Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust

What Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust does

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) is a public trust entity established in 1928 that operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS) on behalf of the City of Tulsa. TAIT serves as the primary air transportation hub for the Tulsa metropolitan area and northeastern Oklahoma, handling over 3 million commercial passengers annually with seven air carriers offering nonstop service to 26 destinations. The organization operates under a five-member Board of Trustees and maintains investment-grade credit ratings from both S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service.

The trust's product portfolio spans aeronautical infrastructure (runways, terminal facilities, baggage systems), passenger services (multiple parking tiers, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, Escape Lounge, Military Lounge), accessibility programs (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Aira visual/ASL, sensory rooms, first dementia-friendly airport designation in the U.S.), and ground transportation (rental cars, ride-sharing, taxis, MetroLink bus). The May 2026 opening of a 45,000-square-foot International Customs Facility enabled the airport's first-ever commercial international flights. The airport also functions as an aerospace manufacturing hub, attracting tenants including Park Aerospace ($65M facility), Agile Space Industries, Quantum Space, Lufthansa Technik, American Airlines Tech Ops, Boeing, UPS, and FedEx.

TAIT's business model combines multiple revenue streams: aeronautical fees (landing fees, terminal rents, passenger facility charges), parking operations ($9-$30/day across four tiers plus loyalty program), concession commissions (Hudson Group, Delaware North), rental car commissions (10 operators), lounge access fees ($35-$60), real estate leases to aerospace and hospitality tenants, and advertising. The trust is self-supporting, funded through operating revenue and FAA grants, with significant capital reinvestment in infrastructure expansion to support regional economic development.

Name

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust

Legal name

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust

Website

https://flytulsa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) operates Tulsa International Airport and Tulsa Riverside Airport as a public trust, serving over 3 million annual passengers with 7 air carriers and 26 nonstop destinations, generating revenue from aeronautical fees, parking, concessions, and real estate.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations and Commercial Aviation Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG)

Keywords

• Airport operations
• Commercial aviation services
• Airport terminal management
• Airport parking services
• Accessibility services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aeronautical Revenue: Revenue from airline operations including landing fees, terminal rents, and passenger facility charges. This is the core aviation revenue stream supporting airport operations.
2. Parking Operations: Revenue from multiple parking facilities including valet ($30/day), garage ($16/day), economy ($9/day), and short-term parking. Includes the TUL Parking Perks loyalty program.
3. Concessions Revenue: Revenue from retail and dining concessions including restaurants, shops, and the Escape Lounge. Share of sales from third-party operators like Hudson (retail), Delaware North (food and beverage), and others.
4. Rental Car Commissions: Revenue from rental car operations including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, and Turo operating at the airport.
5. Lounge Access Fees: Revenue from Escape Lounge access at $35-60 per person, and CLEAR Plus membership referrals.
6. Real Estate and Ground Transportation: Revenue from real estate leases to aerospace manufacturers, hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites), Fuel & Fly Mart, and ground transportation operators including taxi fees and ride-sharing pickup fees.
7. Advertising and Tenant Leases: Revenue from advertising throughout the terminal and leases to various airport tenants including cargo operators, FBOs, and business services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS), providing commercial aviation services to passengers and aerospace tenants. Core offerings include terminal facilities, parking (valet, garage, economy, short-term), security screening programs (TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, TSA ConfirmID, Global Entry), passenger amenities (Escape Lounge, Military Lounge, dining, retail, hotels), accessibility services (sensory rooms, dementia-friendly airport programs, Aira interpreting), and ground transportation coordination. The trust oversees 26 nonstop destinations served by seven air carriers and recently opened the first 45,000-square-foot international customs facility enabling commercial international flights.

