The Fly Angle: The Official RDU Airport Podcast

In This Episode: RDU recently broke ground on the replacement of its primary runway — but it's not as simple as just building a new road. RDU's runway engineer Ron Jewett sits down with co-hosts Jake and Stephanie to talk about “the most important two miles of pavement in North Carolina.” Meanwhile, find out where the airport's two newest international airlines are set to start flying in 2024.   Episode Guest: Ron Jewett is vice president of facilities asset management at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. With more than two decades of aviation construction engineering experience, Jewett oversees RDU's construction and repair efforts for airport facilities.   Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode.   Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: David Neeleman — founder of jetBlue and other airlines — has made a splash this year at Raleigh-Durham International Airport with his newest venture, Breeze Airways. Neeleman joins the podcast to share the experience, and what he sees next for aviation. Meanwhile, co-hosts Jake and Stephanie cover route planning, Air France's new flight in North Carolina and more. Episode Guest: David Neeleman is an entrepreneur who has founded several airlines, including jetBlue, WestJet, Azul and more. His latest airline, Breeze Airways, began operating in 2021. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: It was one of the most-requested service additions at Raleigh-Durham International Airport — and now, CLEAR's popular identity verification lanes and kiosks are open in both of RDU's terminals. Co-hosts Jake Potter and Stephanie Hawco sit down with Kyle McLaughlin, senior vice president of operations at CLEAR, to learn about how the service works and why flyers are so eager to sign up. Meanwhile, Jake and Stephanie tackle all the new airlines and routes coming to RDU this spring, and do a little international trip planning. Episode Guest: Kyle McLaughlin is senior vice president of operations at CLEAR, an international identity platform available in airports, stadiums and events. Prior to joining CLEAR, McLaughlin served as CEO of endurance event series Tough Mudder. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: You've asked to hear from other airports on the podcast – and this episode, you get to hear about three! First, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter welcome Amanda Ohbayashi, who handles digital marketing for Washington Reagan (DCA) and Dulles (IAD) airports, to learn about aviation in the nation's capital. Then, Stephanie Kitts joins to recap her tenure leading social media for Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ) – and share things to check out while in New Mexico. Meanwhile, Jake and Mary answer questions about CLEAR and new international service at RDU. Episode Guests: Amanda Ohbayashi is digital marketing specialist for Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, where she connects flyers to the Washington, D.C. area's two major airports, Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport. Stephanie Kitts is creative services manager at The Quotient Group, leading marketing efforts for a variety of aviation clients. Kitts recently served as digital content coordinator for Albuquerque International Sunport, where she managed social media and other creative and digital content for New Mexico's capital airport. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: There's no shortage of work to do each day at a busy international airport. RDU's new head of recruiting Kirsten Nicholas stops by the studio to talk about the Airport Authority's plans to hire operations staff, firefighters and other roles, and how people interested in aviation can plan their next career move. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter talk seat assignment etiquette, and share upcoming construction projects around campus. Episode Guest: Kirsten Nicholas is director of recruiting at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. With more than 20 years of experience recruiting for Fortune 500 members in education, healthcare and packaging, Nicholas is co-author of career development university textbook Paths in a Working Life – Charting your 21st Century Career. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: During Mike Schoenfeld's 14 years as Duke's top communicator, RDU helped the university connect students with learning opportunities in 75 countries. He stops by to tell us how our world-class airport supports the Research Triangle's world-class colleges and universities. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Stephanie Hawco talk about jet-setting to Paris, cooking up new dining options in a first-of-its-kind ghost kitchen and how RDU is making air travel more inclusive for guests with disabilities that might not be obvious. Episode Guest: Mike Schoenfeld is signing off as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations and Chief Communications Officer at Duke University, where he saw firsthand how RDU connects students, alumni and campuses around the world. Mike is a longtime advocate for RDU and former chair of the Regional Transportation Alliance, where he encouraged business groups to focus on the value of air travel. He is also a self-described airplane geek who has been flying through RDU for forty years. He shares his observations about what the airport means to the Triangle and why you just might run into him at Observation Park. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: Architecture and design fans, this episode's for you. Our resident architect guru Jaymes Carter stops by the podcast studio to talk about what goes into planning, designing and constructing airport terminals, customs stations and other aviation facilities. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter dive into an RDU history lesson, and cover the newly-relaxed testing requirements for re-entering the U.S. from international flights. Episode Guest: Jaymes Carter is vice president of buildings and building systems at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where he leads RDU's architecture and design efforts for terminals, parking facilities and other airport structures. A 25-year industry veteran, Carter's work spans from state and higher education facilities to industrial, commercial and public/private projects. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: With Icelandair's new nonstop service to the Land of Fire and Ice, RDU added back its first transatlantic flight in more than two years. Co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter go behind-the-scenes with Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason to learn about how the airline chose North Carolina for its newest destination. Later, Visit NC's Heidi Walters drops in to talk about how the tourism group is getting Icelanders excited to visit the Tar Heel State. Episode Guests: Bogi Nils Bogason was named President and CEO Icelandair Group in December 2018 after having served as the Chief Financial Officer since 2008. He was the CFO of Askar Capital from January 2007 until he joined Icelandair Group and the CFO of Icelandic Group from 2004-2006. Heidi Walters is the Senior Director of Partner & Industry Relations for Visit North Carolina, a Division of the Economic Development Partnership of NC, where she oversees the tourism marketing efforts for international visitation, group tour, sports and community development. Walters has more than 30 years' experience in both marketing and operations for the tourism industry. