PROMOTING KANSAS CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT'S STATE-OF-THE-ART $1.5B TERMINAL

Glass view at KCI - Credit Skidmore, Owings _ Merrill.jpg

Challenge

The new single terminal at the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), which opened in 2023, represents a total transformation of Kansas City’s air passenger experience. The airport, which had gone largely unchanged since it opened in 1972, underwent a four-year, $1.5 billion renovation, switching from an outdated three-terminal horseshoe format to a streamlined single terminal. Violet PR was tasked with getting the word out nationally about the new airport’s inclusive and sustainable features, as well as its modern amenities.

Solution

To ensure maximum media coverage, Violet PR first created a three-month public relations strategy, which included suggested timelines, assets, a list of suggested target media and more. We drafted a national press release to announce the official opening date, developed a media advisory and fact sheet, compiled an extensive media list with top-tier and trade aviation, lifestyle, travel and business contacts, and researched flights for journalists.

Violet PR invited and coordinated top-tier reporters, including NBC News, Conde Nast Traveler and The Points Guy, to attend exclusive pre-opening tours ahead of the terminal’s grand opening event. We also coordinated interviews for Kansas City leaders with publications including Bloomberg and Fast Company.

Violet PR’s efforts resulted in widespread media coverage, with over 40 national and trade outlets, including Fast Company, Associated Press, Travel Weekly, Thrillist, Skift, Aviation Week, Aviation Pros, International Airport Review, Airline Reporter and others featuring news about the terminal. The total impressions for the opening exceeded 1.02 billion, which helped draw attention to Kansas City as a travel and business destination.

Secured