At RDU, there is no such thing as a slow start. This airport has four main areas of focus: passenger growth, air service, customer service and capital improvements. These areas are used as umbrellas under which goals are set and improvements to the RDU travel experience are made.
Passenger growth indicates the number of people traveling to and from RDU. RDU has a unique passenger demographic where more than 90 percent of its passengers begin and end their trip here. To that end, RDU knows its passengers — what they need, want and where they want to go. Air service and customer service improvements help RDU meet its passengers' expectations. Capital improvements reference construction projects at RDU that enhance the travel experience. |
 |
| Passenger Growth
RDU's 2004 year end passenger activity numbers showed a nine percent growth rate. In the first months of 2005, RDU posted solid gains in passenger traffic. March was the busiest month with a 20 percent growth in passenger activity over March 2004.
Air Service
In the first half of 2005, RDU saw the addition of non-stop service to Salt Lake City and New Orleans.
Customer Service
RDU has a number of initiatives based on customer input and industry knowledge to make the RDU travel experience the best possible.
In January 2005, both Terminals A and C became Wi-Fi hotspots. Through Cingular Wireless, high-speed wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) service is now available in RDU's Terminals. The newly installed Wi-Fi service allows travelers inside terminal gates and concourses to have un-tethered, high-speed access to the Internet using laptop computers and other wireless devices.
People are taking advantage of the RDU Taxi Service. Use of RDU taxis has increased in the first half of 2005. Each month has been at least 12.9 percent higher than 2004. In January 2005, taxi use was up by 18.5 percent.
The parking facility located between the terminals continues to be a customer favorite. Parking lot usage each month has increased over 2004. In January and March, parking lot usage was recorded as more than five percent higher than the prior year.
RDU passengers continue to take advantage of Exit Express. Reports show that more than 60 percent of passengers choose to pay for parking using the automated payment program.
An airport builds to better serve the traveling public and to stay on top of new technologies. The new Terminal C project is in direct response to the traveling needs of the RDU passenger. RDU's other major projects improve the travel experience.
Capital Improvements
Terminal C Project
- Sale of Bonds — RDU Airport Authority completed the sale of over $125 million in general airport revenue bonds to support the early stages of the Terminal C expansion project. Additionally, the Authority took advantage of current low interest rates for $300 million of future bonds, expected to be issued in the next year. Both of these transactions were done well below projected interest rates and were well received by the financial markets and investors throughout the country.
- Demolition of North Concourse — The entire North Concourse was demolished and removed to make way for construction of the new concourse. More than 150,000 sq. ft. of the concourse as well as 30,000 sq. ft. of the ticketing and baggage claim areas were removed. American Airlines, American Eagle, United Express and AirCanada continued to offer service in Terminal C. The airport had a contract with Materials Reclamation, LLC to recycle more than 60 percent of the building matter.
- Early Foundations of New North Concourse — In the location once occupied by the North Concourse, there is now an excavated hole with the beginning of concrete foundations. The old foundation was removed and further excavation was done to create a larger area for the early foundations. Concrete pouring began in June.
- Taxiway D Project — Designed to move Taxiway D in order to expand the apron area for the redevelopment of Terminal C, this project is in its final phase. All that remains is completion of concrete pouring, taxiway lights installation, final work on the two bridges that were constructed for the project, a vehicle service road bridge and a taxiway bridge. Taxiway D is scheduled to re-open in mid-to-late summer 2005.
Other Major Projects
- General Aviation Area Project Phase III —The final phase of the General Aviation (GA) redevelopment project was the concrete and paving of the aircraft parking area, part of the new Taxiway J and all the signage and electrical work for both areas. The aircraft parking area now covers 860,000 sq. ft. This phase of the project will be completed by July 2005.
- Runway Safety Area Extension — This project began in May 2005. It involves upgrading the runway safety areas for the runway closest to Terminal A to meet current FAA standards. The terrain, 1,000 feet beyond each end of the 7,500-foot runway, has varying topography and elevations. The project will also involve constructing an embankment off each end of the runway to include relocation of existing FAA navigational aids.
- New Operations Building — This new facility will soon be home to RDU's Operations, Law Enforcement, Security and Badging Departments. These departments will join the Parking Department, which took up residence in fall 2004. The move will take place with the completion of the state-of-the-art Airport Communications Center and Emergency Communications Center. The building will be fully occupied by fall 2005.
|
