On Thursday, March 8, Russ Handy, Director of San Antonio International Airport (SAT), hosted the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s Aerospace Committee for an update and tour. SAT posted more passengers in 2017 than ever recorded. New air service remains a priority for the City, which added nine new destinations and 12 routes to existing markets last year alone.
New upgrades continue at the airport in order to maintain a positive customer experience. There are plans for expanding the Customs and Border Protection area for international flights, which will begin this month and last roughly 24 months.
The new, short-term garage, which opened just before the Thanksgiving holiday, includes new technology to allow for easy parking. All rental car facilities moved into the garage as well, reducing the number of shuttles used and freeing up curb space for passenger pick-up.
The City is investing in innovative ideas to create a unique experience when passengers land in San Antonio. San Antonio has a rich history of aviation, because of the military, support work, and aircraft innovation, and aerospace remains one of the most dynamic and significant contributors to the regional economy. To that end, you may have noticed the 1918 “Jenny” in terminal B, which is on loan from the Witte Museum. The biplane was used as a military trainer for pilots in the U.S Air Service during World War I and as a mail-carrying airplane during the 1920s. The airport has also started incorporating interesting art that celebrates our culture.
Chaired in 2018 by Tyler Schroeder with The Boeing Company, the Aerospace Committee represents the interests of aviation and aerospace companies in the greater San Antonio area. For more information on the committee, please contact Belinda Garza Hartwig at 210-229-2199.
