On September 27, 2018, the Air France Board of Directors accepted Franck Terner’s resignation from his position of Air France CEO. Following Air France-KLM Board of Directors favorable vote, Benjamin Smith was appointed as Air France CEO for a transitional period ending no later than December 31, 2018.
Anne-Marie Couderc, Chairman of the Air France-KLM and Air France Boards of Directors, stated: “I applaud the work carried out by Franck Terner, an accomplished air transport professional, over his 36 year-career with the Group. Benjamin Smith’s priority will be to define Air France’s short and medium-term strategic vision, find a solution to salary issues and set up a new company governance structure.”
Benjamin Smith stated: “I wish to thank the Air France Board of Directors for its trust. I commend Franck Terner’s personal investment in the company. Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, has everything it needs to become one of the world leaders in the sector again. I am well aware of company employees’ expectations, including salary issues. I wish to offer a new approach. Following my first work meetings with Air France teams and union representatives, I am fully confident in our ability to build together the future and the success of Air France.”
Norwegian has reached an important milestone in its continued growth at Dublin Airport by flying more than 250,000 transatlantic passengers to and from the New York and Boston areas since launch. The airline’s affordable flights to smaller airports near two major US east coast cities has generated strong demand among Irish and American consumers who can take advantage of great value transatlantic fares.
Voted Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe and World’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline 2018, Norwegian has quickly established itself as a leading transatlantic carrier from Dublin Airport.
Norwegian is the only airline in Ireland to operate nonstop flights to New York Stewart International Airport and Providence International Airport, Rhode Island and will increase its weekly transatlantic flights from Dublin next summer by 33 per cent with the addition of a brand-new daily service to Hamilton (Toronto) Canada from 31 March 2019.
Matthew Wood, SVP Long-Haul Commercial at Norwegian said:“We would like to thank all 250,000 customers for choosing Norwegian and taking advantage of our high-quality flights to the USA from Dublin Airport.
“Fares have been too high for too long and reaching this milestone in just over a year highlights the huge demand for lower fares on transatlantic flights.
“We’ve seized the opportunity for growth at Dublin Airport and moving forward we will continue offering thousands more transatlantic customers greater value on brand new, quieter Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.”
Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport Managing Director said:“Reaching the 250,000 passenger milestone on two new services to the US in a 14 month period is a remarkable success story.
“We are delighted to play our part in offering US pre-clearance facilities to Norwegian’s US passengers so all the necessary customs and immigration checks are completed at Dublin Airport before arrival into the US. We wish Norwegian continued success on its route network at Dublin Airport.”
To celebrate the passenger milestone, Norwegian will give away a pair of tickets to its newest destination from Dublin Airport – Hamilton which is located nearby Toronto, Canada and other tourist attractions including Niagara Falls.
Dublin Airport consolidated Norwegian’s flights into the newer Terminal 2 this spring where passengers benefit from US Preclearance facilities allowing them to arrive without delay into the USA. Norwegian currently has 21 weekly departures from Dublin Airport to the USA and next summer will offer 28 weekly departures to the USA and Canada.
Norwegian exclusively operates brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with 189 seats at Dublin Airport which are up to 40 per cent quieter and 20 per cent more fuel efficient. The airline is actively recruiting more pilots to fly these new aircraft and join its growing Dublin base, offering competitive terms and conditions and fast career progression.
Europe’s third largest low-cost airline carries around 33 million passengers each year to more than 150 global destinations. Norwegian has a fleet of more than 150 aircraft with an average age of 3.7 years, making it one of the world’s youngest fleets.
JetBlue, Puerto Rico’s largest airline, has unveiled its latest special livery, which is dedicated to “La Isla del Encanto.” The Airbus 320 aircraft – tail N779JB – is named “Bluericua,” blending JetBlue’s brand with the affectionate name for people of Puerto Rican descent. This custom-designed livery is inspired by JetBlue’s admiration for Puerto Rico’s dynamic culture, stunning beauty and the passionate spirit of its community.
Bluericua is a very public display reaffirming JetBlue’s commitment to Puerto Rico and takes the airline’s celebration of Puerto Rican culture to new heights. This special livery reminds those who see it of the reasons they should choose Puerto Rico for their next vacation and will inspire Puerto Ricans outside of the island to take a trip home to visit family and friends.
Bluericua was designed with help from a group of JetBlue crewmembers based in San Juan, Aguadilla and Ponce, Puerto Rico. Together, they identified the quintessential cultural symbols that will promote Puerto Rico as Bluericua travels throughout the JetBlue system.
