GPT Announces New Director of Planning and Development

Shelby Fox Director of Planning and Development

 Shelby Fox has recently joined Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as the Director of Planning and Development. She is responsible for managing leases and contracts and planning for future developments. 

Fox received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Memphis. She most recently served as Vice President of Strategy and Development for Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Inc., and was Director and Operations Manager for the Gulf Coast Nonprofit Center, Inc. Prior to these roles, Fox served in Project Manager roles for Suntrust Subsidiaries in Memphis, TN. 

Her community involvement has ranged from serving in Board and Committee capacities for Make a Wish of South MS, Goodwill Industries of South MS, and the United Way of South MS. In this new position, Fox aims to aid in optimizing operations, enhancing, and fostering collaborative partnerships at the airport. She is a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Program and is also a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport. 

GPT Airport Coronavirus Preparedness

UPDATE 8/20/2021

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities as well as civil penalty fines will also remain in place.

Travelers with questions regarding airport security screening procedures may send a message via Facebook or Twitter to @AskTSA for live assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. Individuals who require screening assistance due to a disability, medical condition or other special circumstance may contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance of their flight by calling (855) 787-2227. For additional information about TSA procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.

UPDATE 2/1/2021

Per Executive Order of the United States Department of Homeland Security, wearing a mask is required while at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and other public areas of transportation hubs/facilities for the duration of travel, boarding, and disembarking. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law; passengers may be subject to penalties under federal law. For more information and exemptions to the Executive Order, please visit:

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1542-21-01.pdf

UPDATE 1/14/2021

The CDC announced that effective January 26, 2021, negative COVID-19 test requirements will be expanded to all passengers entering the United States.  If you are traveling from an international destination and connecting through one of our partner airline hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, or Houston you can find more information here:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid-19-air-passengers.html

UPDATE 6/23/2020

 Airline Updates

All commercial airlines currently operating at GPT now require passengers & employees to wear masks or face coverings. Protective plexiglass barriers and social distancing floor markers are located at check-in counters. Enhanced aircraft cleaning protocols, including fogging & electrostatic spraying, are being utilized after every flight. Inflight food & beverage services have been reduced or suspended to minimize the spread of germs. Please visit your respective carrier’s website at the link below for more information.

·        American Airlines- https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/coronavirus-updates.jsp#socialdistancing

·       Delta Air Lines- https://www.delta.com/content/www/us/en/travel-update-center/overview.html

·         United Airlines- https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/united-cleanplus.html

Amenity Updates

·        Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom and Coast Roast are now opening at 6:00 a.m. for carryout and dine-in service with limited menu options. Tables are spaced at a safe distance of 6 feet with no more than 6 people per table. 

·         Faber News & Gifts remains open 1.5 hours before each flight until departure.

·         The Global Entry Enrollment Office will reopen July 7, 2020, and the USO Center’s reopening date is TBD.

TSA Summer Travel Updates
  • Travelers should keep possession of their boarding passes. Instead of handing their boarding pass to a TSA officer at the travel document podium, travelers should now place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves.
  • Travelers are encouraged to wear face protection to the checkpoint. Please note, however, passengers may need to adjust it during the screening process.
  • Travelers are allowed up to 12 oz of liquid hand sanitizer through security. Disinfectant wipes are also allowed.  
  • Passengers should allow for social distancing to reduce direct contact between employees and travelers whenever possible without compromising security.
  • The REAL ID deadline has been extended by 1 year to October 1, 2021.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/05/21/tsa-prepared-summer-travelers-updated-security-procedures

 

UPDATE 3/24/2020

Air Service Updates

GPT provides essential transportation services to our community and remains open. However, some flight schedules have been impacted due to the current travel environment. Passengers are encouraged to directly contact their airline regarding any potential cancellations or schedule changes.

Amenity Updates

Faber News & Gifts remains open offering a selection of publications, t-shirts, snacks and gifts. In-terminal restaurants and bars have closed seating areas but are still offering carryout and grab & go food options from the Coast Roast counter. The USO Center and Global Entry Enrollment Office are temporarily closed.

