reflects the “R” in Newark, maintaining a partial connection to the city’s name.

The airport code GEG originates from the airport’s former name, Geiger Field, which honored Major Harold Geiger, an Army aviation pioneer.