Industry News

• NBAA also welcomes a decision by TSA to significantly change “Operation Playbook,” a controversial security program for general aviation facilities at airports introduced through a pilot program last year. After NBAA and others expressed their concerns with TSA officials, the plan was withdrawn. The re-worked plan is optional, although TSA encourages airports wishing to participate to sign a memorandum of agreement outlining the security responsibilities of TSA officials and local airport personnel.

piedmont aviation — reports it will invest $5.8 million and create 120 jobs in Kernersville, NC this year by relocating its sister company, Oklahoma-based Limco, to the Triad. Limco provides repair and maintenance services to the aerospace industry and makes heat-transfer equipment for aircraft manufacturers.

pittsburgh int’l — and Allegheny County airports are awarded $12 million to repair and renovate runways as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus package.

readyjet inc. — signs a multi-year agreement to provide aircraft engine washing services utilizing EcoPower®, Pratt & Whitney’s environmentally friendly aircraft engine washing system, at major airports in the U.S. and Canada. ReadyJet Inc. (USA) and AvEx Flight Support (Canada), are introducing the EcoPower® system initially in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Philadelphia, Detroit and Atlanta. EcoPower® uses atomized water to wash aircraft engines and avoids potentially harmful effluent runoff during the washing process.

SAN DIEGO LINDBERGH FIELD — officials accept a draft redevelopment plan for the single-runway airfield, despite airline concerns that parts of it would undermine passenger service. United, Southwest, and other carriers say a proposal to build an underground transit system, linking existing gates to a new passenger terminal, could lead to delays and missed flights. Plan calls for creation of a transit hub, parking structures, and a passenger terminal on the airport’s north side. Under the concept, passengers would ride a subway built under the runway to reach the existing gates. Consultants estimate the changes would cost between $5 billion and $11 billion, depending on inflation.

schubach aviation — adds a Gulfstream IV to its fleet of 23 aircraft, and will base it at its San Diego Int’l Airport location.

SITA’S ‘BAGGAGE REPORT’ — in its fifth edition, shows that the amount of mishandled baggage (checked baggage that has been delayed, damaged, or pilfered) fell by over a fifth last year from 42.4 million bags in 2007 to 32.8 million bags in 2008. The number of bags actually lost or stolen dropped from 1.28 million to 736,000.

smiths detection — of Pine Brook, NJ announces a $2 million order from TSA for SABRE 4000 hand-held trace explosives detectors, which detect trace amounts of substances from either particle or vapor samples.

st. louis lambert int’l airport — police break up a ring of thieves who stole hundreds of electronics and other valuables from travelers’ luggage during a period of 12 to 15 months. Items included DVDs, digital cameras, GPS devices, cell phones, designer watches, video games, iPods, and two handguns. Six baggage handlers who worked for a contractor of Delta Airlines and two other friends are suspected of stealing the items.

tampa int’l airport — is named the first-ever recipient of a new award from the Airport Consultants Council, recognizing an airport or airport sponsor that demonstrates excellence in procurement and contracting practices.

TRANSPAC AVIATION ACADEMY — is the new name of the Pan Am Int’l Flight Academy and is based adjacent to the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport; school handles some 450 students annually from all over the U.S. and across the globe.
toledo-lucas (OH) — County Port Authority and Air Azul announce new air service via nonstop flights to Newark Liberty Int’l Airport beginning June 1, 2009, with introductory fares as low as $49 each way. Air Azul will utilize a 162-seat, 737-800.

west star aviation, inc. —adds 96-month detailed inspections and 120-month restorations for Challenger landing gear at its Grand Junction, CO Accessory Shop.