LITTLE ROCK — The Little Rock airport’s marketing materials have undergone a revamp, in visuals and in technology — an early step in $67 million worth of improvements to the airport.
Officials unveiled a new logo for the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field at a news conference Tuesday, and showed off several technology upgrades in the terminal.
Clear Channel Airports, an airport advertising company, invested $265,000 in a number of enhancements to the airport terminal, including a 17-foot-by-4-foot digital screen near the exit of the airport featuring advertisements and welcome signs.
“Because of its location, you can’t miss it — you have to walk right under it,” said Scott Appnel, project salesman for Clear Channel Airports.
The airport will receive a privilege fee that will equal either $160,000 annually or 50 percent of gross revenue on traditional advertising sales and 40 percent of technology advertising sales, whichever is greater. The airport invested no capital in the technology projects.
The company also installed a digital service center near the airport’s baggage claim that will feature advertisements that Appnel said will be effective because people spend the most time there of any spot in the airport. The screens use touch-screen technology to help travelers find information on nearby services.
The broadcast company also introduced a free smartphone application called “Fly-Smart,” which features information about concessions and services available in the airport, as well as neighboring businesses like hotels and restaurants.
The new logo features two intertwined “C”-shaped airstreams coming from a small jet, so designed to honor former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“It represents the Clintons, as well as the airport’s progressiveness in moving into the future,” airport spokesman Shane Carter said.
The airport, which opened in 1972, serves 2.2 million passengers annually. The $67 million phase, consisting of mostly cosmetic improvements, is expected to be finished by February. The airport averages 124 flight arrivals and departures each day.
Arkansas, Pages 9 on 07/25/2012