Bluericua’s starting point is its vibrant shade of blue – the brightest JetBlue has used in its fleet, in keeping with the vibrancy of the island. Emerging from this vibrant backdrop is the iconic Puerto Rican skyline near El Morro, where seven kites are being flown, representing seven symbols of the island’s culture that include:
A Single Star, as inspired by the Puerto Rican flag
A Hexagon Kite, in the traditional “chiringa” style for Puerto Rico
Dominoes, the ever-present game at gatherings, with the double 6 being the highest tile
A Coqui, the singing tree frog and the unofficial symbol of Puerto Rico
A Hibiscus, the national flower of Puerto Rico
An Iguaca, the parrot found exclusively in El Yunque National Forest
and a Tambourine, to celebrate the importance and popularity of music in Puerto Rican culture
Flying kites is a beloved pastime for the Puerto Rican community, and Bluericua celebrates this tradition that brings together family and friends. Bluericua’s kites start out at the Puerto Rican skyline and fly in unison toward the aircraft’s tail fin, evoking feelings of being carefree and happy – all emotions that a trip to Puerto Rico can deliver.
“Bluericua is our way of celebrating Puerto Rico’s resiliency and its culture. There is so much that Puerto Ricans can be proud of, and our crewmembers did a great job of identifying those prominent symbols that represent the island’s rich culture, heritage and natural beauty,” said Marty St. George, JetBlue’s executive vice president of commercial and planning. “We remain committed to promoting tourism to Puerto Rico, as the island is open and ready to welcome visitors, family and friends.”
“The Government of Puerto Rico acknowledges and thanks JetBlue for its firm commitment to the development of local economy and tourism of the Island, creating new jobs, expanding its routes and frequency of flights to Puerto Rico, through its JetBlue 100×35 initiative, and now celebrating and giving wide visibility to the Puerto Rican culture with the newly designed Bluericua livery,” said the chief executive.
Rosselló also added that “very few destinations have a dedicated aircraft, much less as a gift from JetBlue. We are honored to receive this detail from this important partner for us, which demonstrates the strong collaboration between JetBlue and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company”.
“JetBlue has been a great partner and ally of the Puerto Rican community for over 16 years. The airline’s commitment to the Island, has been showcased during the past year, with the implementation of a series of programs to support every step of our recovery. The partnership between the Government of Puerto Rico and JetBlue is stronger today than it has ever been. Today, we thank JetBlue for this new livery, which celebrates Puerto Rican culture. ‘Bluericua’ will generate great attention for our destination in all markets that JetBlue serves and will serve as a reminder of the diversity and authenticity of our offering,” said Carla Campos, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Bluericua made a special visit to San Juan with a lively airport celebration hosted by JetBlue and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, with the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, on hand to welcome the aircraft to its cultural home for the first time. Bluericua later operated its first commercial flight for customers from San Juan traveling to Boston, continuing the celebration in the air.
Celebrating the Puerto Rican Community and Its Recovery
JetBlue recently launched a campaign that pays homage to the beloved practice of spontaneous applause once a flight lands in Puerto Rico, along with some of the island’s iconic music. JetBlue teamed up with Puerto Rican musicians Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Víctor Manuelle to create a surprise and delight experience for customers traveling on a recent New York JFK-San Juan flight to celebrate the tradition. Victor Manuelle led an improvised rhythmic chant, incorporating the famous applause with live music, all while inviting JetBlue customers to join the fun during an aircraft-wide celebration.
Earlier this spring, JetBlue returned to pre-hurricane capacity, offering up to 48 daily flights between Puerto Rico and 13 cities in the mainland US, the US Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. JetBlue also welcomed 50 new ground and airport operations crewmembers. Puerto Rico is home to nearly 500 JetBlue crewmembers who support the airline’s operations in its focus city of San Juan, as well as in Aguadilla and Ponce.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center’s Board of Trustees recently announced promotions of two key members of its executive team, Andrew Parton and Jennifer Baxmeyer, due to remarkable leadership of a diverse and expanding team, meaningful transformation into a STEM education center, and continued growth and success by remaining relevant and community and customer-focused in a challenging market.
The promotions support The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s commitment to becoming the leading center of aerospace and technology education through the preservation of museum artifacts, expanding educational opportunities towards the development of an innovative workforce for the region.
