Indianapolis International earns numerous accolades, withstands challenging economy

INDIANAPOLIS—Now that the new Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has been open for just over 14 months, the focus on capital construction and the $1.1 billion Midfield Project has shifted to new goals and objectives.

A five-year strategic plan has been developed and is in the early stages of implementation. Measures for benchmarking success are in place. Staff are working to increase operational efficiency, continue excellent customer service, and grow the business to support economic development in central Indiana.

Despite challenges for the airport industry in a turbulent global economy, 2009 was an award-winning year for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) and IND staff.

2009 AWARDS & ACCOLADES

1. Airport concessions: Indianapolis International was recognized by Airport Revenue News (ARN) with three awards for best overall concessions program for medium-sized airports. It earned first place from Airport Councils International-North America (ACI-NA) for best overall specialty retain program in a medium-sized airport as well as two honorable mentions in food and beverage programs.

2. Public art and architecture: The Indianapolis Airport Authority was recognized with the prestigious 2009 Monumental Award by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in the architecture and public art category for building a state-of-the-art facility that serves as an iconic new gateway to the city. Other awards received included the 2009 Artful Impact Award from the Arts Council of Indianapolis; the 2009 Honor Award from the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association; and the 2009 Qualifications-Based Selection Award for Professional Procurement Practices by the American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

3. TSA partnership: The Indianapolis Airport Authority was recognized with the 2009 national TSA Partnership Award. IAA was recognized for its role in ensuring TSA was a key partner in the Midfield Project and in developing comfortable, convenient, and high-tech security checkpoints for the new airport.

4. FAA award: The Indianapolis Airport Authority was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the FAA at its annual Great Lakes Conference for the Midfield Project’s program planning and management.

5. Law enforcement and security: The Airport Police Department earned a Certification of Appreciation from the FBI for its involvement in and participation on the city’s joint terrorism task force.

NOTABLE EVENTS IN 2009

• John D. Clark, III was selected to serve as IAA’s executive director & CEO. His tenure began April 13. Michael B. Stayton succeeded Randall L. Tobias as IAA board president.

• Of the top 100 U.S. airports, only 21 had lower fares than Indianapolis, according to U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

• The former passenger terminal and airport facilities at 2500 S. High School Road were closed. A public auction was held with about 1,000 registered bidding on thousands of lots of items selling for a total of about $1 million.

• The IAA board approved a long-term agreement with Hendricks County Parks & Recreation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to establish a 210-acre nature park expected to open in 2011. IAA also constructed a two-acre wetland, enlisting assistance from local volunteers to help plant nearly 4,000 trees, shrubs, and plants.

• Airport offered a slate of holiday entertainment and special events, including a Colts Rally, Hendricks County Appreciation Day, Santa’s Arrival, Miss Indiana concert and autograph session, and Humane Society pet adoption outreach.

• The IND Foundation published its first book titled “IND: The Art of It All.”

• IND was designated a “StormReady” facility by the National Weather Service.

2009 ECONOMIC IMPACT

• Based on the most recent data available from the Aviation Association of Indiana, IND’s annual economic impact is $3.336 billion.

• Key business partners include 11 commercial airlines, FAA, TSA, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, 50 concessionaires (rental car, restaurant, retail, and other service providers), and tenants including FedEx Express, AAR, Comlux, Hawker Beechcraft Services, and Signature Flight Support. About 10,000 people work at the airport each day; IAA employs about 475.

• No property tax dollars were or are used to operate and manage IND.

TOP PASSENGER CARRIERS IN 2009

Q3 2009 AVERAGE DOMESTIC FARES

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Price Index (released 1/28/10), IND’s average domestic fare of $279.61 is lower than the national average of $306.38. In comparison, average domestic fares at neighboring airports:

TOP DESTINATIONS IN 2009

IND served 35 nonstop destinations and averaged 154 daily departures. The top destinations for flights originating from IND and their average numbers of passengers were:

TOP 2009 CARGO CARRIERS

According to Airports Council International North America, IND is the nation’s eighth largest cargo facility; internationally, it ranks 21st in the world. In 2009, the top cargo carriers were:

CONCESSION & RETAIL SALES

CONCESSION & RETAIL REVENUE

Mix of vendors includes:

• Food and beverage: 23

• Specialty retail: 21

• News and gift: 8

• Rental car companies: 9 (one off-airport)

GENERAL 2009 FACTS AND STATISTICS