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.
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…
Korean Air is partnering with Swissport to operate its air cargo’s long-standing freight facility, Cargo Building 9, at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The five-year cargo handling contract comes into effect on September 1, 2025 and accords Swissport full management and sublease responsibilities for the terminal. Well established at JFK since 1969, Swissport plans a significant investment in eco-tech infrastructure and digital innovation to ensure maximum operational excellence. Swissport will now operate, sublease, and extensively modernize Korean Air Cargo’s 232,500 square-foot freight facility inclusive of offices. Investments in automation and infrastructure upgrades including an ETV system overhaul and new…
Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide, the leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics, today announced a new long-term partnership with Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. Under the agreement, Atlas Air will provide Etihad Cargo with dedicated freighter capacity through the operation of a newly delivered Boeing 777 freighter. Beginning in August, the aircraft will initially serve routes connecting Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid. The partnership comes at a time of growing demand for general air cargo, e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals and perishable products…
Avianca has officially unveiled its new uniforms, a collection that blends elegance, comfort and pride in belonging to the world’s second-oldest airline. The process began with feedback from Avianca’s operations teams, which became the main inspiration for the design. Fashion designer Juanjo Oliva, who has 25 years of experience, led the project with Avianca flight attendant Robert Duke, winner of the airline’s internal “Design Lab” contest. Together they created a collection that reflects the airline’s identity and modern image. The new uniforms will be introduced in December and worn by more than 10,000 employees across operations, customer service and cargo.…
For years, commercial fleets have been content with “good enough” insurance, but 2025 is poised to be a turning point. According to the newly released 2025 Claims Experience Report, an overwhelming 88% of truck fleet operators say the insurance claims process must fundamentally improve, signaling a breaking point in an industry often slow to change. In an era of AI, a vast majority of insurers are failing to leverage technology to bring customers the experience they expect. This research, surveying commercial fleet decision-makers across the U.S., paints a picture of growing frustration—and new opportunity. While consumer focused industries deliver innovative real-time…
Menzies Aviation, an Agility Global company, and the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has completed its acquisition of G2 Secure Staff, an aviation service partner of choice for major airlines across the United States. The $305m deal strengthens Menzies position as the world’s largest aviation services provider, operating at 350 airports in 65 countries, powered by a team of 65,000 highly trained people. The deal is expected to boost Menzies’ Group revenue by 20% to more than $3.1 billion, based on FY2024 figures. The acquisition positions Menzies as the leading player by airports served in the…