TUS is Regaining Confidence in Travelers with the ‘TUS Cares’ Campaign

Safety, security and customer service have always been hallmarks of Tucson International Airport. The Tucson Airport Authority remained committed to them, even as COVID-19 seemed to change every aspect of our lives. The organization combined those focus areas into one, over-arching initiative to protect employees and passengers, regain the confidence of the traveling public and position the airport for a strong recovery in the face of unprecedented hardship.

It’s called TUS Cares.

Nearly two weeks before local municipalities required people to cover their noses and mouths in public, TAA President and CEO Danette Bewley mandated face coverings on all airport property. It was likely the most apparent change around the terminal, but it certainly wasn’t the only one.

Leadership has invested more than a quarter of a million dollars into TUS Cares to make sure the airport is safe, sanitary and ready for everyone. UV-C sterilization systems were installed in the sleeping quarters of Tucson Airport Authority Fire Department. Those emergency crews were also the first on property to use infrared cameras to check the temperatures of staff at the start of their shifts.

Similar cameras are now used in other departments and more UV-C sanitizing systems have been installed around the terminal. The latest round covered escalators and moving walkways at TUS. The lights provide continuous sanitizing.

Custodial teams can now cover more ground in less time with the help of sanitizing sprayers. With either a backpack or handheld unit, custodians spray chairs, counters and other surfaces approximately every hour. The mist doesn’t just touch the surface where it lands, but it wraps around and clings to corners and edges.

Also in the public eye are officers from the Tucson Airport Authority Police Department. Each one is equipped with individually wrapped face masks from the airport’s FEMA allotment. Officers compassionately enforce the mandate for face coverings and offer anyone in violation a free face mask.

Not as visible, but equally as important, are the upgraded air filtration systems installed around the airport. TAA spared no expense in upgrading nearly every aspect of the terminal. Many of these changes have been shared publicly through social media posts. Billboards around Tucson now share the TUS Cares message for anyone who might have missed the digital campaign.

We want everyone to know that when they’re ready to fly again, we’re here for them because TUS Cares.