Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Takes First Steps Toward Opening Aviation Station
RDU Airport, NC – Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority board members today voted to move forward on negotiations with Sheetz Inc. for a gas station, restaurant and convenience store as part of the development of Aviation Station, located on the corner of Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive.
“The Airport Authority is always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience,” said Ingrid Hairston, the Authority's business development officer. “This opportunity allows us to offer a conveniently located gas station for rental car patrons and other airport customers. The Authority will also be able to provide a place for airport users to grab a quick bite to eat near one of the main entrances to RDU.”
The Sheetz proposal includes 16 fueling positions, touch screen technology for customers to order food and drink at the gas island and a touchless, automated car wash. Inside, the restaurant will offer made-to-order items, including toasted sub sandwiches, pizza and Sheetz Bros. Coffee.
For travelers' convenience, the store will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Construction will begin 30 days after the agreement has been finalized. Authority officials anticipate a summer 2006 opening.
Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz, Inc. operates more than 300 convenience locations in six states.
The convenience restaurant will be located as part of what the Airport Authority has named Aviation Station. In addition to the Sheetz concept, plans for the six acres of airport-owned land call for the development of a fast food and casual dining restaurant.
Other Authority News
The number of passengers at RDU continues to rise compared to last year. In August, over 800,000 travelers passed through RDU, an 8.3 percent increase over August 2004. Over six million passengers have traveled through RDU so far this year, a 10 percent increase over the first seven months of 2004. The passenger numbers were released today at the monthly meeting of RDU's Authority members.
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