Product overview

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS) as a dual-airport system. Tulsa International Airport is a commercial passenger airport serving over 3 million passengers annually with seven air carriers offering nonstop service to 26 destinations. The airport's product portfolio centers on passenger services including: parking facilities (Valet at $30/day, Garage at $16/day, Economy at $9/day, Short-Term hourly, and Cell Phone Lot), security screening programs (CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, TSA ConfirmID), and terminal amenities (TUL Escape Lounge, Military Lounge, Guest Services Areas with Sensory/Quiet/Lactation/Family Restroom/Pet Relief facilities, Discovery Lab play area). Accessibility services include Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards, Aira visual interpreting, and Aira ASL interpretation. The airport also offers dining and shopping through multiple retail and food outlets, on-site hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton), ground transportation via rental cars, buses, taxis, and ridesharing, and community programs such as Airport Ambassadors, Art & Culture, Therapy Dogs (Welcome Waggin'), and Tunes at TUL live music. A major recent development is the May 2026 opening of the 45,000-sq-ft International Customs Facility enabling first-ever commercial international service. Tulsa Riverside Airport serves general aviation with pilot services, FBOs, and flight education. The TUL Parking Perks loyalty program provides ticketless entry using PIKEPASS integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Valet Parking Full-service valet parking at the departures curb. Attendants collect return flight information and have vehicles ready upon return. Open 4:00 a.m. through last flight arrival, 365 days a year. Rate: $30 per day plus tax.
• Garage / Covered Parking Covered parking structure with over 2,300 spaces, located closest to the terminal. Rate: $16 per day, tax included.
• Economy Parking Economy parking lot closest to the terminal among economy options, with shuttle service providing curbside pickup and drop-off. Rate: $9 per day.
• Short-Term Parking Hourly parking conveniently located on the third level of the parking garage, steps from baggage claim. Rate: $1 for first 30 minutes, $2 per hour, $16 maximum.
• TUL Parking Perks Loyalty Program Free membership loyalty program enabling ticketless entry/exit at garage, economy, and valet parking using an Automated Card or Oklahoma PIKEPASS. Members earn points per dollar spent and redeem points for free parking days (90 points = 1 free economy day, 150 points = 1 free garage day, 271 points = 1 free valet day).
• CLEAR Plus CLEAR Plus membership program providing expedited identity verification lanes at TUL's security checkpoints. Costs approximately $16 per month billed annually. CLEAR serves as a verified TSA PreCheck enrollment provider at TUL.
• TSA PreCheck Enrollment Expedited screening program enabling low-risk travelers to skip removing shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear, or belts. Enrollment available at TUL through CLEAR without appointment.
• Global Entry Enrollment Events Periodic on-site Global Entry enrollment events hosted in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Pre-approved travelers complete in-person interviews at the airport (Room BB205, Concourse B Baggage Claim area). Application fee: $120, valid for 5 years.
• TSA ConfirmID TSA's alternative identity verification process for travelers without acceptable ID (REAL ID or passport). Available starting February 1, 2026 at $45 per person, valid for 10 days of travel. Process takes 10-15 minutes on average.
• TUL Escape Lounge The airport's first business lounge featuring locally inspired menus by in-house chefs, complimentary buffet-style dining, hot/cold beverages including alcohol and locally brewed beer, ultra-fast private Wi-Fi, charging ports, and print/scan/copy services. Family-friendly; children 0-24 months enter free. From $45 per person (pre-booked: $35). Open Mon-Sun 4:30am-7:00pm.
• Military Lounge (Corporal Jared M. Shoemaker Military and Veterans Resource Lounge) Private resource lounge for active-duty military personnel and their families on Concourse A near Gate A1. Includes telephone, television, computers with internet, and informational materials on support programs. Military personnel and families receive 10% discounts at airport shops and restaurants.
• Rental Car Services On-airport rental car services including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, and Turo. Counters located in the rental car facility on the garage level.
• MetroLink Tulsa (Airport Bus Service) Public transit service via Route 201 connecting Tulsa International Airport to MetroLink Tulsa's fixed-route network. MetroLink also offers MicroLink (flexible on-demand service) and LinkAssist (paratransit for eligible riders).
• Ridesharing Services (Uber, Lyft, Turo) Ride-sharing pickup available at designated areas on the Arrivals Roadway curb, upper level across from baggage claim. Passengers request rides through the Uber, Lyft, or Turo apps.
• Taxi Services Taxi service located curbside between baggage claim areas. Flag drop: $2.00; $0.40 per 1/5 mile; $0.40 per minute wait time; minimum fare $10.00.
• Fuel & Fly Mart Convenience store and fuel station adjacent to the airport's Cell Phone Lot. Offers fuel and EV charging services, a drive-thru, fresh deli selections, pizza, and chicken. Open 24/7/365. Located at 7805 E Virgin St N, Tulsa, OK 74115.
• On-Airport Hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton) Two hotels located on airport property at the main entrance: Hilton Garden Inn (complimentary airport shuttle, deluxe accommodations) and Home2 Suites by Hilton (in-suite kitchens, complimentary WiFi, integrated fitness area and laundry).
