Author: Metropolitan Airport News

JetBlue Airways Corporation and Spirit Airlines, Inc. have announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive merger agreement under which JetBlue will acquire Spirit for $33.50 per share in cash, including a prepayment of $2.50 per share in cash payable upon Spirit stockholders’ approval of the transaction and a ticking fee of $0.10 per month starting in January 2023 through closing, for an aggregate fully diluted equity value of $3.8 billion and an adjusted enterprise value of $7.6 billion. “We are excited to deliver this compelling combination that turbocharges our strategic growth, enabling JetBlue to bring our unique…

The American Airlines Education Foundation is easing the cost of higher education for 452 students who are dependents of the airline’s team members. In its largest donation to date, the Education Foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarship funds for the 2022–2023 school year. Each recipient received a $2,500 scholarship, and 107 first-generation college students each received an additional award of $1,000. Scholarships fund full-time, undergraduate study at any accredited college, university or vocational program worldwide. “From future medical professionals to artists, engineers, aviators and more, these students are already trailblazing a path to success and doing great things…

JetBlue announced the appointment of Jason Lenhart as the airline’s new vice president, technology. In this role, Jason will develop the technical strategy across engineering, QA, cloud, and infrastructure. He will report directly to Carol Clements, JetBlue’s chief digital and technology officer. “Technology has the ability to enhance nearly every touchpoint on the travel ribbon,” said Clements. “Jason’s experience and innovative mindset will be critical to supporting our vast IT infrastructure and delivering on our product roadmap.” Jason comes to JetBlue from Warner Bros. Discovery where he served as senior vice president of engineering and operations, focusing on direct-to-consumer technology…

JetBlue announced the appointment of Melinda Maher as the airline’s new vice president, financial planning & analysis, and structural cost. She will report to Ursula Hurley, JetBlue’s chief financial officer. Maher comes to JetBlue from Amazon, where she has been a senior finance manager within Amazon Transportation Services since 2020. She previously served as a director in financial planning & analysis at Alaska Airlines for four years for both corporate and operational functions. Earlier in her career, from 2013-2016 she was a manager of financial planning & analysis at JetBlue. She also brings her professional experience working on Wall Street…

JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, has donated $30K to support Razom for Ukraine, a non-profit organization driven by a mission to help Ukraine pursue a democratic society that supports civil rights for all. On July 12, JFKIAT presented the donation to Razom for Ukraine. Throughout March and April, funds collected through Terminal 4’s coin collection program were matched by JFKIAT and donated to support the organization’s mission. Coin collection boxes placed throughout Terminal 4 provided passengers and terminal employees with an opportunity to donate and additional information on how to support Razom for Ukraine’s efforts. “We…

SterlingRisk Aviation, a division of SterlingRisk (Woodbury, NY), has hired Kris Larkin as Vice President, Senior Account Executive. The announcement was made by SterlingRisk Aviation President Michael O’Donnell. “Kris is a results-driven, engaged leader with extensive experience servicing general aviation accounts,” stated O’Donnell. “I have known her for 15 years in the aviation industry and witnessed the respect she commands as an insurance professional committed to client service. Her considerable industry experience will help SterlingRisk Aviation identify growth opportunities and expand industry relationships. Kris will also focus on team development and help ensure that our valued clients always receive superior…

The JFK Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 luncheon at Russo’s on the Bay. Roel Huinink, President & CEO of JFKIAT, was the keynote speaker. JFKIAT is the company that manages Terminal 4. Mr. Huinink leads Terminal 4’s management team and is responsible for developing, communicating, and executing strategic and tactical plans for T4.

Mark Flug has been a KAAMCO Board member for the past three years and is currently the 2022 KAAMCO President. He started his airport career at LaGuardia (LGA) in 1989 with Odgen Allied Services and joined Cathay Pacific Airways in 2004 as duty manager at JFK International Airport. In 2015 he transferred to Newark (EWR) to become the Airport Operations manager before returning in 2015 to JFK as Senior Airport Operations Manager. 1 Tell us about KAAMCO and how it operates at JFK Airport (Who are the members, stakeholders, mission?) Mark Flug: The Kennedy Airport Airlines Management Council (KAAMCO) is an…

The Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO) and the Port Authority of NY & NJ held their 2022 JFK/LGA Aviation Job fair in collaboration with Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards. Visit the CAO website at www.caonynj.com for upcoming job fairs and employment events.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B has won the National Academy of Construction’s inaugural Recognition of Special Achievement Award, which celebrates the creativity, innovation, and vision behind the construction of a world-class airport terminal. “The National Academy of Construction’s Recognition of Special Achievement Award represents what can happen when we think big and build our infrastructure with an overall vision and a master plan. Six years ago, when we broke ground on a new LaGuardia Airport, few believed that LaGuardia would be reborn as world-class. But here we are,…