1/30/2012

Sample Letter to Southwest Airlines

Here is a sample letter to Southwest airlines that may help express your desire to have AirTran service remain at SRQ:

Date:

Mr. Gary Kelly
President and Chief Executive Officer
2702 Love Field Drive
Dallas, Texas 75235

Dear Mr. Kelly,

As one of nearly 400,000 customers flying AirTran from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) last year, I must go on record as stating that Southwest’s decision to pull the existing air service by AirTran—now Southwest through the 2011 acquisition of AirTran—is a grave mistake for Southwest’s business future and once stellar reputation. Southwest website states:

Southwest Airlines has always been devoted to each and every community that we serve. Our employees, customers, and neighbors make the Southwest Family the LUVing place that it is, and we are proud to offer our cities more than just friendly and affordable air service. We offer our hearts.

Frankly, your website needs an update as its devotion to each and every community (they) serve is misleading if not false. I can assure you that I will not drive to another community to fly on your airline because not only have you rejected our community but you have also removed viable service that was successfully serving the market.

Sarasota Manatee provides a number of advantages including a strong link to your focus city in Baltimore with the Orioles spring training here; Siesta Beach, chosen as America’s best beach in 2011; Bradenton has the premier sports school in the nation: IMG Academy; bi-county development of over $40 million of construction of Americas first and only world class rowing facility, and cultural attractions unparalleled in Florida just to name a few.

Company CEO’s are heroes or villains in the final analysis. The heroes are the ones that address the customer’s needs and challenges. There is still time to reverse this misjudgment and address your prior customer’s need. Hopefully you will meet the challenge.

Sincerely,


Name
Frequent Flier #

2/18/2011

There is no current threat to the airport at this time

Due to TSA recommendations, curbside operations will be limited to active loading and unloading of passengers. Your cooperation in working with our police officers at curbside will be appreciated.

3/19/2009

SRQ Announces Stimulus Grant Award

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) announced today that it has been awarded a $4.75 million dollar grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grant will improve safety at the airport by overlaying Runway 4-22. SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer, Rick Piccolo stated, “This grant will enable the airport to rehabilitate the crosswind runway. Given the airport completed an overlay of the main runway in 2007, the pavement condition of both airport runways will be some of the best in the country once this project is finished.” SRQ Chairman Eric Robinson added, “We are grateful to Congressman Buchanan, as well as Senators Nelson and Martinez, for their support and assistance in securing the funding to make this much needed safety improvement a reality.” SRQ has already advertized the project for bids and expects to award the contract within the next week thereby adding some much needed employment to the local economy very soon. SRQ is one of the first agencies in the area to receive a grant under the recently passed Stimulus Bill.

www.Recovery.gov

1/10/2008

TSA Recommendations On Curbside Parking

Due to TSA recommendations, curbside operations will be limited to active loading and unloading of passengers. Your cooperation in working with our police officers at curbside will be appreciated. Please note that the Airport’s policy still allows 20 minutes free parking in the short-term lot.

9/15/2008

Take Advantage Of Cashier-Less Parking!

Upon exiting the parking facility, lanes 2 and 3 are Automated Credit Card Lanes. Insert the parking ticket in the reader, and the reader will display the fee. You can insert your credit card and the amount will be automatically charged on it. It also prints out a receipt after which the gate will open for you to exit. This transaction negates the need for a cashier, improves speed, accuracy, and gets you on your way faster! For more information call Republic Parking at (941) 359-2770, extension 4297.

4/09/2008

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Updates

For passengers planning travel through SRQ within 72 hours of a tropical storm or hurricane, please check your airlines website or contact their reservation line for updated flight status.

4/08/2007

New Screening Procedures

Beginning this Saturday, August 4, 2007, TSA will implement new passenger screening checkpoint procedures regarding items such as prescription medications, baby formula, juice and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) that are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml). Specifically, we understand that TSA will test these items using a "detection strip."

1/20/2006

SRQ Aces FAA Inspection

Sarasota / Bradenton, Tuesday, December 19, 2006. The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority announced today that they successfully completed the annual safety certification inspection from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 12, with no discrepancies.