Story submitted by Amy Zink
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation customers and the public will be greeted by something new when they arrive at Clarksville’s airport this summer.
Beginning early July, airport visitors will be welcomed to Clarksville Regional Airport, showcasing an updated name featuring a new logo, tagline and signage.
Airport Authority Chairman Sammy Stuard said, “We want everyone to know that Clarksville is a key aviation services provider in the region’s transportation matrix, and the intent of updating our name to Clarksville Regional Airport is to boost that image. Business and corporate travelers are frequently here to see what our area has to offer, and the airport may very well be their first impression.” He added, “Our new tagline, ‘Connecting People’ says it all. We are working hard to assure that anyone who comes through the airport facility leaves having had great experience.”
Stuard emphasized that the Airport Authority is acting on recommendations identified in the airport’s ten-year strategic plan completed last year. Following the grand opening of the 25,000 square foot airport terminal in July 2012, the Airport Authority proceeded to the next step in the 10-year strategic plan, to rebrand as Clarksville Regional Airport.
He added, “aside from giving us an updated and shorter name, the intent of the new brand is to enhance the professional image of the airport with a coordinated brand system including items such as stationery, website, directional signs, staff apparel and vehicle identification.”
BLF Marketing, a local marketing firm, was retained by the Airport Authority to lead and implement the brand development initiative.
However, the Airport Authority is not changing everything. According to Stuard, the airport management entity’s name will continue to be Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport Authority.
He also stated that “we will continue to use the airfield’s historic name, Outlaw Field and continue to honor our namesake Col. John Outlaw.”
Airport Director John Patterson points out that, “We will also retain our long-standing airport code identifier, CKV. This is an important designation because the IATA (International Air Transport Association) airport code helps pilots easily locate their destination,” adding that “Clarksville Regional’s three-letter IATA code literally puts Clarksville in a higher classification on the aviation map.”
In addition to the new branding, the airport has recently been awarded a $90 thousand grant from the State of Tennessee for development of the airport’s long term needs. These funds, made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division, are meant to assist regional airports with their location, design, construction and maintenance costs.
Recently hailed as “a major player” in Clarksville by the TDOT Aeronautics Division’s May 2013 Tennessee Aviation Quarterly Newsletter, the airport is catching the eye of aviation experts around the state. Notably, the airport staff is making a difference in the community through partnerships with the local school district and U.S. Army units at Fort Campbell as well as through community events. Patterson believes that getting involved in the community is the best way to grow the airport.
Other service enhancements include the opening of a Hertz Local Edition car rental office inside the airport terminal, a customer/pilot lounge, business conference rooms, a community meeting room, free Wi-Fi access and a local concierge service.
For more information about Clarksville Regional Airport services, call (931) 431-2080, visit the website at www.ClarksvilleRegional.com or send e-mail to airport@ClarksvilleRegional.com. The new terminal is open to aviation customers and the public.