BEAU RIVAGE’S AIR PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS ONE MILLIONTH PASSENGER

On August 25, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino welcomed its one millionth charter program passenger to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT). The milestone took place aboard Sun Country Flight SCX 8179 inbound from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) at 12:40 p.m. local time. Passengers on Sun Country 173-seat 737-800 aircraft were greeted with a water cannon salute on the tarmac alongside Beau Rivage charter services employees, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport staff, elected officials and dignitaries. Cake, champagne, commemorative gifts and photos also accompanied the red carpet welcome.

Beau Rivage’s scheduled charter air program formally launched in 2009 following a post-Hurricane Katrina $550-million resort renovation, and has been partnered with Sun Country Airlines since 2014. Since its inception, the program has flown more than 8,000 flights from 90 cities nationwide, from Minneapolis to Miami and New Hampshire to West Texas.

“MGM Resorts International guests from around the country love to visit the Gulf Coast and our goal with this program has always been to make that travel as easy as possible,” said Beau Rivage President and COO Brandon Dardeau. “The charter program has elevated all of Coastal Mississippi, including our 1,740-room AAA Four Diamond resort on the beach in Biloxi, from a regional destination to a national market.”

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Executive Director Clay Williams said “Beau Rivage has worked strategically over the years to exponentially grow its air charter program, bringing visitors to the Coast from 90 cities across the US. With this effort to attract additional fly-in visitors, the Beau Rivage air program has grown to comprise approximately 25 percent of the air service at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.”

Tiered-pricing packages are offered to casino players and leisure travelers and include roundtrip airfare, multi-night accommodations, baggage delivery service and roundtrip transportation between Beau Rivage and GPT. Since its inception, Beau Rivage’s air charter program has generated 1.6 million hotel room nights at the resort. With two incoming and two outgoing flights per day, the program averages seven different cities in-house each night. Top travel markets include Detroit, St. Louis, San Antonio, Richmond, Va, and Macon, Ga. Clearwater-St. Pete is the No. 1 market.

“Sun Country has been a proud partner of MGM Resorts and Beau Rivage since 2014,” said Grant Whitney, Chief Revenue Officer of Sun Country Airlines. “We are thrilled to celebrate the one millionth passenger that our program has brought to this world-class property and are excited about our future relationship with MGM Resorts/Beau Rivage and their loyal customers.”

High resolution artwork and additional information can be found at Beau Rivage Digital Newsroom.

 

ABOUT BEAU RIVAGE

Already known as the crown jewel of the Gulf Coast, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino continues to raise the bar. Named one of the “South’s Best Resorts” by Southern Living, MGM Resorts International’s AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort is undergoing a $55 million dollar room remodel of its 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. The resort is home to 10 restaurants, four bars and lounges, and an 85,000-square-foot gaming area that includes the new Buffalo Zone and BetMGM Book Bar and Grill, Mississippi’s full-service sports betting and entertainment destination. The resort also offers live entertainment in its 1,550-seat theatre, an upscale shopping promenade with a Black Clover Lounge and Topgolf Swing Suite, a world-class spa & salon and Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course. For more information and reservations, call (888) 567-6667 or visit www.beaurivage.com.

ABOUT GULFPORT-BILOXI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second largest airport in the state of Mississippi welcoming nearly 800,000 travelers each year. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport serves as the gateway to the Gulf Coast and is served by five major airlines – American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. For more information, visit flygpt.com.

 

ABOUT SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES
Sun Country Airlines operates 98 routes serving 78 airports across the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada and the Caribbean, providing safe, reliable, hassle-free flights at affordable prices. Sun Country offers a customer experience that includes free in-flight entertainment, complimentary non-alcoholic beverage service, a new mobile-friendly website with more self-service tools, and new interiors on each aircraft. Based in Minnesota, we focus on serving leisure and visiting friends and relatives (“VFR”) passengers. Sun Country Airlines is a new breed of hybrid low-cost air carrier that dynamically deploys shared resources across our synergistic scheduled service, charter, and cargo businesses. Based in Minnesota, we focus on serving leisure and visiting friends and relatives (“VFR”) passengers and charter customers and providing CMI service to Amazon, with flights throughout the United States and to destinations in Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. For photos, b-roll and additional company information, visit http://www.suncountryview.com/newsroom/multimedia/.

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GPT launches new TSA PreCheck® enrollment initiative for departing travelers on May 26th, just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

Did you know that in April 2022, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in the security screening line?

IDEMIA is excited to bring convenient TSA PreCheck enrollment to travelers. Taking five minutes or less, and with no appointment needed, this special initiative for departing travelers allows them to enroll in TSA PreCheck at the airport as they fly out on their next trip. Once approved, they can then enjoy a smoother screening process at airport security. Look for the IDEMIA TSA PreCheck Enrollment Ambassadors, and make sure you bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship (i.e., passport, birth certificate) or proof of lawful permanent residency. For extra speed and convenience, complete the online application before your trip.  

