Author: Metropolitan Airport News

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works began manufacturing the first part for the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, marking a milestone to bring supersonic commercial travel over land one step closer to reality. “The start of manufacturing on the project marks a great leap forward for the X-59 and the future of quiet supersonic commercial travel,” said Peter Iosifidis, Low Boom Flight Demonstrator program manager Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “The long, slender design of the aircraft is the key to achieving a low sonic boom. As we enter into the manufacturing phase, the aircraft structure begins to take shape, bringing us one step closer…

Vaughn welcomed new and returning recruiters for the annual fall internship fair on Thursday, November 15. More than 20 companies sent representatives to speak to students and extend the opportunity to learn about and explore pre-career opportunities. “Internships often provide our students with their first hands-n professional experience,” said Jessica Caron, associate director of Career Services. “Internship experience illustrates to employer that our students are prepared for their next steps after graduation.” Textron Aviation, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, attended the internship fair with openings for engineering and airframe and powerplant majors. Brandon Kear, maintenance manager and Jan…

Lockheed Martin launched a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) scholarship program for high school and college undergraduate students planning to pursue a major in engineering and computer science. Beginning in 2019, the Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship program will award a $10,000 annual scholarship to 200 recipients who demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities. Recipients may renew the scholarship up to three times for a total potential value of $40,000 per student. “We are looking for students who are creative and innovative – skills that are necessary for success in today’s high-tech economy,” said Patricia L. Lewis, Lockheed Martin senior vice…

JetBlue, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), today announced the roll-out of its first fully-integrated biometric self-boarding gate at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Customers flying to select international destinations from Terminal 5 at New York-JFK can now board even faster with a dual-lane biometric self-boarding gate, which uses facial recognition technology to verify travelers with quick photo capture. JetBlue’s new biometric self-boarding gate comes on the heels of the airline’s successful biometric boarding trials at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and New York-JFK. This week, JetBlue also became…

In celebration of World Kindness Day and as part of JetBlue For Good Month, JetBlue announced the winners of the JetBlue For Good Grants contest – Behind the Book in New York City, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation for the Detroit Police Department’s Sisterhood: No Boundaries Youth Program and Heal The Planet in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Selected from thousands of entries from community members, each of these nonprofit organizations received a $25,000 grant from JetBlue to continue their work helping others within their local communities. The designated charities each represent one of JetBlue For Good’s three pillars: youth and education, the community,…

CHEP, the global leader in pallet pooling and supply chain management solutions, today appointed Jake Gilene to the role of senior vice president, sales and customer service, CHEP USA. This position was previously held by Dan Martin, recently named president, IFCO North America. “CHEP prides itself on developing and promoting world-class talent,” said Laura Nador, President, CHEP North America. “The way the world moves, makes, and sells goods is being transformed, and Jake will ensure we continue to be on the front line of solving our customers’ challenges, every day.” Gilene will lead a team devoted to positively impacting the…

JetBlue today announced the appointment of Brandon Nelson as the corporation’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Nelson will lead JetBlue’s Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts. He will report to JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer, Robin Hayes. Mr. Nelson joined JetBlue in 2005 and previously served as Director, Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary before being promoted in 2009 to Vice President, Associate General Counsel. He has served as General Counsel on an acting basis since July 2018. He also serves on the investment committee of the company’s Silicon Valley-based corporate venture capital fund, JetBlue Technology…

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has poached Duncan Watson from Emirates, to be its vice president for group commercial cargo. Mr. Watson brings more than three decades’ experience to the company, joining from Emirates where he served as VP of commercial cargo operations. Prior to 11 years with the Dubai-based carrier, he worked for DHL in a variety of roles. Mr. Watson will be based at WFS’s Paris head office. Chief commercial officer Barry Nassberg welcomed Mr. Watson to the team: “He has a strong understanding of air cargo, the role of the handler and commercial drivers of growth, and brings…

Flight Safety Foundation announced that Dr. Hassan Shahidi, a long-time senior executive at the influential MITRE Corporation and a leader in aviation safety and air traffic management, will become its new president and CEO in January 2019. Shahidi will succeed Jon L. Beatty, who has led the Foundation for the past four years. The announcement was made during the Foundation’s 71st annual International Air Safety Summit. Shahidi is currently director of aviation safety and new entrant integration at MITRE. He played a leading role in the development of the highly regarded Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) capability, which…

Evita “Evie” Garces, Managing Director of Maintenance Operations Control at American Airlines, was named the company’s new FAA-certificated Director of Maintenance (DOM). As the first female and the first Latina team member to occupy this position, American is making history as it upholds its commitment to diversity. As the new DOM, Evie is responsible for ensuring that all work on the airline’s aircraft is performed in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); staying up to date on, and maintaining access to, all FARs; and serving as the main maintenance liaison between the FAA and American. She and her team also…