Author: Metropolitan Airport News

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that Rick Cotton, who has served as the executive director of the Port Authority since August 2017, will retire from the agency in January 2026. A successor is expected to be announced in due course and will work closely with Cotton to ensure a smooth transition. Cotton’s distinguished 8½ year tenure makes him the longest-serving executive director of the Port Authority since the 1940s. Under the leadership of Cotton and Chairman Kevin O’Toole, the agency has delivered an unprecedented wave of renewal and institutional reform, while successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic…

Fraport USA, in collaboration with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, celebrated three major openings at JFK Terminal 5, marking continued momentum in enhancing the customer experience across the terminal. The event unveiled Park Ave. Emporium, operated by Hudson by Avolta with partners Kellee Communications, The Nourish Spot, and Sullivan Hernandez Group; Jacob’s Pickles, in partnership with SSP America alongside Byrd Retail Group, Kellee Communications, and M&R Concessions; and a fully reimagined InMotion store, operated by WHSmith in partnership with APW Brands. The day also featured the installation of a new electric-powered art piece created by Brooklyn-based artist Ekemini…

JetBlue has announced the expansion of its industry-leading Gateway programs with the launch of Gateway University – Tech Ops, a new pathway that provides a direct route for aviation maintenance students to join JetBlue as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). The initiative expands career opportunities in one of the airline industry’s most vital and in-demand fields. For the first time, JetBlue is offering external candidates a defined path to becoming a JetBlue maintenance technician. While existing Technical Operations Gateways programs have been available for current JetBlue crewmembers, Gateway University – Tech Ops opens the door for aviation students outside of JetBlue…

We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Frank Anton. Frank began his career as a Sky Marshal and later became a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. For many years, Frank acted as the CBP liaison to the United Nations, where he met with and assisted various politicians and heads of state. Frank continued as a CBP Supervisor at John F. Kennedy International Airport before retiring in 2021.  Frank Anton is survived by his wife, Dani, and his brother, Bill.

K2 Security Screening Group announced a partnership with SeeTrue, a global leader in AI-powered security screening. The collaboration combines K2’s proven expertise in aviation security deployment, operations, and optimization with SeeTrue’s advanced automated threat-detection software to deliver next-generation checkpoint solutions, with a focus on aviation worker screening. The joint initiative will enable airports to achieve new benchmarks in efficiency, detection accuracy, and the employee experience, setting the foundation for the next era of smart, AI-enabled aviation security. “We are pleased to partner with SeeTrue as part of our ongoing effort to bring cutting-edge technologies to our customers,” said Kathy Neiswender,…

Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to airports and airlines worldwide, has appointed Christopher SanGiovanni as Senior Vice President Risk Americas, effective immediately. Christopher returns to Menzies Aviation after previously serving as Head of Safety for the Americas from 2009 to 2013. Since leaving Menzies, he has broadened his leadership experience, across aviation, technology and autonomous-vehicle sectors, leading the development and oversight of safety management systems in complex, safety-critical environments. In his capacity as SVP Risk Americas, Christopher will be responsible for safety, security, operational training, quality assurance and compliance, as well as fuel quality and environmental standards across all…

BermudAir’s new non-stop between New York–LaGuardia and Bermuda went live, using Ink Innovation’s technology to run passenger handling fully mobile. Agents use handheld devices with portable printers to complete check-in, document checks, bag tagging and boarding wherever needed, without relying on traditional airports or fixed self-check-in kiosks. LaGuardia is slot-controlled, has a short-haul perimeter rule, and tight terminal capacity, so speed and flexibility are crucial. Ink’s mobile solution, Ink Touch, reduces queueing, supports quicker turnarounds and helps keep flights on time at one of the country’s most constrained, business-critical airports. Operating from LaGuardia’s Marine Air Terminal requires speed, adaptability, and…

Avianca announced its succession plan for the airline. Frederico Pedreira will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 28th, 2026, after five years with the company. To further strengthen the airline’s leadership structure and ensure a smooth transition, Avianca’s Board of Directors has approved the creation of a President position, to be filled by Gabriel Oliva concurrently with his COO role, effective immediately. Frederico will remain as CEO until February 28th to ensure full continuity and alignment across the organization.  Since Frederico joining Avianca in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer—and later serving as Deputy CEO and…

Welcome to the November issue of Metropolitan Airport News. We are officially in the Holiday Season, which means increased passenger traffic and weather events, which equals stress, for sure. As an airport community, we plan, prepare, and test year-round for this critical season in the Northeast. There will be hiccups for sure; however, practice makes perfect, and we aim to make it look flawless to the traveling public. All of that strategic planning carries over from Operations to Hospitality, the topic of this month’s issue. Yes, we need to move people and cargo safely and efficiently from point A to…

From campaign trails to global boardrooms, Advanced Aviation Team (AAT) has earned a reputation for accomplishing some of the most complex private aviation missions in the business. Founded by Gregg Brunson-Pitts, the Washington, D.C.–based charter and logistics firm supports corporate, government, and high-profile clients across the U.S. and abroad. Gregg’s aviation story began inside the White House under President George W. Bush, where he started as an intern in the scheduling office and, over time, rose to become Director of the White House Travel Office — overseeing the charter aircraft that fly alongside Air Force One, carrying the press corps,…