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: There's no shortage of geospatial innovation at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. RDU's GIS guru Kristin Johnston sits down with The Fly Angle to talk geography, technology and how large airports use maps every day. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter get ready for two new airlines arriving soon. Episode Guests: Kristin Johnston, GISP is GIS Administrator for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. An aviation enthusiast with more than a decade in the aviation industry, she enjoys teaching others how to better use geospatial data. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal writer Scott McCartney recently wrapped up his popular longtime “The Middle Seat” column — and now he's sitting down with The Fly Angle to talk about what's in store for airlines, flyers and the future of aviation. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter trade their favorite airport foods and explore the popular Global Entry program. Episode Guests: Scott McCartney is a Wall Street Journal senior writer and author of a weekly column on airlines and travel called “The Middle Seat,'' which is one of the Journal's most-read fixtures. A Pulitzer Prize winner for 9/11 coverage at the Boston Globe, McCartney is adjunct instructor of journalism and public policy at Duke University in Durham. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: RDU Airport Police Chief Steele Myers talks to co-hosts Jake Potter and Stephanie Hawco about the unique nature of policing at an international airport and shares what RDU is doing to recruit new law enforcement officers. As the hustle and bustle of the holidays brought more than a million travelers through RDU, find out when a new transatlantic flight will launch this spring and what more to expect in 2022. Episode Guests: Steele Myers is Chief of the RDU Airport Police and a retired State Bureau of Investigation agent. He began his airport career as a checkpoint officer and has served RDU since 2010. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music: “Moment” — Amine Maxwell  Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: As John Graves wraps up two decades of service as one of RDU's operations leaders, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter dive in to hear some great airport stories from his career. Meanwhile, find out what the newly-passed infrastructure bill means for airport capital projects. Episode Guests: John Graves is director of operations for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. An Air Force veteran, Graves has served at RDU since 2001. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: How do pilots know where to move their aircraft? Co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter dig in with Kyle Mitchell, who leads ramp tower operations at RDU, to learn all about the last mile of air traffic control. Meanwhile, find out where Raleigh-Durham ranks on a new list of top U.S. airports, and learn about what the “U” in RDU actually stands for. Episode Guests: Kyle Mitchell, C.M., is operations manager for TBI Airport Management, Inc. Mitchell oversees operations at RDU's Resource Management Center, better known as the ramp tower – one of two towers tasked with coordinating aircraft movement at the airport. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: What's better than a special guest? How about four? Co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter sit down with leaders from Novo Nordisk, the Research Triangle Foundation, Eckel & Vaughan, PNC Arena and the Carolina Hurricanes to find out why their organizations are supporting the new Triangle Takeoff Coalition — and discover the group's high hopes for accelerating RDU Airport's recovery. Episode Guests: McGavock Edwards, APR is partner and senior vice president of strategy and client service for Eckel & Vaughan, a Raleigh-based strategic communications agency specializing in public affairs, public relations and marketing. Shaylah Nunn Jones is principal of government and public affairs for Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries. She leads all external affairs and policy priorities for Novo Nordisk's North Carolina manufacturing facilities that supply diabetes medications globally. Scott Levitan is CEO and president of the Research Triangle Foundation, which manages North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. Levitan has more than 30 years of experience working in mixed-use development, with an emphasis on university-related research parks. Larry B. Perkins, CVE, CPP, CMP is vice president of guest relations and assistant general manager for PNC Arena. Perkins is an expert and frequent guest speaker worldwide on crowd management, safety and event planning. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: We wanted to know what's on deck for airports as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic — so we went straight to the top. RDU's President and CEO, Mike Landguth, joins co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter to chat about how he got into aviation, and how the Airport Authority is navigating uncharted skies post-pandemic. Meanwhile, we find out what's inside a new report focused on funding major capital projects at RDU. Episode Guests: Our guest this episode is Mike Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. With nearly 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, Landguth is responsible for overall staffing, budgeting, strategic planning and operations at RDU. Prior to joining RDU, he served as chief executive officer and president of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority after also holding the position of director of airport operations within the organization. Landguth holds both bachelor and master's degrees in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: It takes a lot of technology to operate a major international airport each day, from the infrastructure you can see to the behind-the-scenes business and security systems. Mary Griffith and Jake Potter catch up with RDU CIO Chuck McFall to learn about how it all works. Meanwhile, as summer travel kicks off, find out how the airport is “turning up the dimmer switch” to meet passenger demand. Episode Guests: Our guest this episode is Chuck McFall, A.A.E., RDU's senior vice president and chief information and strategy officer. McFall oversees all information technology services activities including planning, delivery, and operations of the airport's information technology infrastructure and business systems. He also provides leadership and visioning for all strategic and business planning initiatives. McFall has a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University, a M.A. in Applied Organizational Behavior from Tusculum College and an Executive Certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you'd like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: As many flyers return to the skies for the first time, it’s a good time to brush up on what you can and can’t bring to the airport. Transportation Security Administration’s Andrew Small shares insight about what people can expect next time they pass through the checkpoint. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter gear up for spring break travel – and explore the possibility of nonstop service to Hawaii. Episode Guests: Our guest this episode is Andrew Small, TSA stakeholder liaison for security operations for eastern North Carolina. As stakeholder liaison, Small – a 15-year TSA veteran – engages with the community, Federal Security Director and airport representatives at seven airports, including RDU. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you’d like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

