MSP News - October 2015

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colosseum2
Photograph courtesy of Diliff via Wikimedia Creative Commons

Rome: The Eternal City is calling your name

On Oct. 5, Delta Air Lines announced it would begin daily, nonstop service between Rome and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) beginning May 26, 2016. 

"We are very excited about Delta Air Lines' decision to launch service to Rome," said Jeff Hamiel, executive director and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. "Rome is one of Europe's oldest cities, with tremendous historical, cultural and commercial appeal. It is also the most popular destination in Europe not to already have direct service from MSP International Airport. Direct service to Rome gives businesses, colleges and civic organizations in Minnesota another opportunity to attract visitors from the Mediterranean region of Europe."

Rome will be Delta's fifth long-haul international destination from Minneapolis-St. Paul. The airline also operates flights from Minneapolis to Amsterdam, London, Tokyo-Narita and Paris. The service will be operated in conjunction with Delta's joint venture partners Air France, KLM and Alitalia using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. 

Delta operates more than 400 peak-day flights to more than 120 destinations from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Delta's Minneapolis-St. Paul to Rome schedule will operate as follows:

  • DL90 Minneapolis at 5:25 p.m. Rome at 10 a.m. (next day) May 26, 2016
  • DL91 Rome at 11:45 a.m. Minneapolis at 3:45 p.m. May 27, 2016

Book your trip today at Delta.comThe service will run throughout the summer months.

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US Airways flights to become American Airlines flights Oct. 17

American airlines logo 2015

American Airlines’ merger with US Airways will come to its conclusion on Oct. 17 when the last US Airways flight lands in Pittsburgh. 

At Minneapolis-St. Paul International, the most noticeable change is the rebranding of American's ticket counters and gate areas to reflect the merged airline’s new identity.   

For the uninitiated, American Airlines operates out of Terminal 1-Lindbergh, mostly on Concourse E and with a handful of flights on Concourse C.

And for you aviation buffs, some US Airways trivia:

  • The airline's original name was All-American Airways
  • The date of its first flight was March 12, 1939
  • Its first aircraft was a single-engine Stinson Reliant

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Makapu

Have you made your Hawaiian vacation plans yet?

Flights to Honolulu from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport resume Nov. 19. Book today at Delta.com and be walking white sandy beaches before the snow flies.

The daily, nonstop service continues through March 26, 2016. 

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Register today for State of the Airport Luncheon, Oct. 21

At this year’s State of the Airport luncheon, Jeff Hamiel, the country's longest-serving airport CEO, will reflect on some key challenges and successes he’s experienced during his almost 40 years at MSP, as well as provide a seasoned look into the airport’s future.

Register today through the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Cost: $50 per person

Location:

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington-Minneapolis South
7800 Normandale Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55439

Hosted by Airport Foundation MSP.

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MSP’s Soaring Savings Sidewalk sale starts Monday, Oct. 12

sidewalk sale

Autumn is upon us and that means so is MSP Airport’s annual Soaring Savings Sidewalk Sale. 

This year’s sale runs Monday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 18.

With more than 20 airport retailers participating, the savings will be abundant.

“Guests, tenant and employees alike look forward to the airport sidewalk sale all year,” says Liz Grzechowiak, assistant director for concessions and business development for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “It lends a sense of festivity to the terminal and gives travelers a jump on the holiday shopping season.” 

The event corresponds with Education Minnesota conference week, a typically busy travel period at the airport, so be sure to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your flight. 

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PGA ribbon cutting
From left: Jeff Hamiel (MAC CEO), Derek Sprague (PGA President), Erin Bailey (PGA-MSP), and Joel Burger (PGA-MSP)

PGA-MSP grand opening draws crowd

PGA-MSP's grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 28 drew a crowd at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), including one of the biggest names in golf.

Professional Golf Association (PGA) President Derek Sprague helped officially launch the indoor golf concept, speaking about the unique experience before cutting the ribbon with Jeff Hamiel, executive director/CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. 

