Aug/Sept AB News
Airport Authority Takes Control of Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) is officially operating. The authority transition was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) July 1, with support from Kent County Commissioners and government officials.
“This is a historical day for our region, our county, and our airport,” said Roger Morgan, GFIAA board chairman and Kent County commissioner. “The transfer to an authority has been a goal of our board’s for several years, and to see the teamwork, the collaboration of organizations, and the FAA’s support has been truly remarkable. We had a smooth process along the way, and we are grateful to each and every person who assisted us in this transition.”
The transfer to an authority creates an independent governing enterprise whose sole purpose is the future development of the airport, greater levels of economic development and proactive commercial revenue development, a stronger regional focus to respond to air service needs, and a more entrepreneurial, business, and hospitality management focus - driven by customer service.
www.AviationPros.com/12228838
TSA and American Partner on New Screening Technology
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and American Airlines, through a joint initiative, will install new screening technology, including automated security screening lanes and computed tomography (CT) scanners, at select American Airlines hubs nationwide this fall.
The automated screening lanes incorporate technology and screening station modifications that enhance security effectiveness while decreasing the time travelers spend in security screening by approximately 30 percent. TSA and American Airlines anticipate deployment of these lanes to Chicago (O’Hare), Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Miami.
American Airlines and TSA also plan to deploy CT technology at a Phoenix TSA screening checkpoint — as a pilot program set to begin by the end of 2016.
“Our foremost priority is the security of the traveling public,” said TSA Administrator Peter V. Neffenger. “To ensure that we remain up-to-date in an evolving threat environment, TSA continues to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration with American Airlines is an important step in enhancing the traveler experience while maintaining effective security.”
Clear Channel Airports CCA signed a 10-year partnership with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) for the advertising concession at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
The enhanced advertising program implemented by CCA at MSP will include iconic, state-of-the-art digital assets, terminal-wide digital networks, product enhancements and highly marketable inventory consistent across all concourses visible to MSP passengers. The new contract began July 1.
www.AviationPros.com/12225826
TappCar Begins Service at Edmonton International Airport
TappCar and Edmonton International Airport have finalized an agreement allowing passengers who subscribe to TappCar service to seek transportation through their smartphone application or through a telephone dispatch system. EIA is the first of Canada’s major airports to license a private transportation provider of standard vehicle service (excluding limousines).
"Our goal is to offer travellers more choices so they can select the ground transportation that best suits their needs. This agreement with TappCar gives our passengers a new transportation choice so that along with public transportation, private rides, taxis, limousines, rental cars and more, we have a full suite of options available to passengers,” said Brett Bain, director of ground transportation for Edmonton International Airport.
Under the new agreement, TappCar vehicles are now licensed to drop off passengers anywhere on EIA property including the departures level of the main terminal. Passengers may be picked up for prearranged service only, from the hourly level (P2) of the parkade on the north end.
www.AviationPros.com/12227386
Terminal 1 Renovation Breaks Ground at SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) held a groundbreaking ceremony June 29, to celebrate the renovation of Terminal 1, the airport’s oldest passenger facility. The $2.4 billion project, slated to be completed in phases from 2016 to 2024, will create an interim Boarding Area B to accommodate continued passenger activity while an entirely new structure takes shape. The ambitious project will also create a new centralized security checkpoint, a new consolidated baggage handling system, new dining and retail concessions, and post-security connecting walkways.
“The renovation of Terminal One is another milestone in our City’s effort to keep SFO a world class airport, and on this day we also celebrate another milestone for SFO in Airport Director John L. Martin’s final public appearance before his retirement,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “For more than 20 years, John’s leadership has transformed SFO into a world-class airport, reflecting all that is great about the San Francisco Bay Area. The renovation of Terminal One is a perfect retirement gift, and the completed facility will serve as a tribute to his visionary leadership.”
www.AviationPros.com/12226916
Kansas City Runway Project Begins Phase 2
The Runway 1R-19L rehabilitation project at Kansas City International Airport has advanced to phase two. The north/south runway intersects with the east/west Runway 9-27. Runway names correlate with compass headings, deleting the zero at the end.
Since the two runways meet, the intersection needs to be closed for pavement demolition and replacement. The runway intersection closed July 11, and the intersecting Runway 9-27 will be closed for 90 days, essentially closing two of the airport’s three runways. Since the airport will be down to one operating runway, the work will be on a fast track to ensure all runways will be open by winter. No airline delays are expected during the closure.