• Terminal Dining & Shopping Terminal retail and dining offerings including 5th & Sunset (luxury eyewear), Cinnabon, Discover Tulsa (local shopping), Eau de Vie (wine bar), Einstein Bros Bagels, Fat Guy's Burger Bar, Hudson News & Magazines, Ink by Hudson, Kids Works, Mythic Press, Oklahoma Craft Beer Trail, Schlotzsky's, Spirit (specialty store), Sports Zone, Starbucks, Tulsa Flag Mart, and Tulsa Provisions.
• Guest Services Areas (Sensory Room, Quiet Room, Lactation Room, Family Restroom, Indoor Pet Relief) Facilities on the lower levels of Concourses A and B including: Sensory Rooms with fidget spinners and reconfigurable furniture for children with autism; Quiet Rooms with dimmable lighting for passengers with dementia, PTSD, or anxiety; Lactation Rooms with comfortable furniture and outlets for breast pumps; Family Restrooms with adult changing tables; and Indoor/Outdoor Pet Relief Areas with artificial grass and disposal bags.
• TUL Visitor Pass Program Program allowing non-traveling members of the public to visit the post-security side of the passenger terminal to spend time with friends/family, shop, and dine. Visitors apply online up to 7 days in advance or same day, undergo TSA approval, and receive a pass valid for entry at an approved start time through 9:00 p.m.
• Sun Country Airlines International Service (Cancun & Minneapolis) Sun Country Airlines launched twice-weekly seasonal service to Cancun (CUN) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP). This marked Tulsa International Airport's first-ever commercial international service, operated on 737-800 aircraft (186 seats) on Thursdays and Sundays through August 9, 2026.
• Alaska Airlines Nonstop Service (Seattle & San Diego) Alaska Airlines launched new daily nonstop service from Tulsa International Airport to Seattle (SEA) and San Diego (SAN). Both routes operate year-round on E175 aircraft. This represents Alaska Airlines' inaugural operations at TUL, fulfilling a long-standing community request for West Coast connectivity.
• International Customs Facility (FIS-GA Facility) New 45,000-square-foot Federal Inspection Services (FIS) – General Aviation Facility enabling commercial international flights for the first time in the airport's history. $41 million facility funded through TAIT funds and FAA grants, designed by Narrate Design (formerly Selser Schaefer Architects) and built by Flintco.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3 million passengers served in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Park Aerospace Corp.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2026Park Aerospace Corp. (NYSE: PKE) selected Tulsa International Airport's North Development Area for a $65 million advanced composite materials manufacturing facility on 18 acres. Construction expected to begin soon with completion in 2028, employing over 100 people. Park Aerospace has served the aerospace industry for over 50 years, providing products for commercial aerospace and defense applications.
• Sun Country AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Sun Country Airlines launched new twice-weekly seasonal service to Cancun (CUN) and Minneapolis (MSP) on May 21, 2026. This marks Tulsa's first-ever commercial international service from the new 45,000 sq ft customs facility. Service operates Thursdays and Sundays through August 9, 2026 using 737-800 aircraft (186 seats). Sun Country is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Air.
• Narrate Design (formerly Selser Schaefer Architects)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 May 2026Led design of the $41 million International Customs Facility. Narrate Design, formerly Selser Schaefer Architects, developed the 45,000 sq ft facility.
• TNP Fuels (Pete and Tina Patel / Promise Hotels LLC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026TNP Fuels, founded by Pete and Tina Patel (principals of Promise Hotels LLC), owns and operates Fuel & Fly Mart - the airport's first-ever onsite convenience store. The $5.5 million project includes fuel, EV charging, drive-thru, and grab-and-go food. The Patels also own Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton on airport property.
• Alaska AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2026Alaska Airlines began operations at Tulsa International Airport on March 18, 2026 with new daily nonstop flights to Seattle (SEA) and San Diego (SAN). Both routes operate daily, year-round on E175 aircraft. Alaska Airlines is part of Alaska Air Group and a member of the oneworld alliance.
• Agile Space IndustriesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgile Space Industries announced propulsion testing and manufacturing expansion at Tulsa International Airport, joining the growing aerospace ecosystem.
• Quantum SpacemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuantum Space established a new spacecraft manufacturing facility at Tulsa International Airport as part of the growing aerospace campus.
• Lufthansa Technik Component ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-time tenant Lufthansa Technik Component Services continues to grow operations at Tulsa International Airport.
• Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and AeronauticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency supporting airport development. In 2022, the Oklahoma Legislature approved a statewide commercial air service development program to increase access to air transportation options. Executive Director Grayson Ardies has been a key partner in announcements including Park Aerospace facility.
• 7 Air Carriers (Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, United)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSeven air carriers operating commercial service at Tulsa International Airport: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. They offer nonstop service to 26 destinations.