How to Listen and Subscribe: Listen here or find The Fly Angle on your favorite podcast app. In This Episode: Cheers to a popular North Carolina beermaker serving local favorites at RDU! In this episode, co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter welcome Kristie Nystedt of Raleigh Brewing Company to the podcast. There’s a new airline taking off at RDU and, as you plan for travel, find out what you need to know about the new federal mask requirement. Episode Guests: Our guest this episode is Kristie Nystedt, who co-founded Raleigh Brewing Company with her husband Patrick, who is also an American Airlines pilot. Nystedt left the corporate world in 2012 to start Raleigh Brewing and it has since grown to be Wake County’s third largest production brewery. The Nystedts opened Terminal 2’s Raleigh Taproom in January 2020, which features award-winning beers along with a full bar and robust menu. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you’d like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

How to Listen and Subscribe: Listen here or find The Fly Angle on your favorite podcast app. In This Episode: Crank up the volume: this episode is about to get loud. Co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter invite RDU’s Noise Officer, John Wiatrak, on the pod to dispel myths about aircraft noise. Meanwhile, a new economic study on North Carolina’s aviation industry yields surprising results, and flyers prepare for new CDC requirements on international travel. Episode Guests: John Wiatrak is the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority’s noise officer. A native of Raleigh, Wiatrak previously served as airport manager at Treasure Coast International Airport and in airfield operations at Orlando International Airport. An instrument rated pilot with a master’s in Commercial Aviation from Florida Institute of Technology, Wiatrak and his family live in Cary, N.C. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you’d like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

How to Listen and Subscribe: Listen here or find The Fly Angle on your favorite podcast app. In This Episode: You made a list, but did you check it twice? As holiday season reaches cruising altitude, RDU’s Mary Griffith and Jake Potter sit down with Director of Concessions Kimberly Stewart to hear about the airport’s focus on recruiting more local shops and restaurants to open for business in the terminals. The co-hosts also answer your questions and explore RDU’s new analytics partnership with SAS. Episode Guests: Kimberly Stewart is Director of Concessions for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. A native North Carolinian who has worked in commercial real estate management her entire adult life, Stewart oversees the Terminal Concessions Program including food, beverage, retail and passenger services tenants, as well as the Rental Car Facilities. She is a Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP) as designated by the International Council of Shopping Centers, and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you’d like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode: The holidays are fast approaching, and the airport is getting ready to welcome Thanksgiving travelers. Co-hosts Mary Griffith and Jake Potter respond to listener Airmail, catch up on what’s new at RDU and sit down with Director of Air Service Development Kenneth Strickland to chat about how airports attract airlines and flights – even during COVID-19. Episode Guests: Kenneth Strickland joined RDU in 2019 as the airport’s Director of Air Service Development following six years in a similar role for Tampa International Airport. He is an expert and published author in the area of survey research methods and design, and heads RDU’s research and forecasting efforts, in addition to the recruitment of new airline service. A graduate from Texas Tech University and The Ohio State University, Strickland lives in Cary, N.C. with his wife and twin sons. Related Links: Watch Jeb Brooks’ video at RDU: youtube.com/watch?v=bue8104AaM4 Send Us Airmail! We want to hear from you – drop us an email at communications@rdu.com to let us know what you’d like to hear on The Fly Angle. Be sure to include your name and other details about yourself and we might feature your Airmail in an upcoming episode. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus

In This Episode As RDU continues to recover from COVID-19, co-hosts Mary Griffith (Director of Community Affairs) and Jake Potter (Director of Internal Communications) chat about who’s returning to fly – and what they can expect to see on travel day. Special guest Ashley Thorsen from RDU’s Operations team joins the podcast to talk about how the airport community is preparing for an unusually busy hurricane season. Episode Guests Ashley Thorsen, M.S. is an operations officer with the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. A native of Tidewater, Va., Thorsen joined RDU in 2018. Music “Moment” — Amine Maxwell Music provided by Audio Library Plus https://alplus.io/moment