Author: Metropolitan Airport News
Metropolitan Airport News
Produced by a team of aviation professionals and enthusiasts, our mission is to inform and update the more than 68,000 employees who work on the metropolitan New York airport properties, as well as the many others that provide goods and services in the surrounding communities.
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) Executive Director, Brandon Fried, has warned that air freight networks are still adjusting to the end of de-minimis, with compliance tightening and the small-parcel model giving way to heavier, consolidated shipments. AfA members have reported higher duties, longer cycle times, and greater complexity in returns management since de-minimis thresholds ended on August 29, Fried told delegates at the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Hanoi. “The industry has moved overnight from light-touch clearance to full formal entry,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, AfA. “We are seeing fewer parcels but larger, better-documented shipments. Fraud has dropped, but working-capital and compliance…
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today broke ground on a new AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport, launching construction of a modern, reliable 2.5-mile automated people mover. The new $3.5 billion system will replace the existing AirTrain, which opened in 1996 and has become outdated, over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth. The new AirTrain system is a major piece of the ongoing redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport. The redevelopment plan charts a comprehensive reimagining of the airport, complete with modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and…
Avianca Cargo reaffirms its commitment to provide customers with consistent, high-quality service. With a modern fleet and an expanding network, the airline is strengthening its role as a strategic partner in the region and expanding its cargo operations with the addition of a new A330P2F. This aircraft joins Avianca Cargo’s fleet, operated in synergy with Avianca Cargo México, bringing the total to nine A330 freighters (six A330F and three A330P2F). The newly added freighter has a capacity of more than 60 tons and like the rest of the A330 family, it offers fuel efficiency, higher payload and volume capacity compared…
Global Elite Group shares the passing of Vice President Dhananjay “DK” Rai, who died unexpectedly after a medical emergency. For more than thirteen years, DK was an integral part of the Global Elite Group. His professionalism, leadership, and dedication helped shape the company into what it is today. Beyond his work, DK was known for his kindness, humility, and the way he always put others before himself. He touched countless lives, and his absence leaves a profound void for all who had the privilege of knowing him. DK is survived by his wife, Nitu, son, Aditya, and daughter, Shivangi. As…
JetBlue, Puerto Rico’s largest airline, today unveiled Isla del Bluencanto, a vibrant new aircraft livery designed by Puerto Rican artist Juan Gutiérrez Rovira, also known as The Stencil Network. Selected by public vote in March, the bold design of the newly unveiled Airbus A320 celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich culture and spirit while showcasing iconic symbols of Puerto Rican heritage. The name Isla del Bluencanto combines Puerto Rico’s affectionate nickname, Isla del Encanto, with JetBlue, symbolizing the bond between the island and the airline. The aircraft’s new look was revealed today at The Flight Park in San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), where community…
Alaska Air Group today announced several leadership transitions that reflect the organization’s commitment to operational excellence and its people-first culture. After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to Alaska Airlines, Chief Operating Officer, Constance von Muehlen will retire. Von Muehlen joined Alaska in 2011 and became COO in 2021, where she led the airline through a period of significant growth and transformation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing safety, reliability, and innovation across the airline’s operations. Succeeding von Muehlen as Chief Operating Officer will be Jason Berry, a 30-year industry veteran who currently serves as President of Horizon Air and Executive Vice President of Cargo for…
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new world-class Terminal 6 (T6), and Icelandair, the leading carrier of Iceland, today announced that Icelandair has selected T6 for its future operations at JFK. Icelandair joins partner airline JetBlue, Air Canada, Aer Lingus, ANA, Avianca, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Frontier, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Norse, and SWISS as the 15th international airline that will make T6 its new home at JFK when the terminal opens to passengers in 2026. Terminal 6 is a key component…
Zip Aviation made aviation history at the 2025 Ryder Cup, executing a record-breaking helicopter operation that set a new benchmark for event airlift logistics. Over the course of the championship at Bethpage Black, Zip Aviation conducted more than 300 flights carrying over 2,000 passengers, marking a historic milestone in both scale and precision for the aviation industry. “This was a record-breaking operation and a proud moment for our company and for aviation in New York,” said Itai Shoshani, CEO of Zip Aviation. “Together with the PGA of America, we have been developing and refining this helicopter operation since 2016 for the PGA,…
James (Jim) FitzGerald has accepted a position with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) as Senior Security Coordinator for Credentialing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Jim recently retired from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where he served as the Northeast Regional Operations Director for Surface Operations and previously held the position of Assistant Federal Security Director for Inspections at JFK. Before TSA, Jim began his federal career in 1998 as a Special Agent for the Federal Aviation Administration. In his spare time, Jim is also an adjunct instructor at a local college and a…
The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is setting a new standard for duty-free shopping, blending the best in luxury with one-of-a-kind experiences, all brought to life by a joint venture team that includes first-time duty-free partners bringing a wealth of experience to the program. Susan Prevost, President and Founder of Prevost Consulting Group,is one of five joint venture partners collaborating with Duty Free Americas to create Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas at the New Terminal One, a first-of-its-kind retail experience. The bespoke brand will span nearly 20,000 square feet, featuring a flagship store along…