February 2024 Edition

From the XD's Desk:

Salina Airport Air Service Supports Economic Development

New Nonstop Denver Flight Starts April 2

United Express flights operated by SkyWest Airlines are a key factor in Salina’s economic development success. On April 2 new nonstop service to the Denver International Airport will give Salina and Saline County residents more options for connections to U.S. and international destinations. The new flight will connect with 78 domestic city pairs that offer over 160 connecting domestic flights.

Foreign travel will also become easier with 18 unique international city pairs offered by United Airlines and United’s Star Alliance partners. The Denver international connections will make travel to Europe, Mexico, Canada, and Japan easier.

In addition to excellent Denver connections, Salina’s Chicago nonstop schedule connects to a combined 91 unique domestic city pairs that offer over 340 connecting flights. Chicago nonstop flights also connect to 44 unique international destinations.

To take advantage of Salina’s Denver and Chicago nonstop flights that connect to major U.S and international cities book your next trip at United.com.

"There are few greater contributors to economic development than quality air service. United Express jet service operated by SkyWest to both Chicago and Denver will increase trade activity to and from Salina and North Central Kansas by enabling faster and easier movement of passengers to more locations. Quality air service helps with business recruitment, business retention and quality of life." - Gary Foss, managing partner, ArkStar Group

Tim Rogers, A.A.E.

Executive Director

Salina Airport Authority

Salina Regional Airport & Airport Industrial Center

Flights available from Salina Regional Airport (SLN) on United Airlines. Connecting via Denver (DEN) or Chicago O' Hare (ORD) hubs. (Graphic courtesy of ArkStar Group)

Salina 'AIMs' for more aviation workers, opportunities

Tim Unruh

January 31, 2024

Removal of a barrier to growing Salina’s aviation maintenance workforce began in late January when the inaugural AIM Center of Excellence at SLN class gathered for six weeks of training at Salina Regional Airport. AIM stands for Aviation Innovation and Maintenance.

Establishment of the AIM Center at SLN was made possible by a $3,325,000 Kansas Department of Commerce Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT) program grant.

“Training up skilled Kansans to better align with emerging technology in the aviation and aerospace sector is critical,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “ALOFT funding is designed to maintain our best-in-class status.”

The first group is part of a pre-apprenticeship program to “expose interested participants to the dynamic world of aviation maintenance,” according to promotional materials, to prepare workers for some high-paying jobs.

Enthusiasm is evident among program founders and one of the major beneficiaries, said Jimmy Sponder, Founder and CEO of 1 Vision Aviation.

“I’m excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said the owner of the aviation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul company that expanded from Sioux City, Iowa, to Salina nearly five years ago. “The AIM Center will guide more people to carriers in aviation maintenance.”

H626 to be outfitted with clean, safe fire suppression system

Tim Unruh

February 2, 2024

A safer fire extinguishing system will be installed in the hangar bay of Hangar 626 at the Salina Regional Airport.

The $1.52 million Clean Agent Fire Suppression system, is the first of its kind at a Kansas airport, and possibly in a multi-state region, said Pieter Miller, deputy executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.

Foam agent systems have been the standard in aircraft hangars for decades,” he said. “It’s in the plans to include (Clean Agent systems) in all new hangar construction projects at the Salina Airport.”

The new system is foamless and contains a super-cooling fire extinguishing agent, said Tim Rogers, SAA executive director.

The new fire protection system is “designed to extinguish fires quickly and effectively, while minimizing damage to the protected area,” according to a July 2023 Hangar 626 Risk Assessment report from IFP Smart Fire Solutions (IFP stands for Industrial Fire Protection).

The agent is a chemical compound that leaves no residual damage to aircraft, sensitive equipment, or the environment.

The system is activated through smoke and-or heat detection equipment. Alarms will sound to “alert occupants and authorities, and “simultaneously, the airflow is restricted to minimize oxygen supply to the fire, reducing its growth,” followed within seconds by the release of the clean agent stored in pressurized containers and discharged evenly through pipes and nozzles. The agent “interrupts the fire triangle elements (heat, fuel and oxygen)” and “effectively extinguishes the fire, preventing its spread and re-ignition. The clean agent is non-toxic and does not displace breathable air,” according to the IFP report.

The clean agent system for Hangar 626 is made possible by a $900,000 KDOT Innovative Technology Program grant. Miller wrote the grant application, and the grant was awarded to the Airport Authority on January 8, 2024.

“One of the Salina Airport Authority’s core values is to adopt new technologies that are compatible with the environment,” Rogers said.

Sorell secures airport promotion

Tim Unruh

January 2024

In his 13th year at the Salina Airport Authority, David Sorell has been promoted to director of operations.

He was previously manager of operations, but now has been elevated to more of a department head capacity.

“I have the same responsibilities but have more involvement with airport and airport industrial center development.” he said. Sorell will oversee the airport authority maintenance, operations and aircraft rescue firefighting staff.

Those duties include helping Pieter Miller, deputy executive director, and Maynard Cunningham, director of facilities and construction, with grant and AIP (federal Airport Improvement Program) funding and construction projects.

Sorell began Oct. 1, 2012, as maintenance supervisor, then took over responsibility for supervising airport operations and aircraft rescue firefighting staff.

“It’s been a great opportunity out there for me. I never thought I’d end up in the airport management business,” he said, giving thanks to Tim Rogers airport authority executive director.

“I appreciate all the help Tim’s given me,” Sorell said. “I plan on being there until I retire.”

SLN Self-fuel station open for business

February 2024

Salina Regional Airport proudly announces the opening of self-fuel station, conveniently situated at the new location 2020 Jumper Road. The facility promises to enhance efficiency and convenience for pilots and aircraft operators, further solidifying Salina Regional Airport's commitment to exceptional service.

Designed with the needs of aviation professionals and enthusiasts in mind, the new self-fuel station offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. Pilots will have access to high-quality aviation fuel to support their journeys, ensuring smooth operations and peace of mind during their travels.

As the preferred aviation hub in the region, Salina Regional Airport continues to invest in initiatives that elevate the overall flying experience. The addition of the self-fuel station at 2020 Jumper Road reflects the airport's proactive approach to meeting the demands of its clientele while maintaining the highest standards of service and safety.

Aircraft Rental and Charter Services at SLN

Upcoming Events

K-State Salina Flight Fest

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: KSU Flight Center, 2310 Centennial Road, Salina, KS 67401

The public is invited to attend K-State Salina Flight Fest. The Flight Fest will include FAA Wings Program seminar, pancake breakfast and KSU flight Center Tour. This event is in conjunction with the K-State Salina Open House.

For further inquiries, contact Sydney Oyer via email oyer@ksu.edu

On the Flightline at America's Fuel Stop

Operations at Salina Regional Airport (SLN)

Real Estate Available

Fly SLN

Address: 3237 Arnold Ave.

Salina, Kansas 67401

Phone: 785-827-3914

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