A new chief executive has been named at Airbus. The European aircraft maker’s board picked insider Guillaume Faury to replace CEO Tom Enders in April.
The 50-year-old Faury currently serves as president of Airbus’ commercial aircraft division. He was CEO of Airbus Helicopters from 2013 until February 2018.
Board Chairman Denis Ranque praised Faury’s “global outlook, extensive operational experience, strong personal values and straightforward leadership style” in a statement. Enders has been the CEO of Airbus since May 2012. The 59-year-old announced last December he planned to step down.
Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, said: “Guillaume is an excellent choice. He has gained broad industrial and aeronautic experience over many years and in many roles both inside and outside Airbus. With his strong values and international mindset, Guillaume stands for the new generation of leaders that Airbus needs for the coming decade. He knows he can rely on me to facilitate a smooth transition.”
Before taking charge of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft division in February 2018, Faury led the company’s helicopter business. He also did tours as a senior manager at Peugeot and Eurocopter.
“I am honored to have been selected by the Board to lead this extraordinary company. I look forward to taking on this new challenge with passion and enthusiasm, relying on the exceptional expertise and engagement of all Airbus people around the world,” said Guillaume Faury.
Airbus (EADSF) has had a strong run this year, with its stock up 25% since January. But the company is facing challenges that will require the licensed flight test engineer to quickly get up to speed.
Airbus, which is based in Toulouse, France, dominates the commercial aircraft market along with rival Boeing. It delivered a record 718 aircraft in 2017 and employs 129,000 staff worldwide.
Delta’s annual “Breast Cancer One” employee survivor flight took to the skies Monday, kicking off the airline’s month-long campaign to generate awareness and raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
This year marked Delta’s 14th annual survivor flight, which carried more than 140 employee breast cancer survivors and nearly 10 customers on board the airline’s iconic pink plane from Atlanta to Boston.
The employee survivors, along with Delta leaders and BCRF executives, were celebrated and honored during a kickoff celebration at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and as well as an arrival gatehouse celebration at Logan International Airport and a special evening event in Boston.
Delta Airlines Breast Cancer One.
Since 2005, Delta employees, customers and their friends and families have raised $14.6 million for BCRF, including last year’s efforts of $2 million. The collective contributions have funded the vital work of 54 different research projects over the years in the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer.
To further raise awareness and support for breast cancer research, Delta employees will wear pink uniforms and sell pink products, including pink lemonade and pink headsets, on board and in Delta Sky Clubs throughout the month of October.
For the first time, customers are able to purchase Pink Boutique merchandise through the Pink Boutique online store. Proceeds from the onboard sales and online Pink Boutique will directly benefit BCRF’s research projects and its critical mission of finding a cure. Delta is also donating 10 percent of all on-board sales directly to BCRF during the month of October for the first time.
Customers and employees can also support this year’s BCRF fundraising efforts by donating to BCRF onboard flights – and virtually year-round on delta.com and through SkyWish, the charitable arm of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program that allows Delta and its SkyMiles members to donate miles to charitable organizations worldwide.
BCRF is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. BCRF provides critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. Since its founding in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF has raised more than half a billion dollars for lifesaving research. In 2017-2018, BCRF will award $59.5 million in annual grants to more than 275 scientists from top universities and medical institutions around the globe.
The world’s fifth largest low-cost airline, Norwegian, selected OpenAirlines’ solution to save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions for all its operations. Under the agreement, OpenAirlines will continuously analyze the data of 600 daily flights operated by 157 aircraft, by deploying its eco-flying solution SkyBreathe Fuel Efficiency.
SkyBreathe Fuel Efficiency is an innovative cloud based software solution, which features an Artificial Intelligence engine with cutting-edge algorithms to automatically analyze large amounts of flight data and assess operational efficiency improvements at fleet, route, and individual flight stage level.
SkyBreathe integrates multiple sources of data in a single database and computes achieved and potential savings taking into account the exact flight conditions, such as weather, flight path, Air Traffic Control, payload. It generates insights, which are shared with all stakeholders through synthetic and easy-to-read dashboards. Pilots can visualize their actual flights in 3D and get feedback on each fuel saving best practice via a dedicated user-friendly mobile app.
