Fort Wayne - Allen County Airport Authority

Thank you to John Perlich, and the City of Fort Wayne, for inviting Executive Director of Airports, Scott Hinderman, on to the "Investing in the City of Fort Wayne" podcast. We're always happy to share the growth and excitement FWA is experiencing with Project Gateway, increased airline capacity, and more! Take a listen ➡️ https://rb.gy/pyt23o

We were thrilled to welcome the Italian Frecce Tricolori over the weekend! The Frecce Tricolri is the aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force. Eleven of the MB-339 aircraft and two supporting C130 aircraft spent the night at FWA on Sunday for a refuel and rest, before taking off Monday morning! Our exceptional team at Fort Wayne Aero Center did a great job taking care of the Frecce Tricolori team, providing a number of services for the group during their brief stop in Fort Wayne! (Photos: Ryan Moore)

This morning, we officially dedicated our large-scale public art piece, "Oculus", alongside artist Gordon Huether. Boasting a visually stunning mix of materials, shapes, colors and lighting effects, the installation celebrates the rich history of aviation, enhances the airport’s visual appeal, promotes the state of Indiana and provides a unique and interactive space for passenger experiences. “Oculus” stands in front of the FWA terminal building with four, 18-foot stainless steel “wings” meant to reflect airplane wings. Each wing features laser-cut patterns featuring iconic images relating to aviation and the state of Indiana including airplanes, music notes, apple tree branches, and “hello” in a number of languages. “The concept for Oculus takes inspiration from the fluid and iconic shape of airplane wings and establishes the viewer’s engagement with the history of aviation in the state. Its four, 18-foot stainless steel ‘wings’ elegantly designed to resemble airplane wings also provide the support for an open yet structured space for visitors to enjoy.” said artist Gordon Huether. “Oculus” was made possible by the generous donations of several Fort Wayne area businesses. Platinum Level donors were Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and STAR Bank. Gold Level donors were Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power, Rothberg Law Firm, and USI Insurance Services. Silver Level donors include Hylant, CHA Consulting, and Petroleum Traders Corporation. Mead & Hunt, FWA’s architectural firm for the East and West Terminal Expansion projects and Michael Kinder and Sons, who served as construction manager on the West Terminal Expansion and Renovation Project were also Silver Level donors to the public art project. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VCppmk

If you missed FWA's Mobile Global Entry event in May - you're in luck! Due to the high volume of interest, FWA will once again host a U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) temporary Mobile Global Entry enrollment event from Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19 in the terminal building. FWA will be OPEN to choose as an interview location in the Trusted Traveler Program System beginning TODAY! In order to reserve an appointment time during FWA’s Mobile Global Entry enrollment event, you must have had your application for Global Entry conditionally approved and be ready to move on to the interview portion of the process. However, you can still apply for Global Entry on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website and create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. Appointments at the FWA temporary enrollment site (or another location) will be able to be booked once your application is approved. Appointments will be open from 8am-4pm each day of the FWA Global Entry event. Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3jgnCmS

Welcome back Detroit! 🎉 Non-stop service to DTW on Delta Air Lines returns to FWA this weekend! The first inbound DTW-FWA flight arrives this evening, with the first official FWA-DTW flight taking off tomorrow morning at 8:30am. “Restoring non-stop service from Fort Wayne to Detroit is a major win for our community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “Fort Wayne International Airport continues to provide excellent services to help meet the needs of residents and visitors. Being able to connect with Detroit in this manner will have a positive and lasting impact to position us for current and future economic development opportunities and as an important amenity for business and leisure travel for individuals and families.” Passengers on the first Detroit outbound flight will enjoy a gate celebration featuring balloons, custom Detroit-themed treats, airport swag, a coffee bar, and more! Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Rh58QI

FWA was recently featured by The Points Guy, highlighting our famous Ellison Bakery cookies and new and improved accessible features! "As far as sweet airport amenities go, Indiana's Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) has others beat. For about 25 years now, volunteers have been welcoming passengers to Indiana with big smiles and free, fresh-baked cookies." "Like many airports, FWA already has a host of accessible features in place, such as a sensory room and family restrooms. Additionally, its Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program signals to airport and airline staff that a traveler may need some extra care, patience and assistance. The airport is adding and upgrading an extensive list of other features, thanks to grants and federal funding as well as its architectural and construction firm, Mead & Hunt. Many local and regional groups representing disabled populations gave input for the improvements." Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/44YBw0h

FWA is proud to announce that for a record TENTH year in a row, the airport has passed its annual FAA Part 139 safety and certification inspection with ZERO discrepancies! “The staff at the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority works very hard to make sure that we provide a safe and efficient airfield for all aircraft operators as well as our passengers. Our team also works diligently to maintain a top-notch airport facility for the Northeast Indiana community. Ten years with zero discrepancies is a huge accomplishment that not many airports can claim, and every Airport Authority employee should be proud of that.” said Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dbcvm3

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority joins our community in mourning the untimely loss of Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry. Mayor Henry was the epitome of a servant leader who worked tirelessly to propel Fort Wayne forward. His dedication to leading the City of Fort Wayne and commitment to pursuing lasting, positive change throughout our community will be greatly missed. His loss will be felt for many years to come. Over the years we have been lucky to work closely with Mayor Henry and his staff to extend the momentum and growth occurring throughout Fort Wayne, to Fort Wayne International Airport. Mayor Henry has long been a champion of FWA and the importance of the airport as a community asset. Mayor Henry has been vital to the growth at FWA - working hand-in-hand with Airport Authority staff and extending his thoughtful leadership to the members of the Airport Authority Board of Directors he appointed. We extend our sincerest heartfelt condolences to the Henry family, as well as Mayor Henry’s staff and the countless community members impacted by his death, during this difficult time.

Congratulations to our own Katie Scherer, Operations Manager, for being recognized as one of Fort Wayne Business Weekly's Forty Under 40 for 2024! Katie is a vital part of both FWA and the Airport Authority as a whole, overseeing a variety of areas including airport operations, customer service, parking, construction projects, and much more! She is also heavily involved in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) - including serving as first vice president of GLCAAAE. Outside of the airport she is active in her community and with her children - making Northeast Indiana a better place! We are proud of Katie and celebrate this achievement alongside her!

We're excited to kick off our newest campaign, "A Point of Connection", with Ferguson! Our brand-new video spot debuted this week, with more to come from the campaign rollout through the end of the month! ✈️