Author: Metropolitan Airport News

On March 17, Mr. Hugh Hall, a Jamaica citizen and crew member of Fly Jamaica Airways, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica and presented himself for inspection. Mr. Hugh was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers discovered four packages taped to his legs, all of which contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. Mr. Hall was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. Approximately 9 lbs. of cocaine was seized, with an approximate street value of $160,000. “This seizure is another…

A man was arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport this morning (March 19) after a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer detected a handgun frame concealed inside a sneaker box at a checkpoint in Terminal A. Firearm parts are not allowed past checkpoints because if several passengers each show up with a piece of a firearm, they could possibly assemble the components into a functioning weapon. As a reminder, individuals who bring weapons to a checkpoint are subject to federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. The complete…

Hudson Group, a leader in North American travel retail, announced it has signed an exclusive agreement with FAO Schwarz to serve as the exclusive airport retailer for FAO Schwarz and FAO Schweetz product and shops, with estimated openings by the end of 2019. Hudson Group and FAO Schwarz will work closely on new store openings and brand extensions across the United States that build upon the founding principles of the iconic New York–based toy brand. “Hudson Group is committed to delivering exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences to our guests,” said Michael Levy, chief merchandising officer at Hudson Group. “FAO Schwarz is an iconic…

dnata has entered into a contract with leading IT solutions provider to the global aviation industry, IBS Software, to implement the iCargo terminal operation suite across all its stations. The end-to-end solution will help manage dnata’s air cargo movement worldwide seamlessly. dnata is the first ground handler to launch a global roll-out of iCargo and have all its operations on one united platform using unified processes. Expected to be gradually implemented across the system by 2020, iCargo will have a user base of over 5,000 staff members across 27 stations, in 10 countries from the USA to Australia, interfacing seamlessly…

This job really is going to the birds as U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at John F. Kennedy International Airport discovered this past weekend. On March 3, a Guyanese national, arrived on a flight from Georgetown, Guyana and was inspected by CBP officers. The CBP officers conducted an examination of the traveler’s hand-carry bag and discovered 20 live finches. The passenger was escorted by CBP officers to a private room to continue the inspection. The passenger was further interviewed by CBP agriculture specialists who quarantined the 20 seized finches and issued a $300 fine to…

Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport – one of the world’s most active air terminals with a rich history of supporting artists featured within its walls – unveiled its latest commissioned artwork inspired by traditional and contemporary design elements, which shows illustrations of New York City’s five boroughs, immersing travelers in the spirit and authenticity of the City. Hand-drawn by British-based artist Chris Dent, the four-month-long project is now displayed throughout Terminal 4’s corridors for travelers to enjoy. The artwork consists of 14 illustrations of iconic New York City locations such as the Empire State Building and the…

Swissport International Ltd. successfully concluded the acquisition of Aerocare with effect from March 7, 2018. The Swiss company, global market leader in ground and cargo handling, now holds 100% of the leading ground handler in Australia/ New Zealand. With effect from March 7, 2018, Swissport International Ltd. (Swissport) has concluded the acquisition of Aerocare and its subsidiaries Skycare, Carbridge and EasyCart from Archer Capital and the Aerocare management. Swissport now holds 100% of Aerocare, the leading Aviation Services and Airport Infrastructure Services provider in Australia/ New Zealand. The acquisition of Aerocare was announced in November 2017. It has received all…

New York-based developer Triangle Equities announced the $25.4 million acquisition of a development site near John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. The project site is to be developed as a state-of-the-art, approximately 300,000-square-foot, multi-level industrial building. The facility will be the first multi-level, multi-tenant air cargo and distribution facility in New York City. Triangle executed the land acquisition and development financing through a strategic partnership with a pension fund advised by L&B Realty Advisors, an acquisition loan from Citizens Bank and additional equity capital from Township Capital. The three-story industrial and air cargo facility will feature first-…

Georgia lawmakers voted Thursday, March 1st to do away with a tax break for Delta Air Lines after it joined in a political boycott, severing ties with the NRA. The tax break consisted of a $50 million jet fuel tax exemption. Considering that only 13 NRA members used the discount, this amounts to a cost of 4 million dollars a passenger for Delta. Fox New quoted Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, saying, “Businesses have every legal right to make their own decisions, but the Republican majority in our state legislature also has every right to govern guided by our principles.”…

The headline would appear to present good news, and a new spirit of cooperation in Congress; but is another example of our government kicking the can down the road until congress again addresses the ways and means to upgrade our Air Traffic Control System to meet the needs of aviation in the 21st century. The bill will continue to fund the FAA for six months, and the issue of ATC development and privatization will again be debated in October. However, as Forbe’s Magazine’s Travel Editor, Dan Reed wrote the last time this strategy was adopted by Congress; “the ATC Privatization…