In September 2018, Norwegian has once again been rated the world’s most fuel-efficient transatlantic airline by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). “We are proud to operate the newest and greenest fleets in the world. High fuel-efficiency is not only good for the planet, but also for our business and customers’ wallet. We are pleased to collaborate with OpenAirlines, which have already demonstrated their ability to provide superior fuel savings. With this system we anticipate to reduce our fuel consumption by at least 2%,” said Tomas Hesthammer, Director Flight Operations at Norwegian.
“We enjoy a close working relationship with Norwegian and are honored to be selected by such a leader in its markets, no less exemplary in environmental protection. Norwegian has reduced its emissions per passenger kilometer by 30 percent since 2008 through investments in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. As a forward-thinking company, they have well understood the power of digital transformation to build a fuel-conscious culture across all the operations teams,” commented Mr. Alexandre Feray, OpenAirlines CEO.
“By leveraging Big Data to better understand operations, Norwegian can further reduce their cost and increase their competitive advantage. Fuel conservation is at the crossroads of Flight Operations, with several stakeholders. Only a shared, data-driven and factual analysis, easily understood by all parties can support the required transformation to save fuel. With its 3D visualization, predefined reports and custom analysis, SkyBreathe® not only allows Norwegian to understand its fuel consumption but also supports the definition of improvement initiatives and simplifies the monitoring of these initiatives deployment. ”
Rewarded by many innovation awards, OpenAirlines is today the leading provider of fuel efficiency solution with the highest number of references in the market. SkyBreathe is now used by a very active community of 30+ airlines around the world including Malaysia Airlines, Norwegian, Cebu Pacific, Flydubai and Atlas Air.
Two New Major International Terminals Will Add 4 Million Square Feet to Airport’s North and South Sides, Increasing Airport’s Capacity by at Least 15 Million Passengers Annually and Transforming Traveler Experience from Curb to Gate
Historic Investment Advances Governor’s JFK Vision Plan for a Unified, Modern Airport with World-Class Passenger Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art Security, Streamlined Roadway Access and Centralized Ground Transportation Options – See Renderings Here
First New Gates Will Go Live in 2023 with Project Completion in 2025; 90 Percent of $13 Billion Plan Represents Private Investment
Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts and Financing Interests; Extensive Community Opportunities to be Created, Including Local Office to Assist with Contracting and Job Placement to Open in Jamaica this Fall
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced an historic $13 billion plan to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport into a modern 21st century airport anchored by two new world-class international terminal complexes on the airport’s north and south sides. This record investment — including $12 billion in private funding — advances the Governor’s vision for a unified and interconnected airport system with best-in-class passenger amenities, centralized ground transportation options and vastly improved roadways that collectively will increase the airport’s capacity by at least 15 million passengers a year.
“While leaders in Washington talk about investing in infrastructure, we’re actually doing it at historic levels and the transformation of JFK Airport into a 21st century transportation hub will ensure New York remains the nation’s front door to the world,” Governor Cuomo said. “This historic investment to modernize JFK Airport and the surrounding transportation network will not only ease travel through this major hub, but it will ensure JFK joins the ranks as one of the finest airports in the world.”
“We know how powerful investing in infrastructure can be as a boost to our economy and a driver of job creation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Here in New York we have transformed our state with record investments in infrastructure, especially at our airports. This latest plan for the modernization of JFK will build upon our efforts to improve the transportation network of this world-class facility, and enhance the traveler experience.”
The Governor’s JFK Vision Plan, initially unveiled in January 2017 and based on the recommendations from the Governor’s Airport Advisory Panel, calls for an overhaul of the airport’s hodgepodge of eight disparate terminal sites into one unified JFK Airport by demolishing old terminals, utilizing vacant space, and modernizing on-airport infrastructure, while incorporating the latest in passenger amenities and technological innovations. The Vision Plan also calls for increasing the number and size of gates, improving parking availability, an array of airside taxiway improvements to allow for bigger planes and reduced gate congestion, upgrading the AirTrain JFK system to handle increased passenger capacity, and enhanced roadways on and off the airport. This includes better access to JFK from regional roadways, particularly the Van Wyck Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway, including the Kew Gardens Interchange.
