Passenger numbers at Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 377,971 people traveled through the airport in 2020, down 57 percent from 2019. 2019 was previously the airport’s busiest year on record.
PSC passenger counts began high in January and February—generally the airport’s slowest time—and put the airport on pace to exceed 2019 numbers. In March, the start of the global pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders sharply reversed the trend. In April 2020, 95 percent fewer people traveled than in April 2019. Passenger trends slowly resumed over the summer, and the airport finished the year with a 57 percent total decline. “As with all airports in 2020, Tri-Cities Airport had to contend with the sudden stop in air travel due to the pandemic,” said Buck Taft, Tri-Cities Airport Director. “Our recovery has been supported by implementing additional health and safety protocols, and we look forward to serving travelers when they are ready to fly again.” Airlines count their passengers in terms of enplanements, or the number of people who board an aircraft at an airport. The number of people arriving are considered deplanements; the sum of both numbers is an airport’s total passenger number. In 2019, the airport saw 438,123 enplanements, an all-time high for the airport. In 2020 PSC processed 188,959 enplaned passengers—a count not seen since 1997. One bright spot in last year’s operations was cargo. Enplaned cargo, or the goods shipped from Tri-Cities elsewhere in the world, increased 9 percent over 2019. UPS was primarily responsible for the rise, carrying 840,494 tons of goods in 2019, a 38 percent increase from the year prior. While a full recovery isn’t expected until after the pandemic is contained and stay-at-home orders are lifted, the nonstop service options at the airport are increasing. Travelers from PSC can already reach Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, and flights to Minneapolis St. Paul will be available beginning March 2. Additional statistics can be found here on the Tri-Cities Airport’s website.
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At 9:00 p.m. on February 1, 2021, the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) will begin enforcing a new federal mandate that requires everyone on airport property to wear a mask or face covering.
After President Biden signed the Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released its related Security Directive, which dictates that all passengers, operators, and visitors at the airport must cover both their nose and mouth while on the premises of any transportation hub. Children under the age of 2 are exempt, as are those who meet special conditions set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At PSC, passengers may ask for a free mask from their airline carrier or airport staff. Those who refuse to comply with the TSA Security Directive may be denied boarding, asked to leave the airport and/or receive a fine. Face coverings have been required at PSC since June 2020, but the new regulations provide additional enforcement guidelines and stricter penalties for violation. The federal Security Directive can be found here on the TSA website. Tri-Cities Monarchs 3vs3, a newly formed basketball organization serving the Tri-Cities, WA area, announces the 1st Annual #Ball4All Raffle in support of youth league basketball, in hopes to get enough capital to bring more sports events to the local community.
"We are hopeful that with the proceeds from this raffle, we will have the working capital to begin to build quality events in our community, which will involve tournaments and leagues, support charitable foundations in our immediate neighborhoods, and provide a means to participate for those who may have financial burdens or other hardships limiting their access," states Darvin Phillips Jr., Director/General Manager of Tri-Cities Monarchs 3vs3. As a basketball organization official licensee of Hoop It Up, the world’s largest 3x3 basketball tour for the past 30 years, and FIBA-endorsed event organizer, the Tri-Cities Monarchs 3vs3 is proud to introduce a fast and exciting alternative to traditional basketball with the 3 versus 3 model, which is quickly blossoming to a very popular way for youth and adults of all skill sets to play, be involved and have a wider variety of playing options and development potential. "The decision is to bring this opportunity to the Tri-Cities area was a simple one - Tri-Cities is known for its love for the game, wonderful and passionate people who care about their community, and a prime location to allow others in the immediate vicinity to join us and participate side by side," states Phillips Jr. Tickets for the raffle are already available for the price of $50 each. All the proceeds will be used to support offsetting operating expenses for youth leagues and relieve some costs to assist less fortunate participants. The prize for the raffle is a Western Caribbean Cruise to Mexico, including a 5-day/4-night Cruise for two aboard the Royal Caribbean Adventurer of the Seas. The support is much appreciated as it is an opportunity to support the Tri-Cities area, get involved in the local community and encourage one another. "As Director and General Manager of Tri-Cities Monarchs 3vs3, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so wholeheartedly for your support and for helping me spread my love for this amazing game throughout the land and a way for everyone to get involved," finishes Phillips Jr.. For more information about the 1st Annual #Ball4All Raffle click here. On Sunday, February 14th, 2021 from 2PM to 4PM, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation will be hosting a drive up event called “Crush On Cancer”.
Purchase a “Crush On Cancer Package” for pickup on Valentine’s Day at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Your package includes a 3-course cancer crushing meal from Chef Kyle Thornhill of Tsunami Catering, a wonderful bottle of wine from our Cancer Center Cellar and two Crush On Cancer beanies! One special couple will receive a bottle of Leonetti! 3-Course dinner includes Strawberry Pecan Salad with Ginger Carrot Dressing and your choice for entrée for two: Spicy Kung Pao Chicken with Cashews and Brown Rice or Fresh Cod with Red Coconut Curry, Cauliflower Rice and Grilled Zucchini or Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce and Avocado Dressing. The yummy dessert is Chocolate Pots De Crème with Flaked Sea Salt! The cost of this event is $100 per couple. To register, please visit the Tri-Cities Cancer Center’s Facebook page or tccancer.org For more information or to add additional people, please call Lori Lott, Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation Events Coordinator at (509) 737-3373. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Richland Police facility will occur on Thursday, February 4th, at 2 p.m. Due to the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery Phase 1 status, the event is being held virtually on the West Richland Police Department’s Facebook live.
The new police facility is being constructed after West Richland voters approved a 12.5 million dollar bond for constructing and equipping a 22,500 plus square foot building. The new police facility has been designed to meet the needs of the community for the foreseeable future. The City of West Richland had purchased the 93-acre “racetrack property”, located near the intersection of Keene and Van Giesen, and allocated 5 acres for the new police facility. The placement of the new facility will be just to the north of the racetrack oval. The anticipated completion date is December 2021 with a live ribbon cutting and celebration scheduled for all to attend. |
Have News?Email your press release and a photo to Austin Regimbal, Marketing & Communications Director. Press releases are posted in their entirety. This is a free benefit for members of the Tri-City Regional Chamber at the Connect level and above. Archives
July 2024
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