After a brief end to record-breaking passenger numbers in August, San Antonio International Airport has bounced back with a return to increased passenger growth, new art features and plans for completion of their strategic development plan.
San Antonio International's passenger numbers fell shy of a 1% growth in August due to industry challenges and Hurrican Dorian. September statistics reveal that a total of 818,420 passengers flew through SAT during the month. Overall year-to-date passenger totals have increased by 4.7% or nearly 350,000 people, according to The City of San Antonio in October.
Accenting the airport's continued passenger growth are expansions to improve the passenger experience. The Galleries at SAT have added "Women Hero's of World War II" exhibit and features work from artist Sebastián in the city-wide "Sebastián in San Antonio: 50+ Years/20+ Sities/ 100 + Works" exhibit.
Picking up passengers has a few more enhancements as well. The cell phone waiting lot has digital information boards for drivers to better estimate a flight's location and time of arrival.
Improving the passenger experience is the core of the airport system's strategic development plan. Currently in Phase II, officials are relying on the community to provide feedback on future facility improvements including gates. A series of community engagement events will take place over the next several weeks.
What other services and amenities should be implemented at the San Antonio International Airport? How can the airport be improved?
What facility features would you like to see installed? What other opportunities does SAT have to increase passenger growth and improve the airport experience?
How can improvements to the San Antonio International Airport help growth for Bexar County?
The survey for Phase 2of the San Antonio Airport System Strategic Development Plan is open until November 13. A Spanish version of the survey is available here. For more information about the plan, visit www.sanantonio.gov/SATfuture.
Guests:
- Russell Handy, aviation director for the City of San Antonio Aviation Department
- Syed Mehdi, chief strategy and development officer for the San Antonio Airport System
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, emailthesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Monday, October 28.