Andrew Parton has been promoted from Executive Director to President. Parton joined the museum in 2005 as Director of Marketing and Promoted to Acting Director in 2007 and Executive Director in 2008.In his ten plus years as Director he has worked to improve the fiscal position of the museum and has worked expand the museum’s offerings to include new exhibits and programs providing the museum with a diversified revenue stream.
In his new role, Parton will increase his focus on leading multi-year strategy working closely with the Board to outline and implement key programs for museum growth, securing major investments in the museum via donors, grants, corporate sponsors, government investments, and other channels, working on the next phases of physical expansion.
The Port Authority announced that it will launch a nationwide search for a new director of its Port Department to succeed Molly Campbell, who will leave her position on October 26 to become a 2019 University Fellow as part of Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.
PANYNJ Director, Molly Campbell
Ms. Campbell joined the Port Authority on July 27, 2015 following a nearly 15-year career with the Port of Los Angeles, where she served as Deputy Executive Director responsible for the day-to-day administration at the nation’s busiest port complex. Immediately prior to joining the Port Authority, she served as Director of Financial Management Systems for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a department of the City of Los Angeles.
“Molly is a consummate public servant, a leader in the national maritime industry and has been a major asset to our management team,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Her unrelenting focus on continuous improvement across all port operations and infrastructure has continued to enhance the port’s capabilities and propel its standing and competitiveness among the international commerce community.”
During her three years overseeing the Port of New York and New Jersey – the third-largest port complex in the United States – Ms. Campbell oversaw record cargo volumes and achieved major milestones, such as the arrival of the largest neo-Panamax container ship to call on the East Coast following the completions of the 50-foot channel deepening program and the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project. Other notable milestones achieved under Ms. Campbell’s tenure include record intermodal rail volume, the start of construction of the ExpressRail Port Jersey intermodal facility and strong growth in the auto and cruise line business.
Under Ms. Campbell’s leadership, the Port Authority launched and has nearly completed a Port Master Plan, which will help guide sustainable development and growth for the next 30 years in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Additionally, under her direction, the Port Department has improved its collaboration, outreach and communication with stakeholders – with customers, with host communities and within the Port Department team.
During her career, Ms. Campbell played active roles in national and international logistics associations, including serving as Chair of the American Association of Port Authorities Maritime Economic Development Committee, and as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee for the International Association of Ports and Harbors and the North American Region. She also served as Chair of the Port Performance Task Force, a group of port stakeholders formed to cooperatively seek common solutions to issues to improve port productivity and efficiency. ν
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center’s Board of Trustees recently announced promotions of two key members of its executive team, Andrew Parton and Jennifer Baxmeyer, due to remarkable leadership of a diverse and expanding team, meaningful transformation into a STEM education center, and continued growth and success by remaining relevant and community and customer-focused in a challenging market.
The promotions support The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s commitment to becoming the leading center of aerospace and technology education through the preservation of museum artifacts, expanding educational opportunities towards the development of an innovative workforce for the region.
Jennifer Baxmeyer has been promoted from Deputy Director to Executive Director. Baxmeyer joined the museum in 2005 as an Education Coordinator. She then became Education Director in 2008 helping to increase school visitations by 30% and working to develop the STEM Hub. Subsequently Jennifer was promoted to Deputy Director in 2014 and has spearheaded efforts to create best practices in areas such as Human Resources, Customer Service, Informational Technology and Strategic Planning. She has also helped to raise over $200K in grants. In her new role, Baxmeyer will increase her direct oversight over the day-to-day operation, working with the Cradle Team in delivering an exceptional experience to the museum’s guests.
“Our new management structure will help to position the museum for growth in providing visitors with a unique experience. We couldn’t be prouder of Andy, Jennifer, the Museum Staff, and all of our Board of Trustees, all of whom contribute in making the Cradle of Aviation a centerpiece of Long Island.” – Marc MacDonnell, Chairman, Board of Trustees
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater.
Currently, the museum is celebrating “Countdown to Apollo at 50” sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, showcasing Long Island and Grumman’s significant role in the Apollo program. The Museum was recently recognized and listed on New York State’s National Register of Historic Places as a significant part of American history.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center’s Board of Trustees recently announced promotions of two key members of its executive team, Andrew Parton and Jennifer Baxmeyer, due to remarkable leadership of a diverse and expanding team, meaningful transformation into a STEM education center, and continued growth and success by remaining relevant and community and customer-focused in a challenging market. The promotions support The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s commitment to becoming the leading center of aerospace and technology education through the preservation of museum artifacts, expanding educational opportunities towards the development of an innovative workforce for the region.
