Welcome to the April 2023 edition of the Metropolitan Airport News. As we enter the Spring season and start shaking off winter for the renewal that is all around us in the form of flowers, leaves on trees, and longer days, this issue highlights where John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) comes from and how it continues to lead the world in innovation. We are delighted to have a walkthrough of what it was like to work at JFK, which started through the lens of Jerry Spampanato. Reading his vivid recollection of the airport when he started here, I felt transported back in time. It was a simpler time for sure, full of pride and excitement to work at the airport and travel through it.
Fast forward to how we use airports today and how much they have grown; we bring you to the ARK at JFK, which was brought on by the need for a comprehensive, multi-purpose animal airport handling facility, cargo facility, and quarantine center. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the safe transport of animals into the United States and all around the world. Many people and well-thought-out processes work behind the scenes to ensure The Ark remains the Gold Standard for animal transport and is as safe and efficient as any other form of transportation. I hope you enjoy learning more about this unique and amazing cargo facility at JFK Airport.
This month wraps up our Non-Rev Travelers, Jonathan and Maureen Katz, seeking warmer weather beyond New York with a sunshine-filled Caribbean cruise. Maureen details the fun events and time spent onboard and on private islands with white sand and clear blue water. The photos will get you ready to put on a pair of shorts and get your toes in the sand.
Robert Waldvogel provides us with a different sort of sunshine. This month, he turns his focus to National, the Sunshine Airline. From the early days of airmail to the jet age, National shares a long and iconic history with other long-gone U.S. airlines.
With the redevelopment buzzing, I hope you find this issue helpful with the airport events calendar. Jump into networking and employment opportunities for yourself and anyone you may know. There is also a lot to do with your family and friends coming up. The JFK Rotary Club 5K ‘Run the Runway’ is a great family-friendly event, as is the LGA Kiwanis Club’ Kids Day.’ Don’t be fooled by ‘Kids Day’; any aviation enthusiast would love to be there and check out all the aircraft and vehicles on display.
Enjoy the issue; I’ll see you around the airports.
