Stories
Everything you need to know about airport communities from the front page of STNI. Get it in your inbox by subscribing!
-
2025-08-26Ep #5 A Very Special Purpose District
The Airport Communities Podcast The last (thankfully!) of three setup episodes where we ‘define our terms’. Last week we talked about the Railroad In The Sky, the FAA, which controls the airspace. Before that we described the airport as a parking lot, or rather two parking lots, because the airport operator does not control the -
2025-08-22SEA Offers Travel Tips for Final Weekend of Record Setting Summer
Checkpoint changes, north end ticketing options, plus new treats to enjoy. Plan ahead August 22, 2025 A record-setting summer is coming down to its final weekend as the Labor Day holiday approaches at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Since June, multiple records have been set for overall and international passenger levels while travelers who haven’t been -
2025-08-20
Ep #4: The Railroad In The Sky!
The Airport Communities Podcast Last week we described the airport as a parking lot, or rather two parking lots, because the airport operator does not control the roads, ie. flight paths. This week we talk about those roads, what the FAA calls ‘the railroad in the sky’. Why they’re so easy to change for them, -
2025-08-20Alaska Airlines unveils new loyalty plan, premium credit card
By Lauren Rosenblatt Seattle Times business reporter Alaska Airlines introduced a new loyalty program and premium credit card Wednesday, marking another step in the airline’s effort to transform into a global carrier and compete with larger international airlines. The new loyalty plan will combine Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ existing frequent flyer programs under one umbrella, after -
2025-08-17Port of Seattle Commission meeting features Q2 financials
Despite small bumps in non-aero, performance remains strong August 12, 2025 Agenda and full Packet Director Metruck had several reasons to smile, not the least of which being the airport’s continued record-breaking weekly operations report. Beyond that this last Commission meeting had two items of interest for us. SIRRPP In his opening remarks Director Metruck mentioned -
2025-08-15Boeing interfered with electric plane startup Zunum, appeals court finds
An artist’s rendering from 2018 of Zunum’s concept hybrid-electric commuter airplanes. (Courtesy of Zunum Aero) By Lauren Rosenblatt Seattle Times business reporter Boeing may again be on the hook for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Bothell-based electric airplane startup Zunum Aero. Zunum, which folded in 2019, sued Boeing a year after its closure, accusing the plane -
2025-08-14United Airlines To Reportedly Move Concourses In Seattle & Open New Lounge
United Airlines is making some big changes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The airline is relocating its entire operation to a new concourse, meaning a new lounge will be on the way as well. The United gates will be relocated from Concourse A to Concourse B at SeaTac, and a new United Club is expected to be built -
2025-08-14
Ep #3: It’s a Parking Lot
The Airport Communities Podcast Last week we described the process of community engagement as a Casino. This week is the first of three episodes where we try to describe what the various players are. JC opens by saying that airport communities need to figure out what they want besides “making the airplanes go somewhere else!” -
2025-08-12ESA Webinar on recent NEPA policy changes
So many lemons. Maybe some lemonade? Environmental Science Associates (ESA) held a webinar today to provide an overview and meaning to the truly astounding number of policy changes affecting NEPA over the past two years. Although an ‘overview’, the NEPA process is so technical the video may be of interest only to specialists. However, we -
2025-08-12At the heart of Seattle’s waterfront is its working port
By Fred Felleman and Steve Metruck Special to The Seattle Times Change can be good in uncertain times — if we stay true to our core values. At Seattle’s core is our working waterfront. And the mayor and City Council have key roles to play in its future. Even while we continue to challenge the