Operational Updates

GPT continues to monitor the ongoing developments with COVID-19 and is making adjustments to operations as needed. We want to thank our partners who continue to play a critical role ensuring the safety, health and security of passengers.

 

UPDATE 3/12/2020

 

Forrest General Hospital reported this afternoon that the Forrest County individual who tested positive for COVID-19 recently traveled through Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The MSDH State Epidemiologist and Forrest General Hospital Chief Medical Officer have both advised that any person who came into contact with the individual is not in danger of contagion as the person was not displaying symptoms at the time.

 

GPT AIRPORT CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS

The Airport remains vigilant in conducting enhanced cleaning procedures and reminds travelers to continue following the CDC and MSDH recommendations detailed above. We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels.  

 

Coronavirus Preparedness: 3/10/2020

GULFPORT, Miss. – The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, in coordination with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Airport has seen no impacts to regular operations but encourages travelers to contact their airline regarding any potential schedule changes.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport takes precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and protect its passengers and employees. In addition to normal cleaning procedures, the Airport’s custodial team is conducting additional cleanings in frequently touched areas like handrails, door handles and other hard surfaces. Hand sanitizing dispensers are located throughout the terminal for passengers and employees to use. Restroom handwashing stations are also located throughout the terminal both before and after security.

Passengers are encouraged to follow the CDC’s guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

“While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions,” noted the U.S. Travel Association.

We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels. Thank you for flying Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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GPT Announces New Director of Marketing

Chaille Munn, Director of Marketing
Chaille Munn, Director of Marketing

GULFPORT, Miss. – Chaille Munn has joined The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport team as Director of Marketing. Munn has nearly 10 years of marketing and public relations experience, and will manage advertising, public relations and communications efforts for the airport.

Munn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and Bachelor of Arts in foreign language from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College. She comes to The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport from The Wetlands Solutions Companies in Gulfport, where she handled marketing, community and government relations. In previous roles she served as Outreach Manager for the Pascagoula River Audubon Center and worked as a Communications and Marketing Specialist at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Munn is a member of the Gulfport Business Club, Coast Young Professionals, and Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Chaille Munn, Director of Marketing
Office: (228) 863-5951 x3036
cmunn@flygpt.com

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service From Gulfport to Nashville

Allegiant Airlines

GULFPORT, Miss. Nov. 12, 2019 — Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces new nonstop service from Gulfport to Nashville, Tennessee via Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) beginning Feb. 15, 2020. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route for as low as $55.*

“We’re excited to offer Gulfport residents new travel options to one of the fastest growing destinations – steeped in music history, Nashville,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue.

The new seasonal flights operate twice weekly between Nashville International Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. With this addition, Allegiant offers nonstop service to two Allegiant destinations from GPT. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.

“We are very pleased with the new air service offering being provided by Allegiant to Nashville,” said Clay Williams, executive director of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. “Nashville continues to see tremendous growth, and we are excited visitors will have a convenient way to enjoy the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and residents of our region can take advantage of the easy nonstop option to access the Music City.”

The route will also be an opportunity to introduce vacationers to the leisure activities Gulfport has to offer.

“This new service between Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Nashville will connect Mississippi’s beautiful Gulf Coast with one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country. With this investment, Allegiant is helping our state increase opportunities for tourism and business by encouraging more visitors and new connections,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said.

Allegiant offers a unique option to Gulfport-area travelers with low base fares and savings on rental cars and hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less.

*About the introductory one-way fares:

Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Nov. 13, 2019 for travel by Aug. 15, 2020. Price displayed includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.

Allegiant Travel Company 

Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences – from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida – a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF

Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com

GPT Media Contact
Teckie Hinkebein
Phone: 228-236-4251
Email: thinkebein@flygpt.com

Altus Trophy On Display At GPT

Altus Trophy Ceremony

Starting today the 2017 Altus Trophy will be on display at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport through early 2019.

The Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and surrounding community was selected as this year’s Altus trophy recipient on May 18 based on its support and dedication to Keesler Air Force Base.

