Airport Butler… released of a new online reservation system.
Alaska Airlines…hired Matt Shelby as its managing director of corporate real estate, which oversees the airline’s airport real estate activities.
Allegiant Air…is launching seasonal non-stop flights to Tulsa, Oklahoma from New Orleans, which will run May 26, and will run through mid-October.
Astra Aviation… expanded its presence in Africa with the addition of a new location at Harare International Airport, the capital of Zimbabwe.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)… was recognized by EPA for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management—Goal Setting, making it the first airport to receive a CLA.
Greenwood Airport…eliminated 100 percent of landing fees for all aircraft and allow companies to enter into a contract fuel program.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V… reported terminal passenger traffic at its 13 airports increased 11.4 percent in February, as compared to February 2015. Domestic traffic increased 12.9 percent, and international traffic increased 4.5 percent.
HMSHost…opened a Summer House Santa Monica restaurant at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Jet Aviation Hong Kong…is providing certification to Canadian-registered aircraft in Asia.
JetBlue…is launching a new nonstop flight from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport starting Aug. 15.
Lindt and Dufry…joined forces to launch a personalized Lindt Gold Bunny promotion at Zurich Airport, where customer names were added to purchased bunnies.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority…selected AirIT’s integrated platform for airport operational, passenger processing and intelligent display system technology.
Port Columbus International Airport…complete a three-year, $80 million terminal renovation and modernization program.
SSP America…
will develop and operate four units at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with contracts spanning eight years for its quick service restaurant wins and nine years for full service.
Elaine Roberts Honored With AAAE Distinguished Service Award
Elaine Roberts, A.A.E., president and chief executive officer of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, was honored with the American Association of Airport Executives' Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry.
"Elaine is an invaluable colleague who has served the nation's aviation community in a wide variety of roles, including airport director and active AAAE member," said Jeff Mulder, A.A.E., director of airports at the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust. "In addition to her years of hard work as a successful airport director, Elaine has been so passionate about airports that she has undertaken numerous volunteer positions that have resulted in invaluable improvements to our industry."
The Distinguished Service Award is one of AAAE's highest levels of recognition. Men and women receive the award as a mark of accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these men and women also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community.
Roberts has been active in many aspects of AAAE over the years, including serving a term as AAAE Chair and as a member of the Executive Committee and the Policy Review Committee. Roberts is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) and served as President of AAAE’s Northeast Chapter.
www.AviationPros.com/12184563
FAA Acts to Reduce Bird Fatalities
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects thousands of birds may be saved each year because of changes the agency has made to its communication tower lighting standards.
The FAA has developed a number of tower lighting configurations for tall structures to warn pilots they are approaching an obstruction, particularly during nighttime hours and in bad weather. The configurations include white and red steady-burning lights, flashing lights and strobe lights, as well as various combinations of the three types of lights. Over the past few years, wildlife biology research has determined that migratory birds appear to be particularly attracted to non-flashing red tower lights. The research concluded the birds are drawn toward that type of light and become confused and exhausted or collide with the towers and their supporting guy wires, killing thousands of birds every year.
The FAA conducted flight tests in northern Michigan to compare the traditional steady-burning lighting with a variety of different types of flashing lights. The results showed that the new configurations that featured flashing lights provided acceptable warnings for pilots and were likely to result in a significant decrease in bird fatalities.
Based on that determination, the FAA updated its Advisory Circular (AC) for obstruction marking and lighting in December 2015. New tower lighting schemes should now follow the revised guidance, and operators of towers with the old lighting system should submit plans explaining how and when they will transition to the new standards.
www.AviationPros.com/12185830
GOAA Approves Conceptual Drawing of Proposed Orlando South Terminal Complex
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board on MArch 16, unanimously approved the spending plan that will initiate construction of a new South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport. A revised Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2016-2023 that includes the $1.8 billion South Terminal Complex (STC) Phase 1-Terminal C was sanctioned by the seven-member Board.
“The CIP reflects the growth of our global appeal as an international travel gateway for business and leisure,” said Frank Kruppenbacher, chairman of GOAA. “To enhance our capacity to accommodate projected passenger increases, it is essential we move forward with South Terminal construction sooner rather than later.”
Construction on Phase 1 of the South Terminal Complex could begin as early as the first quarter of 2017 and be operational by 2019. The scope of the project includes:
- The South Terminal Complex and associated apron/taxiway, will encompass approximately 300 acres
- The total building program will comprise 2.7 million square feet
- The airside terminal will have the ability to serve both international and domestic flights
- The 16-24 gates will accommodate Narrowbody, Jumbo and Super Jumbo aircraft
- The complex includes a 6 story 5,000 expanded Car Parking Garage
- This project will follow the Sustainable Management Plan (SMP) for a planned LEED v4 BD +C New Construction project
