Airport Plans Nearly $880 Million in Capital Projects through FY2031 Richmond International Airport’s 6th annual POWER Forum — Passport to POWER offers business owners interested in contracting opportunities at the airport to create a foundation, connect to opportunity, and compete with confidence. Returning for its sixth year, the POWER Forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The forum, hosted by the Richmond International Airport (RIC), which is owned and operated by the Capital Region Airport Commission, brings together small businesses, prime contractors, suppliers, and industry leaders for a dynamic networking session focused on engaging businesses in contracting opportunities. "The POWER Forum reflects our belief that transparency drives results. With nearly $880 million in capital projects planned over the next five years, we want every qualified firm to have a clear line of sight to what's coming and a fair chance to compete for the work," said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Commission. "When businesses understand the process and have early access to information, they are better positioned to succeed — and that success strengthens the entire Richmond region." The POWER Forum reflects the Capital Region Airport Commission's commitment to expanding access to contracting opportunities at RIC by promoting fair and open competition, increasing awareness of procurement opportunities, and encouraging the participation of small businesses and other qualified firms, including businesses eligible to participate in applicable federal DBE and ACDBE programs. Between fiscal years 2027 and 2031, Richmond International Airport has an estimated $874 million worth of capital projects planned to modernize the airport and enhance the experience of the nearly five million passengers who transit through the terminal each year. These anticipated projects include business opportunities spanning infrastructure, signage, technology, and other critical areas across the airport. This year’s forum will include a keynote speaker, expert panels, an exhibitor showcase featuring about 40 booths, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities where participants can build relationships with procurement and compliance professionals as well as fellow business owners. Individuals and businesses interested in attending the forum can register online and manage their event experience through the Whova app. Walk-ins on the day of the event are welcome, but advance registration is highly encouraged. About Richmond International Airport (RIC) Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world by focusing on world-class customer experience and operational excellence that drives passenger choice. Activities at RIC contribute nearly 13,500 jobs and $2.97 billion to central Virginia’s economy, according to a recent report from the VCU School of Business Executive MBA program. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or YouTube.

Twice-weekly flights to begin in March 2027  Next March, coast-to-coast travelers will have a new nonstop route connecting Richmond to San Francisco as United Airlines announces twice-weekly flights to this iconic west coast destination.   Whether you're traveling to the "City by the Bay" for business or enjoying a relaxing vacation of scenic views, streetcar rides, and a visit with the Pier 39 sea lions, this new service offers an easy, direct option for passengers.   “We’re excited to expand our network in Virginia with nonstop service between Richmond and San Francisco,” said Mark Weithofer, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning at United. “This route gives Richmond travelers a convenient, nonstop connection to the Bay Area and access to destinations around the world through United’s extensive global network in San Francisco.”  With flights beginning on March 28, 2027, the RIC-SFO route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.  “United Airlines’ new nonstop service to San Francisco represents a significant expansion of travel opportunities for the Richmond region,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of Richmond International Airport. “As a United hub, San Francisco offers travelers convenient one-stop connections to destinations across the Pacific, including Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while expanding access to cities throughout the West Coast. This new service clearly supports RIC’s vision of being the region’s preferred gateway to the world.”  United has a long-established presence in Richmond, providing nonstop service to Chicago, Newark, Washington Dulles, Houston, and Denver. San Francisco will be the sixth nonstop destination offered by the airline from RIC.  About Richmond International Airport (RIC)    Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world by focusing on world-class customer experience and operational excellence that drives passenger choice. Activities at RIC contribute nearly 13,500 jobs and $2.97 billion to central Virginia’s economy, according to a recent report from the VCU School of Business Executive MBA program. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or YouTube.

Devices will relay real-time location to air traffic control and aircraft Richmond International Airport (RIC) has received grant funding to install Vehicle Movement Area Transponders, or VMATs, on approximately 60 airport ground vehicles. During the monthly meeting of the Capital Region Airport Commission, the Commission authorized the execution of the grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Safety is a top priority throughout the airport, but especially on the airfield where aircraft and ground vehicles are moving in the same areas,” said Perry Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of Richmond International Airport. “Thanks to this grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, airport-owned vehicles that regularly access the airfield will be outfitted with a transponder, which increases their visibility and helps to prevent runway incursions.” Transponders have already been installed on 38 Commission-owned vehicles. The $205,200 FAA grant will provide funding to purchase and install 60 news transponders. “Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs) help prevent dangerous runway incidents and by accelerating the deployment of this technology, we’re closing critical visibility gaps on our nation’s runways and taxiways,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a news release. “This initiative is yet another example of our commitment to proactive safety improvements and strong collaboration across the aviation community.” Installing transponders on ground vehicles will make their location visible to air traffic control and aircraft through the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, which is the same system used to track aircraft positions in real time. Inside the terminal last month, 464,185 passengers visited RIC, marking the second-busiest month in airport history after July 2025 (-0.6%). For calendar year-to-date, passenger volume continues to rise by 1.3% year over year. United and JetBlue Airways were RIC’s fastest growing airlines in July, reporting passenger gains of 21.1% and 19.2%, respectively. In January 2027, Breeze Airways will launch service to Cancún (CUN), Mexico. Next March, Southwest Airlines will be updating its service to add a second daily flight to Nashville, begin new service to Tampa, and pause service to Denver. Total cargo handled in July decreased by 5.2% compared to a year prior to 19.8 million pounds. Aircraft operations fell to 9,385, down by 5.8% or 583 versus July 2025. For more info, visit monthly statistics on the web. The monthly financial report for July showed airport revenues outperformed the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget by $807,000 or 12.3% for a total of $7.4 million, according to preliminary, unaudited data. Favorable timing of $649,000 in concession income was the primary factor. Monthly operating expenses were less than budget by approximately $129,000 or 3.2%. This was driven by favorability in professional services, maintenance expenses, and utilities which was partially offset by unfavorable timing of personnel expenses and supply purchases. In other business matters, the Commission reviewed and approved resolutions that support the airport’s strategic priorities, including authorizing the airport CEO to: Execute the construction agreement for the Garage Lighting Replacement 3-4 with MW Co., LLC, DBA National Maintenance Services (NLMS) of Louisville, KY to replace existing lighting and lighted signage in the parking garages with new LED fixtures. The contract award totals $2.16 million and will be fully Commission funded.Execute two grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for $119,000 and $250,000, respectively, for the planning, design, and bidding services for pavement reconstruction of identified portions of apron areas west of the passenger concourses. Aprons are where planes park, board, or unload. About Richmond International Airport (RIC) Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world by focusing on world-class customer experience and operational excellence that drives passenger choice. Activities at RIC contribute nearly 13,500 jobs and $2.97 billion to central Virginia’s economy, according to a new report from the VCU School of Business Executive MBA program. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or YouTube.