The Altus Military Affairs Committee, in partnership with the Altus Chamber of Commerce, awards the Altus Trophy to a community who provides the best support to its local military installation.

“It is an incredible honor for the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to accept the 2017 Altus Trophy.  We on the MS Gulf Coast have always known how special the relationship between our community and Keesler AFB is.  But, upon winning this award, we are now able to show the rest of the country how special our relationship is.  Our Coast economy would not be what it is without the presence of the men and women at Keesler AFB, and for that we are extremely proud and grateful,” said Cree Cantrell, Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce board member. “The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the perfect place to display this award for all of our residents and visitors alike to see and appreciate.”

“The airport has a tremendous longstanding partnership with the military and is pleased to display the trophy so that it can be viewed by those traveling to and from the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Teckie Hinkebein, Director of Marketing at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

The public may view the Altus Trophy on the ground floor of the airport terminal near baggage claim.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Teckie Hinkebein, Director of Marketing
Office: (228) 863-5951
Cell: (228) 236-4251
thinkebein@flygpt.com

Williams Obtains Aviation Industry Designation

Clay Williams, Executive Director

Clay Williams, Executive Director, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has obtained the designation of Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  The designation is provided to Airport Executives who complete the AAAE Body of Knowledge Course of Study in Administration, Finance, Airport Planning, Construction, Airport Operations, Community Relations and Communications.  On behalf of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Williams focuses on continued funding of capital improvement initiatives, expansion and retention of air service and enhancement of airport services and facilities.  Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a Master’s degree from Harvard University and is an active member of numerous organizations in South Mississippi.  In addition to his local civic engagement, Williams is also a current board member of the Mississippi Airports Association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Teckie Hinkebein, Director of Marketing
Office: (228) 863-5951
Cell: (228) 236-4251
thinkebein@flygpt.com

GPT Receives MDOT Grant

Mississippi Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom King announced Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will receive a $350,152 grant from MDOT’s multi-modal program to replace underground fuel tanks at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

The Airport is removing underground fuel storage tanks and replacing with an above ground operation.  This endeavor will improve the process for fueling airline ground handling equipment along with other airport authority vehicles and machinery.

“MDOT’s responsibilities include maintaining and improving the state’s highways and interstates, but also focuses on providing a safe intermodal transportation network for airports, ports and waterways, railroads and public transit,” King said. “Each of these modes of transportation play a vital role in transporting people, goods and services that promote economic growth and development throughout Mississippi.”

“The MDOT multi-modal program has assisted Airports in making major valuable investments that would be difficult to fund otherwise,” said Don Shepley, Director of Planning and Business Development at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. “This grant award to replace the airport underground storage tanks with above ground tanks is a perfect example of the grant program’s value.”

Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom Opens At GPT

Grill and Taproom Grand Opening

GULFPORT — The Grand Opening of Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom was held February 1 at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The restaurant features local cuisine, selections from a variety of local and regional craft breweries and a brand-new breakfast menu.

The owner operator of the Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom is MSE Branded Foods. The company runs full-service restaurants, bars and food courts in a spectrum of airports, universities, hotels and premium shopping centers throughout the country.

For more information about MSE Branded Foods, visit msebranded.com.

GPT Announces New Director of Finance

GULFPORT – Leslie Bonnikson has joined The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as Director of Finance. Bonnikson is responsible for directing and managing all airport financial and administrative activities.

Leslie Bonnikson

Bonnikson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, accounting and human resource management from Auburn University. She comes to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport from the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence in Biloxi, where she served as Chief Financial Officer and managed financial strategy for the center. In previous roles she served as Internal Audit Manager for The Home Depot in Atlanta, Ga., was a Senior Management Analyst for the U.S. House of Representatives Office of Inspector General in Washington, D.C., and held auditing positions for accounting firms in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Tallahassee, Fla.

Bonnikson is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Chartered Global Management Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and served as Treasurer of the Institute of Internal Auditors, D.C. Chapter.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Teckie Hinkebein, Director of Marketing
Office: (228) 863-5951 x3036
Cell: (228) 236-4251
thinkebein@flygpt.com