Author: Katie Bliss

Welcome to the December issue of Metropolitan Airport News. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – are you singing? It is truly the most wonderful time, especially in New York City. We have so many iconic events and well-known experiences throughout the world. Just think of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating at several beautiful locations throughout the city and the boroughs, quaint tree lightings in each community, and, of course, strolling through the city to take in the over-the-top 5th Avenue window displays. I’m sure many of you will catch a show or perhaps the Rockettes, all…

Welcome to the July issue of Metropolitan Airport News. While you’ll often hear me refer to the people, businesses, and surrounding areas of the airports as a ‘community’, this month’s issue features the Pan Am revival, which seems more like a ‘family’. The revival, while very exciting, is only temporary; however, the nostalgia that has surfaced is not, it is long-lasting. The people of Pan Am still beam about being part of one of the world’s largest airlines, the purpose they served while moving people and cargo all over the world, the pride they embodied in their work, and the…

Welcome to the June issue of Metropolitan Airport News. This issue informs how modern FAA classifications designate the capability of airports in metropolitan gateways. With a highly populated location such as ours, one airport would never work as it does in most other US cities.  Our airports have airports!  Three of the busiest general aviation airports in the NY and NJ metropolitan region are Teterboro Airport and  Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey, and Republic Airport on Long Island. These airports connect communities through local traffic, general aviation, emergency services, flight training, private and business travel, and more.  As a…

Welcome to the May issue of Metropolitan Airport News. This issue tells the story about a great New Yorker, Fiorello La Guardia.  Our editor-in-chief, Julia Lauria-Blum, tells his story perfectly so the reader truly feels the passion and commitment to New York City for which this man lived his life. He was incredibly proud of the city and wanted everyone around the world to enjoy it just as he envisioned it. This feature is an excellent example of historical storytelling at its best. I hope you enjoy it. The past few weeks sure have been busy. The Airport Community Foundation (ACF) hosted…

With April 22nd being Earth Day, this month’s issue focuses on aviation and airport sustainability. Our featured article, “Creating a Green Sky,” was written by Aidan Charron, Associate Director of  EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy. The collaboration shines a light on the many impactful programs at our airports, with the PANY&NJ leading the charge as an excellent example for all airport stakeholders.  While many awards have been given to the redevelopment projects for prioritizing sustainability, legacy airport tenants don’t have the luxury of starting from scratch; they must find ways to update existing systems and blend…

Welcome to the January issue of the Metropolitan Airport News. I hope you had a peaceful holiday season with your loved ones. As we prepare for a busy winter season around the airports between increased travel and weather events here in the Northeast, I’m still shaking off the calm from a wonderful holiday season spent with my family and friends. I traveled through JFK this past holiday season, and the thing that strikes me most about arriving at an airport, even though I work here, is that I immediately want to eat and shop when I’m traveling! I’m sure there is…

The JFK Airport Rotary Club kid’s holiday party hosted at the JetBlue hangar welcomed 450 students from local schools in Queens. The annual event brings in 4th-grade classes from the surrounding schools for a fun-filled event that the kids will never forget! They are welcomed with gifts, snacks, and a live band and DJ from the second they arrive. The kids love spending time with partners from EMTs from Jamaica Hospital, Port Authority Police and Fire (ARFF), TSA, and CPB, all showing the kids what’s possible at the airport in their backyard. The working dogs are always a big draw for…

Welcome to the December issue of the Metropolitan Airport News. This month’s issue highlights the contributions that local airports make to the local economy and the community. Airports are a financial engine rooted in mass employment through every level and trade. Metropolitan Airport News is a strong proponent for education and employment that leads highly qualified local candidates to engage in the opportunities that are so abundant and diverse within the airport community. Major airports are like small cities that need every type of employee and service. There are fantastic opportunities for anyone who would like to work in a fast-paced environment, and…

Welcome to the November 2024 issue of the Metropolitan Airport News. This month, our editorial staff demystifies so many acronyms that we are all used to hearing, seeing, and relying upon at the airports. I was recently in a situation where I used the term AOA, and the person I spoke with stopped me to ask what that meant. I said it so fast in the conversation that I didn’t realize they wouldn’t know what I was referring to. That’s how ingrained some of these acronyms are in our brains. “It’s the Air Operations Area,” I replied and described it as when you’re…

Welcome to the October issue of the Metropolitan Airport News. The Fall season is upon us, the days are getting shorter and chillier with those bursts of warmth that can be felt throughout the day, reminding us that summer was not too long ago. The airports are buzzing with travelers, construction, road re-routing, and the everyday activities that make this region one of the busiest in the world; we work here, so we may get desensitized to all of it. When you read this month’s feature, you may see the adventure of travel from a different perspective. This month’s issue features…