The announcement follows the selection in September 2017 of a master planning team for the redevelopment of the airport, led by Mott MacDonald and Grimshaw Architects, and whose portfolio of prior master planning and redevelopment projects includes airports in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. Starting late last year, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees JFK Airport, embarked on an extensive and rigorous process with the airport’s existing six terminal operators—each of which operates under a long-term lease agreement—seeking proposals from each of them to modernize, expand and/or replace their facilities. These proposals were in turn evaluated by a formal comparative analysis team, comprised of seasoned experts, against a set of established criteria to determine the best combination of developments that would achieve the core master plan objectives, as well as fully leverage the Port Authority’s previously approved $1 billion capital plan commitment. The plans for the two terminals announced will now be submitted to the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Once lease terms are finalized, the leases will be subject to final Board approval. Additional discussions with multiple other airlines and terminal operators remain ongoing to further advance the goals of the Vision Plan.
The new passenger facilities will feature significantly larger waiting areas with high ceilings, natural light and modern architecture coupled with interior green space, exhibits and art featuring iconic New York landmarks and local artists. World-class retail, restaurants and bars will include locally-based restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste NY stores. Free, high-speed Wi-Fi and an abundance of charging stations throughout the terminals will enable passengers to stay connected at each step of their journey.
State-of-the-art technological improvements will be part of the terminal upgrades, with security enhancements – such as radiation detection and next-generation identification of unattended packages.
At the center of the airport, the Port Authority will seek proposals to develop the new Kennedy Central hub, issuing a Request for Information in the coming months to determine the most effective and functional way to leverage this blank canvas in a fashion that will complement and add value to airport experience. Options might include, but aren’t limited to, public open and recreational space, conference centers, cultural uses and other amenities for the traveling public and the airport’s workforce.
Two new centrally-located JFK Welcome Centers will serve as convenient access points for taxis, buses, for-hire vehicles and parking.
Two New World-Class Terminals Anchoring South and North Sides
The proposed new $7 billion, 2.9 million square foot terminal on the airport’s south side will be developed by the Terminal One Group, a consortium of four international airlines—Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines and Korean Air Lines. The plans call for replacing JFK’s Terminal 1 (20 years old and undersized), which the group currently operates, and Terminal 2 (56 years old and functionally obsolete), as well as the area left vacant when Terminal 3 was demolished in 2014.
When completed, it will yield a net increase of over 2 million in square feet from the existing terminals and provide 23 international gates, 22 of which will be designed to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft (FAA Airplane Design Group V or VI) such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A380, which provides seating for over 500 passengers.
The new terminal will contain at least 24 security screening lanes, over 230,000 square feet of retail, dining and other concessions, 116,000 square feet of airline lounges, and 55,000 square feet of interior green space, children’s play areas and cultural exhibits. The complex will be operated by Munich Airport International and also be connected to the existing Terminal 4, which initially opened in 2001 and has been expanded twice since then, most recently in 2013.
On the airport’s north side, the proposed new $3 billion, 1.2 million square foot terminal will be developed by JetBlue. JetBlue plans to demolish Terminal 7 (48 years old, undersized and functionally obsolete) and combine it with the vacant space where Terminal 6 was demolished in 2011 to create a world-class international terminal complex that would be connected to the airline’s existing Terminal 5 and be occupied by the airline and its various partners currently spread throughout the airport. Terminal 5 opened in 2008 and is the newest of JFK’s current six terminals.
This new terminal will have 12 international gates, all of which be able to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft. It will feature 74,000 square feet of retail, 30,000 square feet of airline lounges, and 15,000 square feet of recreational space.
Construction is expected to begin in 2020 with the first new gates opening in 2023 and substantial completion expected in 2025.
An additional $2 billion in private non-Port Authority funding will be allocated to an array of critical infrastructure upgrades laying the foundation for these world-class new terminals.
“World-class terminals and best-in-class customer service will go hand-in-hand at John F. Kennedy International Airport under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “The reimagined, modernized JFK Airport will be the gateway that New Yorkers deserve, enabling continued passenger growth in the decades to come.”
JFK Airport is one of the region’s most powerful economic engines, supporting roughly 300,000 jobs that pay $16.2 billion in wages annually while generating $45.7 billion in yearly sales. The airport set a record with nearly 60 million passengers in 2017 and is projected to eclipse 75 million passengers by 2030. Together, the new terminals are estimated to create over 9,600 direct jobs, including construction jobs and over 15,000 total jobs over the life of the project.
On-Airport and Off-Airport Roadway Improvements
Outside of the terminal buildings at JFK there is also a need to simplify the spaghetti-like roadway system and enable quicker access to all terminals for private cars, taxis, ride-share and other for-hire vehicles, as well as reconfigure parking lots to ensure short-term and long-term options are more easily accessible.
Plans call for the terminal areas to be linked by two main “ring roads,” a north loop and a south loop, which will make it easier to enter and exit the airport while providing significantly easier access to the terminal complex areas on the airport’s north and south sides.
Off airport, the New York State Department of Transportation has targeted $1.5 billion in highway improvements designed to ease bottlenecks, particularly at the Kew Gardens Interchange with the Van Wyck Expressway and on the notoriously congested Van Wyck as well. The goal is to help reduce travel times for vehicles between midtown Manhattan and the airport.
Construction is slated to begin later this year on improvements to eliminate bottleneck conditions at the Kew Gardens Interchange – originally built in the 1930s – with the Grand Central and the Van Wyck Expressway. It still contains a series of ramps that do not meet today’s standards, and the improvements are expected to be complete by the end of 2022.
On the Van Wyck itself, the 4.3-mile trip between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK airport can take more than a half hour during peak times. To improve the situation, the DOT is planning to build a fourth lane in both directions, which would be restricted to passenger vehicles with three or more people and for-hire-vehicles with at least one passenger. The environmental approval process is underway and expected to conclude in early 2019, with construction slated to begin in late 2019 and finished by end of 2024.
With respect to mass transit, the Port Authority will be adding 50 percent capacity to the AirTrain JFK system as well as increasing frequency of service to keep up with rising demand. More than 7.6 million paid passengers used the system in 2017, with another 12.6 million more riding it to connect between terminals and access ground transportation. Additionally, at Jamaica Station the Long Island Rail Road is constructing a new, 12-car platform that will increase capacity for those traveling to and from JFK.
Opportunities for The Local Community
The Governor also announced the creation of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, composed of elected officials, community boards, nonprofit organizations, civic organizations and clergy leaders. The Council will be chaired by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks, and will work with the Port Authority to expand community outreach efforts that are already underway, ensuring this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders as well as provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBE businesses and jobseekers. This includes a commitment to the Governor’s nation-leading goal of 30 percent utilization of MWBEs, which applies to contracts as well as financing interests. A community office for the project will open in Jamaica, Queens later this fall, providing easier access for firms looking for business opportunities as well as local residents in search of jobs.
Robin Hayes, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer said, “As New York’s Hometown AirlineTM, JetBlue has been doing its part to transform JFK Airport since our first flight 18 years ago. Building on the success of JetBlue’s award-winning JFK Terminal 5, we look forward to creating a more unified world-class airport experience across Terminals 5, 6 and 7 and achieving Governor Cuomo’s vision for a transformed experience at JFK.”
Arthur Molins, Managing Director of the Terminal One Group, said, “We are extremely grateful for the support of the Governor and Port Authority as we partner with them to return JFK Airport to world-class status. We look forward to bringing this vision to reality.”
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, “Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo is a welcome development that speaks to his administration’s leadership. The transformation of JFK into a state-of-the-art international airport for the 21st century is closer than we can imagine, and will be inclusive in ways that are crucial to the success of the project and the advancement of the community. This massive project will create regional job growth, especially in Southeast Queens and surrounding communities, as well as new business ventures for qualified MWBEs.”
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, “The $13 billion overhaul of John F. Kennedy will be instrumental in assuring continued economic growth and development across Queens. A project of this magnitude will bring many opportunities to the community of Southeast Queens, as well as encouraging additional investment from the state.”
Senator James Sanders Jr. said, “The redevelopment of JFK has the potential to provide many great opportunities, and I want to make sure that those opportunities are also reaped by those who live closest to the airport. We look forward to a Community Benefits Agreement that solidifies the state’s commitment to the residents of Southeast Queens, and we are delighted by the 30 percent goal for Minority and Women-Owned Enterprises (MWBE) contracting and look forward to helping the Governor and the Port Authority reach that goal.”
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “As the busiest airport in New York City, the demand for an airport that can accommodate the record-setting numbers of passengers each year is high, and this investment is precisely what is needed to make that vision a reality. These upgrades will make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers who frequent JFK, and for visitors whose first impression of the state is the moment they step off the plane. I have lived near the airport all my life and understand it’s importance to our local economy and job growth. I applaud Governor Cuomo for staying true to his promise to improve our infrastructure and grow New York’s economy.”
Senator Todd Kaminsky said, “The new JFK, with the addition of two new world-class terminal spaces, promises an improved traveler experience, with better access to airlines, terminals, and public transportation. As one of our busiest airports, these improvements are critical to the airport’s transformation and I thank Governor Cuomo for getting it done with 90 percent private investment, saving taxpayer dollars in the process.”
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman said, “Governor Cuomo has consistently made significant investments in New York’s infrastructure, and he has continued that with today’s JFK announcement. We are pleased That this transformative plan will provide New York with the world-class airport that it deserves. I commend Governor Cuomo for his commitment to our community directly affected by this redevelopment. I look forward to upgraded infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the new JFK.”
Assembly Member Clyde Vanel said, “The JFK Vision Plan to create unified, interconnected terminals on the north and south sides of this gateway airport is critical to revolutionizing the way travelers experience their visits to or departures from New York. This is key to not only bolstering New York’s economy, but to attracting travelers and visitors to the state to experience this world-class transportation hub for generations to come.”
Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages said, “This exciting announcement is critical to bringing the region’s infrastructure into the 21st century, accommodating the dramatic growth this airport sees each year. The transformational plan will keep New York’s economy moving forward in the decades ahead.”
Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato said, “Today marks an important day for New York’s infrastructure and tourism industry. JFK has long needed essential upgrades to improve the passenger experience and encourage travel to and through New York State. These modernizations will truly transform the outdated, often-times obsolete airport into a sought-after travel hub for folks from around the globe. I look forward to seeing the progress made on each of these projects and the ways in which it will improve the lives of New Yorkers and visitors alike.”
Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO said, “The governor’s historic investment will not only transform John F. Kennedy Airport into a world-class transportation hub, it will create hundreds of good-paying union construction jobs. This is exactly the type of commitment we need to help support working families, grow the middle class and boost our economy.”
Gary LaBarbera, Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater NY President said, “JFK’s redevelopment is central to providing a world-class customer experience. With more than 60 million passengers traveling through JFK each year, the airport needs an overhaul. Airport access, terminals, roadways, and cargo facilities will receive the attention they need to make JFK the world-class facility it should be, while creating good union construction jobs for hardworking New Yorkers and building a strong middle class.”
Héctor Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU President said, “Coming on the heels of the Port Authority’s historic vote to enact a $19 minimum wage, Governor Cuomo’s JFK announcement represents another historic investment in our airports. Not only will the JFK Redevelopment plan improve the travel experience for those traveling to New York by offering world-class amenities, it will provide significant job and business opportunities for the residents of Southeast Queens. This $13 billion renovation will transform JFK into a world-class, 21-century facility.”
Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU President & Vice Chair Global Gateway Alliance said, “The way JFK is currently configured doesn’t work — terminals were built as needed over the last 70 years, creating a divided airport. As JFK continues to move closer to capacity, it is essential that we offer better access to terminals, and provide a more unified design to the airport overall.”
George Miranda, Chairman, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division said, “The JFK Vision Plan will transform JFK into a unified, interconnected, world-class airport. It is clear these improvements on the airport’s north and south sides are essential in order to handle the expected growth in passengers over the next 30 years.”
Partnership for New York City President and CEO Kathryn Wylde said, “JFK has long been the dreaded airport in New York, with outdated amenities, confusing navigation, and challenging access from the outside. This investment is an unprecedented commitment to modernizing our infrastructure and ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors will have the 21st century travel experience they have come to expect. I commend the Governor for his leadership on this project and for continuing to invest in the future of New York.”
Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO, New York Building Congress said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is building bigger and better than ever before. The transformational redevelopment of JFK will support economic growth, create jobs and deliver a world-class airport of the caliber that New Yorkers deserve. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his vision and leadership.”
John F. Kennedy International Airport Redevelopment Renderings
The Columbia Associations of U.S. Customs and Affiliated Federal Agencies held their 22nd annual Italian Heritage Day at Russo’s on the Bay. The event honored Patrick Orender Assistant Port Director, Tactical/Trade President Dulles International Airport U.S. Customs & Border Protection; Joseph Clabby President JFK International Airport Chamber of Commerce and CEO Corporate Loss Prevention Associates; Debbie Carriero Branch Chief – Office of Trade Washington, DC U.S. Customs & Border Protection
The event was well attended and hosted by Phil Maddalena, President of the Columbia Association. It was a really fun afternoon of great food, dancing and camaraderie.
For more information about the Columbia Association and the great work they do for the community, go to www.columbiaassnusc.org
On September 28, Mr. Akeem Rasheen Lewis, a Jamaican citizen, arrived on a flight from Kingston, Jamaica, and during the examination, CBP officers removed three bottles of Bailey’s liquor from a duty-free bag after discovering that the bottles appeared to be tampered with. Mr. Lewis was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers discovered white powder wrapped in clear plastic bags within the bottles. A total of three packages containing nine pounds of cocaine was discovered with an estimated street value of $115,000.
“This seizure demonstrates the dynamic border environment in which CBP officers operate at JFK Airport.” said Frank Russo, Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. “Our officers are determined to adapt and respond to these threats in an effort to protect the American people.”
CBP officers placed Mr. Akeem Rasheen Lewis under arrest and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents for further investigation.
The Cradle of Aviation, in Garden City, NY, held a special preview night on October 2, 2018 as a part of it’s “Countdown to Apollo at 50” event. The Cradle’s newest exhibit “Space. A Journey to Our Future”, in collaboration with NASA, takes a look at the history of the space program and features a totally immersive experience that takes one “from the dawn of man’s earliest visions of space exploration to the achievements of the past, the unfolding discoveries of today, and the frontiers of the universe that lie ahead.”
The exhibits included some never before seen artifacts from the Apollo Space Program and featured a new “Journey To Space” film in the JetBlue planetarium. The film in a powerful virtual reality format, narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart, gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans, will take your breath away with its shots of Shuttle launches, unique views of earth and operations in Space. It also puts to rest the perception that the space program died with the end of the Shuttle Program. To Mars next! Don’t wait to see this film and the exhibit soon.
The JFK Rotary Club held their monthly dinner meeting on October 2nd at the Crowne Plaza JFK. While it was there regular monthly meeting, it was a special one to be at. Some of the JFK Rotary Club members were just finishing up a 10-day visit with fellow Rotarians from Sweden as part of the International Travel and Hosting Fellowship. The program enriches the lives of Rotarians and their love of travel by connecting them with a host family, fellow Rotary members, at their travel destination. We have several JFK Rotary members who have hosted at their homes in New York as well as have been hosted in other countries.
In addition to the amazing stories being shared by our Swedish guests, the JFK Rotary was proud to have Jackie Pecora from PALS (Patient Airlift Services) attend the meeting to accept a donation made possible by the proceeds from the JFK Rotary Ladies Golf and Spa event held in July.
The JFK Rotary does so much locally and internationally. If you would like more information about the work that the JFK Rotary does or how to become a member, contact Frank McIntyre [email protected],
Join them on November 6 as they thank Ted Walters of jetBlue for his support, and also recognizing long-standing members of the JFK Rotary.
On October 2nd Bruce Abbate, treasurer of the JFK Chamber of Commerce, met with the board of the International Facility Managers Association Airport Council at their annual meeting in Charlotte NC.
Mr. Abbate was an invited guest to present to airports from around the country and internationally how the JFK Chamber of Commerce operates and benefits all of the members of the airport community, including the relationships with the Port Authority, the airlines and vendors. Mr. Abbate discussed with the Airport Council members in attendance the esteemed JFK Chamber of Commerce founding and history.
The Airport Council was particularly interested in how the JFK Chamber members mentored newer members and about the resources the Chamber provides to the community. Bruce explained the charitable mission of the JFK Chamber and discussed the recent 9/11 commemoration ceremony. As a takeaway from the meeting Mr. Abbate will brief the JFK Chamber members on the benefits of an ongoing relationship with the IFMA Airport Council and hopes to get the Council Board to schedule a meeting at JFK in the future.
“It was interesting to me how fascinated the board members were about how the chamber interacts with JFK Airport and the value that it brings.”
The Port Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted an expanded minimum wage policy for JFK International, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports that will bring the wages of thousands of airport workers to $19/hour by 2023. The announcement was made on September 27th in a conference call.
The new policy will benefit the traveling public by reducing staff turnover and providing an experienced, well-trained, motivated workforce that can better assist in responding to an emergency, identifying security issues, operating equipment safely, and providing experienced customer service.
The policy adopted by the Board will increase and ultimately align the wages of workers at the three airports, including a $2/hour increase for workers at Newark beginning on November 1, 2018. This represents a nearly $4/hour increase for workers at Newark Airport – primarily catering workers – who were not covered under the previous $10.10 minimum policy.
The campaign to raise wages ended in victory for as many as 40,000 airport workers who are now on a path to earning at least $19 an hour, the highest minimum wage target set by any public agency in the country. The pay increase, which was approved unanimously by the commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will raise the wages of tens of thousands of workers over the next five years.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This campaign is about respect and paying a fair living wage for honest work in an industry that depends on its employees to safely operate some of the most important public facilities in our nation – our airports. In New York, we stand with workers and we will always serve as a beacon of progress and opportunity for all.”
“I have long advocated for a living wage for airport workers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. With today’s vote, the agency has made it clear that they have heard the voices of approximately 40,0000 airport workers who will be impacted by increased wages on both sides of the Hudson,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“This is an historic day for the Port Authority. We’d like to express our sincere thanks to the nearly 800 people who submitted written comments, and the hundreds of airport workers who attended our meetings and shared their stories over the years,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Today’s action will not only make a difference in the lives of airport workers but will enhance security and improve customer service at all of our facilities.”
“There’s no doubt that this new policy will greatly benefit the traveling public,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford. “Better wages and benefits will result in significantly reduced staff turnover, allowing for better trained and observant employees who can assist in our overall security efforts as well as in emergency situations. It also will improve workplace morale and productivity.”
“The safe and efficient operation of the Port Authority’s airports hinges on a stable, motivated, engaged workforce which can enhance overall security efforts and assist customers in an experienced, knowledgeable and positive fashion,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
“This is going to be the highest targeted minimum wage anywhere in the country,” said Hector J. Figueroa, president of 32BJ Service Employees International Union, which represents many of the workers. “That’s a significant breakthrough.
Under the new policy, workers at Newark would see their wages increase from the current $10.45 to $12.45 as of November 1, 2018 and to $15.60 by September 1, 2019 – at which point they would be equal to the wages of workers at JFK and LaGuardia. Workers at the two New York airports currently earn a minimum wage of $13 in line with New York State’s minimum wage law, sponsored by Governor Cuomo in 2016. The wages at JFK and LaGuardia airports would rise to $13.60 on November 1, 2018. New York’s minimum wage goes to $15 on January 1, 2019. Thereafter, the minimum wage of all airport workers would increase in parallel to $15.60 on September 1, 2019 to $16.20 in 2020, to $17 in 2021, to $18 in 2022 and to $19 in 2023.
As part of its analysis, the Port Authority found that more than 30 percent of privately employed workers at Port Authority airports turn over every year, with the turnover rate having increased by 50 percent since 2010. Other airports, meanwhile, report turnover rates as low as 6 percent. The high level of turnover at Port Authority airports limits the ability of airport workers to play a critical security role at the airports.
In adopting the wage policy, the Port Authority anticipates that its actions will help reduce employee turnover while increasing workers’ job performance and creating a more stable workforce that will allow for an enhanced focus on safety and security. The agency believes that more experienced workers will be more knowledgeable about security processes and be better able to respond to emergencies at the region’s major airports. A detailed examination of the connection between workforce turnover and airport security at major airports is presented in the “Analysis and Justification” memo and is available here.