The interactive golf facility – featuring high-tech simulators, a putting green, a bar and PGA merchandise – first opened its doors in March. Since then, travelers passing through MSP have been able to spend their layovers practicing their swings and virtually experiencing some of the world's best courses.

PGA-MSP is located post-security at Terminal 1-Lindbergh in the Airport Mall, above Ike's Food & Cocktails.

But, you don’t have to have to an airline ticket to play. Simply call 24 hours or more ahead to make a reservation. You'll be issued a security pass for your day of play and be screened like any other passenger. Call 612-361-8960

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New art exhibit features renowned Cuban artists

photo by omar valenti for cuban art exhibit

Arts@MSP, a program administered by the Airport Foundation MSP, just announced its newest art installation at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): “Buoyancy,” a collection of three renowned Cuban artists’ photography and visual works of art. (Photograph at right by Omar Valenti)

A first-of-its-kind exhibit in a US Airport, Buoyancy refers to and celebrates the Cuban peoples’ thriving spirit. 

"I am always amazed at the ability of Minnesotans to connect creatively with like-minded artists around world - even in countries like Cuba, a country of mystery to most Americans," said Robyne Robinson, director of Arts@MSP. "We're thrilled to have been able to collaborate with the US Cuban Artists Exchange to bring this unique cross-cultural exhibition to MSP’s traveling community."

The exhibition also features a sound and digital photography installation by The Touch of Sound, an online library of authentic recordings collected from around the world by Minnesota brothers Jesse and Jonah Marks. In August of 2014, they partnered with the US Cuba Artist Exchange and participated in its tour of Cuba, making stops in multiple cities and encountering a vibrant and beautiful country full of history, culture, art, music - and sounds.

Next time you’re flying through, look (and listen) for this special exhibit on both the E and F concourses at Terminal 1-Lindbergh.

Learn more about the artists here.

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motorcycle parking

Motorcycle parking now available at MSP Airport

Motorcycle parking is now available on the ground level of the Quick Ride Ramp at Terminal 1. 

Located off of Highway 5 at the Post Road exit, the ramp is just one mile from Terminal 1-Lindbergh. A FREE 24/7 shuttle will pick you up at your motorcycle, and drive you to the terminal and back upon your return. 

Parking fees for the Quick Ride Ramp apply and are payable via credit card only.

Speaking of parking…

Next time you’re flying out of Terminal 1-Lindbergh, drive straight to MSP’s Quick Ride Ramp and save both time and money.

For only $14 a day (compared with $22 per day at Terminal 1’s general ramp), you get personalized pick up and a quick, comfortable ride to the curb.

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plane pull 2015
Perfect weather for pulling planes; 65 and sunny

Plane Pull event pulls in nearly $40,000 for Special Olympics

Sunny skies, a Delta jet and a little friendly competition made for an exceptional second-annual Plane Pull at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Sat. Sept. 12.

Twenty-eight teams competed to determine which could pull a Delta jet 25 feet in the shortest time. At the end of the competition, American Security & Investigations walked away with first place – and bragging rights until next year’s pull – by crossing the finish line in 9 seconds flat.

To participate, each team was asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges for Special Olympics Minnesota. In total, the event brought in nearly $40,000, surpassing last year’s fundraising total by more than $10,000.

Thanks to the skilled work of the airport’s carpenters, kids were also able to take part in this year's Plane Pull, using their very own pint-sized plane. And an obstacle course ensured everyone had plenty to keep them entertained.

Winners:

  • 1st place: American Security & Investigations (team name and affiliate company); 9.0 seconds
  • 2nd place: 3M Brand Services (3M); 9.1 seconds
  • 3rd place: Team URSA (Ramsey Police Department); 9.4 seconds
  • 4th place: MCE Mouse Clickers (Michaud Cooley Erickson); 9.6 seconds
  • 5th place: Mulcahy Pump Daddy’s (Mulcahy Company); 10.4 seconds

This family-friendly event was presented by Minnesota law enforcement agencies as part of their year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising efforts; co-sponsors included HMSHost, EndeavorAir, Delta Air Lines, and, of course, the MSP Airport Police Department.

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