What is TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck program was created in December 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience at the airport security passenger checkpoint. The program is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as members participating in Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. The TSA PreCheck program is a great option for frequent travelers looking to save time during the airport security process. Enrolled members can travel with ease with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.  They can also access dedicated screening lanes at participating U.S. airports nationwide. 

What is GPT Offering to Travelers?

GPT is one of the first airports to offer the new TSA PreCheck enrollment initiative. It will allow travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck as they depart for their trip with no need for an appointment. 

Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, this initiative will be available from May 26 through June 6. IDEMIA TSA PreCheck Enrollment Ambassadors will be stationed throughout the airport with carts equipped to enroll passengers in TSA PreCheck. 

  • Start Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022

  • End Date: Monday, June 6, 2022

Hours of Operation

Look for the roving TSA PreCheck Ambassadors who will be enrolling near Level 1 Ticketing and Level 2 Security Checkpoint at the following hours:

Thursday 5/26: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday 5/27: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday 5/28: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday 5/29: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Thursday 6/2: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Friday 6/3: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Saturday 6/4: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday 6/5: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Monday 6/6: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This new, simplified initiative delivers TSA PreCheck enrollment in five minutes or less, and most passengers will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, and in most cases, just in time for their return trip.

What to Expect During the TSA PreCheck Application Process

The enrollment process is quick and convenient.  The traveler can enroll at the airport simply by stopping by the IDEMIA TSA PreCheck enrollment cart. No appointment needed!

Enrolling at the airport is even faster if the traveler applies online beforehand. TSA PreCheck enrollment requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship (forms of identification can be located here: proof of citizenship), fingerprint and photo capture. There is an $85 enrollment application fee, which covers five years of participation, if approved.

Click here if you wish to start the application process before arriving at GPT.

For more information on TSA PreCheck, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. 

 

Rental Car Parking Upgrades In Progress

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is working to upgrade the rental car parking area. The area is being expanded with additional parking and resurfaced with an added entrance and exit for ease of use. This project is partially funded through MDOT’s Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Program. We are excited to continue working to improve passengers’ airport experience. 

New Nursing Room Amenity

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is thrilled to offer a new amenity to our passengers in time for the busy holiday travel season. Our new Nursing room provides mothers with a private, quiet and clean area to feed their infants.

The room is located post security checkpoint on the second floor. It is stocked with comfortable chairs, plenty of counter space and outlets, as well as access to a sink. There is also a FIDS monitor so that anyone using the nursing room can monitor their flights.

A New Face for Your Arrivals, Departures & Baggage

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has completed installing new Flight Information Display (FIDS) software and hardware systems to provide an even more enhanced passenger experience. Find the new and updated screens at check-in counters, arrival and departure boards, boarding gates and baggage claim. This project was funded by a $288,500 grant through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

GPT Resumes Operations Following Hurricane Ida​

GPT Resumes Operations Following Hurricane Ida

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is open following Hurricane Ida. Delta, American, United and Sun Country have all resumed operating flights to and from GPT. Passengers are encouraged to continue checking with their respective airlines for potential schedule updates. 

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 Concludes 15-year Noise Mitigation Program

The Gulfport-Biloxi International airport has recently concluded its 15-year Noise Mitigation Program. This noise abatement project was designed to minimize the impact of aircraft noise from the airport onto its surrounding homes, apartments and a school through sound insulation and easement acquisition. It was funded through a combination of federal FAA grants as well as State and Airport matches.

As a result:

  • Homes Sound Insulated – 790
  • Apartments Sound Insulated – 18
  • Schools Sound Insulated -1
  • Parcels Acquired – 10
  • Avigation Easements – 311

Program Funding:

Total Program Dollars From 2005-2020 = $42,454,070

  • FAA Federal Grants – $39,889,682
  • State Match – $1,282,194
  • Airport Match – $1,282,194
 Click on the image below to view the interactive project map.

Noise Mitigation Contour Map

GPT Announces New Director of Finance

GULFPORT, Miss. – Kim Banisch has joined the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as Director of Finance. Banisch is responsible for directing and managing all airport financial and administrative activities.

Banisch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She previously served as a Certified Public Accountant for Alexander, Van Loon, Sloan, Levens & Favre, PLLC in Gulfport, where she was a member of their tax department and IT team. Banisch has over 27 years of accounting experience in other industries such as healthcare, education and music entertainment.

Banisch is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mississippi Society of CPAs and 2019 Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Class. She serves as President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and a member of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Accountancy’s Advisory Board.

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