• 10 Rental Car Companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, Turo)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTen rental car operators maintain counters in the parking garage and serve passengers booking through the airport's FlyMyAirport aggregator platform.
• Uber, Lyft, TuromajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRide-sharing services available at TUL with designated pickup areas on the Arrivals Roadway curb, upper level across from baggage claim areas.
• Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by HiltonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotels located on airport property offering complimentary airport shuttle service, banquet facilities, and easy access to downtown. Hilton Garden Inn is at main entrance; Home2 Suites features in-suite kitchens and integrated fitness area.
• Escape Lounges (CAVU)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEscape Lounges operates the CAVU Escape Lounge at TUL - the airport's first business lounge opened in 2025. Features locally inspired menu, complimentary food and drinks, family-friendly environment. Walk-up price $60, online booking $45.
• Hudson GroupmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHudson Group manages multiple retail locations at TUL since 2018, including Hudson News, Ink by Hudson, and recently the new Starbucks location on Concourse B.
• Delaware NorthmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelaware North operates restaurant services at TUL including Schlotzsky's, Cinnabon, and other dining locations throughout the terminal.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBP has maintained presence at TUL for decades. The new FIS facility enables CBP to process commercial international passengers for the first time, supporting the airport's inaugural international flights.
• FlintcomajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFlintco served as the construction contractor for the International Customs Facility project.
• CLEAR (CLEAResky LLC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCLEAR Plus expedited screening program operates at TUL with dedicated enrollment pods. CLEAR also serves as a TSA PreCheck enrollment provider at the airport.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Global Entry)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCBP partners with TUL to host Global Entry enrollment events, allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers arriving in the U.S.
• Aira (Visual Interpreting Service)majorTechnology or IntegrationFree Aira app access for blind/low vision passengers at TUL - visual interpreting service helps users navigate the terminal. Free Aira ASL app for deaf/hard of hearing passengers provides on-demand American Sign Language interpretation.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tucson International Airport: Mid-size Southwest regional airport (~3.5M passengers) operated by the Tucson Airport Authority. Comparable in scale, leisure/VFR traffic mix, and aerospace/defense tenant ecosystem.
• Boise Airport: Regional airport serving Boise, ID (~4.5M passengers) operated by the Boise City Department of Aviation. Comparable in mid-size market dynamics, growth trajectory, and public ownership structure.
• Memphis International Airport: Mid-size hub airport (~5M passengers) operated by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority with significant cargo operations (FedEx). Comparable scale and importance as an aerospace/logistics employment center.
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport: Mid-size Great Plains regional airport serving Wichita, KS, with similar traffic profile (~1.5M passengers). Comparable as a public airport serving an aerospace-manufacturing-heavy metro (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation).
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport: Mid-size regional airport (~3-4M passengers) operated by the Kenton County Airport Board. Comparable scale and independent airport authority governance model, with similar dynamics as a secondary market airport.
• Spokane International Airport: Regional airport serving the Spokane metro (~4M passengers) with similar carrier mix and public authority governance. Comparable in scale, route network, and role as a secondary hub for its region.
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport: Regional airport serving Reno/Tahoe market (~4M passengers) with comparable carrier base and public authority structure. Comparable scale and dependence on leisure/VFR traffic.
• Will Rogers World Airport: Oklahoma City's primary commercial airport (OKC), operated by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, serving a similar mid-size Oklahoma market. Comparable passenger volume (~4M+), carrier mix, and public trust governance structure make it the most direct regional peer.
• Des Moines International Airport: Mid-size Midwest regional airport (DSM) with comparable passenger volume (~3M+), similar carrier diversity, and comparable Midwestern catchment economics—offering a direct apples-to-apples comparison to TAIT's scale and traffic mix.
• Omaha Eppley Airfield: Mid-size Midwest regional airport (~5M passengers) operated by the Omaha Airport Authority. Similar in traffic scale, carrier mix, and Midwestern catchment dynamics; directly comparable in governance as a public authority.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/flytulsa
• Facebookfacebook.com/flytulsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/flytulsa
• TikToktiktok.com/@flytulsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flytulsa

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust