Tony Conley is a newer content contributor and show host for Michigan Business Network. To kick-off his eighty-third episode, Tony has a three-segment conversation about Breeze Airways adds Lansing flights! Nicole Noll-Williams talks Real ID, airport projects & electric planes. Tune in! ✈️🎧 #TravelNews
He welcomes back Nicole Noll-Williams, the President and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, operating the Capital Region International Airport and Mason Jewett Field.
Listen to Nicole and Tony’s conversation by clicking on the PodCast playlist below!
Nicole brings over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry to her leadership role at CRAA, with a background that includes air service development, airline management, and contract management. She also served nearly three years as the Mid-Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters.
In her previous role with the Airport Authority, she was the Director of Marketing and Passenger Development, where she spearheaded development, marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts. Her initiatives were instrumental in establishing direct flights to Washington D.C. and international destinations, including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
QUESTIONS:
– Tell us about the new Airline starting non-stop service out of Lansing.
– The TSA has a new ID feature, what is it?
– You recently had a ride on an electric aircraft, tell us about that experience.
– What are some travel tips for winter & spring travel?
Quick recap
Tony and Nicole discussed various travel-related topics, including the addition of Breeze Airways and increased service by American Airlines, as well as the importance of the Real ID for air travel. They also touched on ongoing projects at the Lansing airport, including a road project, terminal redesign, and master plan for the airport’s land, as well as a partnership with Beta Technologies for electric aircraft charging units. Lastly, they shared their experience with an electric plane simulator and discussed the potential benefits of electric aviation, with Nicole expressing her excitement about the Faa Reauthorization bill.
• Nicole to schedule TSA precheck enrollment events for late spring and fall.
• Airport authority to implement Real ID enforcement starting May 7, 2025.
• Airport team to proceed with design for road project on Airport Boulevard and Port Lansing Road.
• Airport team to continue work on terminal redesign project.
• Airport authority to complete the Master Plan for Lansing airport within the next 6 months.
• Airport team to install Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft charging unit by end of Q2 2025.
• Nicole to organize an event to demonstrate Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft in Lansing.
• Airport authority to implement and fund programs from the FAA Reauthorization bill.
Travel Updates and TSA Requirements
Tony and Nicole discussed various topics related to travel and the Lansing airport. They highlighted the addition of Breeze Airways, offering non-stop flights to Orlando and Fort Myers, and the upcoming flights to Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay by Apple Vacations. They also mentioned the increased service by American Airlines, including non-stop flights to Chicago and Washington, DC. Nicole emphasized the importance of the Real ID for air travel, which will be enforced from May 7th, 2025. They also discussed the cargo services provided by UPS, which serves the entire state of Michigan and neighboring states. Lastly, they touched upon TSA’s plan for the Real ID and the need for a passport for international travel.
Lansing Airport Projects and Electric Planes
Nicole discussed several ongoing projects at the Lansing airport, including a road project, a terminal redesign, and a master plan for the airport’s 2,000 acres of land. She also mentioned the airport’s partnership with Beta Technologies for the development of electric aircraft charging units, which will be installed at four Michigan airports, including Lansing. Nicole anticipates the first electric aircraft to receive FAA authorization by the end of the year. Tony expressed interest in the development of electric airplanes and jets.
Electric Plane Simulator and Travel Tips
Tony and Nicole discussed their experience with an electric plane simulator, highlighting its quiet operation and potential benefits for aviation. Nicole emphasized the importance of giving oneself extra time during winter and spring travel due to potential weather conditions and the need to check in online for baggage. They also discussed the convenience of flying out of Lansing compared to Detroit, and Nicole expressed her excitement about the FAA Reauthorization Bill and its potential to support airport infrastructure and training programs. Tony thanked Nicole for her time and thanked the Michigan Business Network Operations manager, Jeffrey Mosher, and program editor, Benjamin Robinson, for their contributions.
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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline’s music