In August 2015, the aviation department received a $20-million Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program Grant. The Aviation Department will receive reimbursement from this grant for 75 percent of the costs for the engineering and construction of the project. The contract with Ideker, Inc. Construction Co. has totaled at $25.4 million, with work beginning on May 2.
“The investment we and the FAA are making in improving the airfield is imperative to our airport, as it is at other U.S. airports,” said Pat Klein, director of aviation. “Renovations to KCI’s runway infrastructure will ensure that we can continue to meet increases in demand with a safe, secure and efficient airfield.”
www.AviationPros.com/12229704
OMA Starts Construction of the New Acapulco Terminal
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. (OMA) started construction of the new passenger terminal for the Acapulco Airport.
The new terminal building will encompass 18,800 m2, in three levels plus a mezzanine. The passenger check-in area will have 34 fixed and another nine automated check-in counters. The passenger security checkpoint will have three lines operating simultaneously, and be equipped with the latest generation technology to meet all security requirements. The new terminal will have a capacity of 1.3 million domestic and international passengers per year, with arrival and departure flow separation, six boarding gates, and three passenger jetways. The ramp area will have three aircraft contact positions, six semi-contact positions, and six remote positions.
“Today is a very important day for the Acapulco Airport, marking the the generational change in the terminal building," said Diego Quintana, OMA’s Chairman of the Board. "The terminal will be completely transformed through intelligent engineering, which will enable us to provide greater comfort and safety for passengers, visitors, airlines, and other service providers.”
www.AviationPros.com/12232180
HDOT Opens New Hilo ARFF Station
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Airports Division, celebrated the opening of the new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station at the Hilo International Airport on July 29. The new two-story, 21,000 square-foot facility includes an emergency operations center, four drive-through truck bays, a fueling area, along with improved work and living quarters for firefighters. The facility will also accommodate larger sized ARFF vehicles and provide training facilities to help firefighters perform at their highest capabilities.
“Keeping airport users safe is an enormous responsibility that we take to heart. This new and improved fire station will help our dedicated state firefighters and emergency medical responders with their day to day responsibilities, which includes responding to emergencies,” said Ford Fuchigami, Hawaii Department of Transportation director.
AeroGround…is celebrating its fifth anniversary in Munich and the first full year of operations by AeroGround Berlin in Schönefeld.
Air Astana…launched a new non-stop flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Tehran, Iran.
Air Canada…launched Montreal t0 Lyon, France service.
Air China...will launch San Jose to Shanghai service Sept. 1.
Air France-KLM…now offers travelers a mobile 4G wi-Fi router for sale.
Air Serbia…began service to John F. Kennedy International Airport on June 23, ending a 24-year absence in the U.S.
Air Transat…launched flights between Montreal and Glasgow, Scotland.
AirMall…opened three new stores at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Alaska Airlines...is building a $40 million maintenance facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Albany International Airport…saw its TSA security checkpoints open earlier to accommodate earlier flights and increased traffic.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport…saw passenger traffic rise 6 percent in May.
Azul…Launched service between Lisbon, Portugal and São Paulo, Brazil.
Bahamasair…added nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Freeport.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport…partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to construct an additional screening lane at the security checkpoint for Concourse D.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport...reported more than 250,000 passengers in June, its busiest month on record.
Boston Logan International Airport…opened the PGA Tour Grill in Terminal B.
Cathay Pacific Airways...will launch twice-weekly scheduled freighter service to Portland International Airport Nov. 3.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport…set a new local passenger record on June 13 when 30,668 passengers originated their flight at CLT.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)… reopened its red and blue parking lots with new LED canopies.
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport…named Col. Andrew Shorter its new airport director.
Columbus Regional Airport Authority…named Kristen Easterday director, government affairs.
Condor Airlines…began service from Munich, Germany to Seattle.
Delta Air Lines…added service between Munich and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Dublin Airport...implemented 15 self-service bag drops in Terminal One and 12 in Terminal Two.
DuPage Airport Authority (DAA)… selected CH2M as its engineering consultant for the ongoing Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
EVA Air…will launch service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Taipei, Taiwan.
Fairbanks International Airport…opened The Local @ FAI eatery.
