Author: Metropolitan Airport News

Welcome to the September issue of Metropolitan Airport News. It’s hard to believe, but as the airports prepare for snow season, it’s still technically summer for a few more weeks. With Labor Day behind us, passenger volumes will start to level off, and we can take a breath before the weather takes over the headlines. Speaking of Labor Day, this month’s issue focuses on the multitude of employment sectors that exist in an airport community, really a city of its own. It’s a favorite topic of Metropolitan Airport News. We have a strong mission to support and connect job seekers…

Jones Beach State Park is home to over six miles of gorgeous white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean and encompasses a marine environment of 2,400 acres along the south shore of Long Island. In 2024, Jones Beach celebrated its 95th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 9.5 million visitors, making it one of the most popular recreational spots on the East Coast. On May 23, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the procurement of $100 million to invest in the last major piece of the beach’s historic infrastructure; a piece that has been untouched by any revitalization that has taken place…

Founded in 2016 in Jamaica, Queens, The Nourish Spot began as the vision of Dawn Kelly, a former corporate communications executive who pivoted into entrepreneurship after decades in the media and nonprofit world. Inspired by her own wellness journey and a desire to bring healthier food options to her neighborhood, Dawn created The Nourish Spot as a wellness bar serving smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, salads, wraps, and açaí bowls curated from fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and seeds. From the beginning, The Nourish Spot has been a family business. Dawn’s children – especially her daughter, Jade Duncan – have worked side…

In collaboration with Newark Alliance, Fraport USA hosted the “Celebrate Newark” event at EWR Terminal B, spotlighting the city’s rich culture, vibrant festivals, and community programs. Passengers and employees enjoyed a festive atmosphere with music from a local artist, chances to win exciting prizes, and exclusive EWR Terminal B swag!

Forwarders are providing stability for shippers as tariffs, de minimis reform, and new compliance demands add to supply chain insecurity, Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA), said on Friday. AfA members are helping customers adapt to shifting trade flows and rising costs by keeping freight moving and offering practical solutions in uncertain markets, Fried told members of the Los Angeles Air Cargo Association.  Fried pointed to pressures that continue to test supply chains, including cyber risks exposed by the CrowdStrike outage, an increase in extreme weather events, and geopolitical instability from Ukraine, the Red Sea, and the Taiwan Strait.   He…

As America’s airports experience record-setting traveler volumes and prepare for continued growth through 2025, new research commissioned by Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO), and conducted by Nielsen, offers a timely, data-backed case for local and national brands to amplify their presence in the airport environment. The study comes as air travel continues surging and as TSA has screened record numbers of travelers this year, and the trend is expected to accelerate into 2026. Moreover, this growth is driven by pent-up travel demand, modernization and expansion of U.S. airports, and a wave of Americans eager to explore new adventures. As travel continues…

Alaska Air Group today announced that Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines effective Oct. 29, succeeding Joe Sprague who will retire after a long career at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines. Birkett Rakow will be based in Honolulu, the company’s second largest hub after Seattle, and will be responsible for the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group’s business in Hawai‘i, supporting the company’s guests and over 6,600 employees across the Islands. She will continue to report to…

The New Terminal One at JFK International Airport has selected award-winning global airport hospitality leader Plaza Premium Group (PPG) to develop and operate two lounges, covering nearly 14,000 square feet, setting a new standard for service and comfort at JFK’s premier international gateway. A key feature of the New Terminal One experience will be PPG’s Plaza Premium First lounge, an exclusive ultra-premium lounge designed to set a new benchmark in airport hospitality. This elevated space will feature the brand’s signature Infinity Room alongside bespoke services and personalized experiences tailored for the most discerning travelers. Complementing this will be a Plaza…

At John F. Kennedy International Airport, Alliance Cargo Express, Inc. (ACE) has taken a road less traveled in the freight forwarding industry. What began as a team of car enthusiasts wanting to bring excitement into the world of logistics has evolved into one of the company’s fastest-growing services: exporting special vehicles by air. “For 90% of people, a car is simply a way to get from point A to point B,” said Roman Mizerota, Director of Logistics and Co-owner of Alliance Cargo Express, Inc. “But for the other 10%, it’s so much more. It’s a companion, a lifelong friend, and in many cases,…

As part of the launch of its new brand, Avianca Cargo México is consolidating its position as the cargo airline that connects Mexico and the U.S. West Coast to more than 350 destinations worldwide. This network opens the door to key markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia. AeroUnion unveils its new commercial identity as Avianca Cargo Mexico, a brand created to continue delivering consistent service to its customers while reinforcing three core pillars: global connectivity, an expanded network, and service excellence. Thanks to the work and commitment of the team members who have led the transformation process, the company…