What: Pittsburgh International Airport is kicking off the busy summer travel season by marking inaugural flights on Spirit Airlines with a celebration and opportunities for media to film aircraft on the airfield and interview airline executives. The first Spirit flight will land at PIT in the morning from Dallas, and the first departing plane takes off at noon for Myrtle Beach, complete with water salutes. A celebration will be thrown at the gate with a local band, giveaways and refreshments. Passengers as well as Spirit reps will be available for interviews.
When: Thursday, May 25
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Media to arrive at Airport ID Badge Office (Baggage Claim next to United carousel) for security clearance. Media must show valid government-issued photo ID.
10:30 a.m. – Event begins at Gate D83, Airside Terminal
11:00 a.m. – Media escorted onto airfield to film inaugural flight arrival
11:23 a.m. – First flight arrives with a water salute
Where: Pittsburgh International Airport, Concourse D, Gate D83. Meet for security clearance at ID Badge Office in Baggage Claim.
Who: Interview opportunities include Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis, VisitPittsburgh CEO Craig Davis, and Sprit's Director of Communications & Marketing, Paul Berry, along with Spirit passengers.
Why: To mark Spirit beginning service out of Pittsburgh International Airport. This summer, Spirit is adding nonstop service from Pittsburgh to the following destinations:
- Dallas/Ft. Worth – May 25
- Myrtle Beach – May 25
- Ft. Lauderdale – June 15
- Orlando – June 22
- Las Vegas – June 22
- Houston – July 13
- Los Angeles – July 13
Visuals: Visuals include a water salute over incoming bright yellow Spirit jet, passengers deplaning and boarding, a local band playing at the gate and PIT and Spirit representatives making remarks.
Parking: Media may park in the courier lot but must notify Bob Kerlik in advance.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to increasing air service, improving customer service and inspiring growth in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2016 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at flypittsburgh.com/AR16.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 8 million passengers annually on 16 carriers. During the past two years, the airport has increased its nonstop destinations more than 80 percent to include 68 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast both named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2016. In addition, TripAdvisor ranked Pittsburgh International Airport a Travelers’ Choice Favorite for Shopping in 2016.