Faith Group…was named one of the fastest growing companies in St. Louis.
The Federal Aviation Administration…awarded a $344 million contract to Lockheed Martin to develop and implement NextGen.
Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) named R.J. Steenstra president and chief executive officer.
Fraport Group...will establish the Fraport Aviation Academy at Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia.
General Mitchell International Airport… was notified the baggage claim renovation project has received LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Great Falls Airport Authority…was awarded a $7.1 million AIP grant for improvements to runway 16/34.
Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport…welcomed Condor air service on June 3.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)…was named the world’s most efficient airport for the 13th straight year by the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS).
HMSHost…opened the Leinie Lodge with self-service beer taps at General Mitchell International Airport.
HNTB…hired Isaiah Johnson and Stacy Talmadge in its Arlington, Va. Office.
Hawaiian Airlines…began ticket sales for new Kona-Haneda route.
Humboldt County Airport…has seen traffic rise 27 percent during the first five months of the year.
Kansas City International Airport…saw its May traffic up 6.2 percent from the previous year.
LAN...was named Best Airline in South America by Skytrax.
Lindt…opened a shop-in-shop concept with DFS Group at DFS, Hong Kong International Airport.
Los Angeles International Airport…launched Data Comm on June 24.
Louisville Airport Authority…named Mike Ford human resources director.
Lufthansa…began new, non-stop service between Frankfurt, Germany and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
McCarran International Airport...reported a 3.9 percent increase in May traffic.
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority…promoted Joe Claiborne to senior manager of business diversity development.
Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)…named Eduardo Valencia vice president/chief information officer overseeing the organization information technology division.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA)...unveiled a nearly $1 billion plan to improve Nashville International Airport.
Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD)…received a 2016 Telly Award for its MIA Airport Official 2.0 mobile app video.
Midway International Airport...received a perfect score from the FAA for its Part 139 airfield safety inspection.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)…began a 5-year renovation project to Terminal 1-Lindbergh.
Mineta San José International Airport…began adding space and new technology to its international arrivals building.
Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport…opened fine dining establishment L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel.
Munich Airport…President and CEO Michael Kerkloh was named a recipient of a SignsAward.
New Leaf Travel Co.…began offering service to Saskatoon International Airport.
Norfolk International Airport…reported a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic during the month of May.
Orlando International Airport…saw 40.2 million passengers pass through the airport from April 2015 to April 2016.
Paradies Lagardère…was awarded eight new specialty retail and travel essential stores at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Pocatello Regional Airport...saw 6,594 passengers in June, which is a 70 percent increase from the same time in 2016.
Port of Portland…will reduce the Troutdale Airport runway from 5,400 feet to 4,500 feet and reduce width from 150 feet to 75 feet.
Punta Gorda Airport...was named 2016 Outstanding Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Qatar Airways Cargo...launched weekly Wednesday service to Doha with a stop in Zaragoza, Spain from Halifax International Airport.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport…unveiled a new art exhibit featuring the work of second grade students from Two Rivers Public Charter School.
Sacramento International Airport…added two automated Global Entry kiosks are in the International Arrivals facility in Terminal B.
San Antonio Airport System…named Henrietta Brown chief administration officer; Karen Ellis chief customer experience officer; and Ryan Rocha chief of operations.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport...awarded a 10-year contract extension to HMSHost.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport...reported nearly 12 million passengers in the second quarter of 2016 and 31 straight months of growth.
Signature Flight Support...opened a new FBO and hangar facility at Burke Lakefront Airport.
Southwest Florida International Airport…saw a 0.6 percent increase in May traffic.
SSP America…was awarded a new 10-year lease on its food & beverage contract at Dane County Regional Airport.
St. John’s International Airport Authority…plans to invest $40 million this year as part of its $250 million, 10-year Airport Improvement and Expansion Plan.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport…opened the Pork & Pickle gastropub.
Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR)…created incentives to initiate additional or enhanced air service.
Tucson Airport Authority…reached agreements with Uber and Lyft to provide service to the airport.
Virgin Atlantic Airways…will offer service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and London Heathrow.
Volaris Airlines…launched service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Monterrey International Airport.
United Airlines…launched new nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection… expanded Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
WOW air…kicked off its west coast service to Los Angeles, offering regular four weekly flights to Reykjavik, Iceland.