Andrew Parton, President, The Cradle of Aviation Museum
Andrew Parton has been promoted from Executive Director to President. Parton joined the museum in 2005 as Director of Marketing and Promoted to Acting Director in 2007 and Executive Director in 2008. In his ten plus years as Director he has worked to improve the fiscal position of the museum and has worked expand the museum’s offerings to include new exhibits and programs providing the museum with a diversified revenue stream. In his new role, Parton will increase his focus on leading multi-year strategy working closely with the Board to outline and implement key programs for museum growth, securing major investments in the museum via donors, grants, corporate sponsors, government investments, and other channels, working on the next phases of physical expansion.
Jennifer Baxmeyer, Executive Director, The Cradle of Aviation Museum
Jennifer Baxmeyer has been promoted from Deputy Director to Executive Director. Baxmeyer joined the museum in 2005 as an Education Coordinator. She then became Education Director in 2008 helping to increase school visitations by 30% and working to develop the STEM Hub. Subsequently Jennifer was promoted to Deputy Director in 2014 and has spearheaded efforts to create best practices in areas such as Human Resources, Customer Service, Informational Technology and Strategic Planning. She has also helped to raise over $200K in grants. In her new role, Baxmeyer will increase her direct oversight over the day-to-day operation, working with the Cradle Team in delivering an exceptional experience to the museum’s guests.
“Our new management structure will help to position the museum for growth in providing visitors with a unique experience. We couldn’t be more proud of Andy, Jennifer, the Museum Staff, and all of our Board of Trustees, all of whom contribute in making the Cradle of Aviation a centerpiece of Long Island.” – Marc MacDonnell, Chairman, Board of Trustees
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater. Currently, the museum is celebrating “Countdown to Apollo at 50” sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, showcasing Long Island and Grumman’s significant role in the Apollo program. The Museum was recently recognized and listed on New York State’s National Register of Historic Places as a significant part of American history. The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in East Garden City.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.today announced that its Atlas Air, Inc. unit has entered into an aircraft transportation services agreement to operate a Boeing 747-400 Freighter for SF Express, China’s leading express service provider, to enhance operating capability between China and the United States.
Atlas Air will operate the aircraft on behalf of SF Express on key global routes across the fast-growing transpacific market, connecting China with the United States. The aircraft is an incremental unit in Atlas Air’s fleet in response to customer demand and will enter into service in October 2018.
“We are delighted to welcome SF Express as a strategic customer and to continue expanding our position in the express industry and the Asia-Pacific market,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “SF Express plays a very important role in the growing express and e-commerce industries, and we look forward to providing SF Express and its customers with unmatched service and a platform for future global expansion.”
JetBlue recently received its latest A321 aircraft from Airbus’ U.S. A320 Family production facility in Mobile, Ala. The acceptance flight followed by JetBlue’s scheduled ferry flight, taking place on September 20, marks JetBlue’s first-ever flights fueled with renewable jet fuel blend. The fuel for these flights, provided by Airbus and certified by Air BP, consists of 15.5 percent renewable jet fuel blended with traditional jet fuel.
Four more A321 aircraft will be delivered to JetBlue from Airbus’s U.S. facility by the end of 2018. All of these customer acceptance and delivery flights will be fueled with renewable jet fuel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved renewable jet fuel safe for use. Renewable jet fuel is chemically equivalent to conventional jet-A fuel, and poses no difference in performance or safety. To date, thousands of commercial, revenue flights have flown on different types of renewable jet fuel.
“This is another example of JetBlue acknowledging that a sustainable future for aviation will require cooperation between all parts of the industry,” said Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue. “Renewable jet fuel affirms JetBlue’s belief that we can help define our industry’s future path. Our goal is to serve as a market-maker for renewable jet fuel, creating demand and therefore supporting supply. We’re working closely with Airbus to set up infrastructure for more options in the southeast region.”
Following the deliveries in the U.S. to JetBlue, Airbus will determine the next steps toward offering this option to more customers taking aircraft deliveries from Mobile. Longer term, Airbus envisions supporting industrial production of sustainable fuels for aviation in the U.S. In another commitment to sustainability throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle, Airbus also announced its U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile officially received its ISO 14001 certification. Airbus was the first aircraft manufacturer to be certified ISO 14001 for all its sites, products and services.
“Our goal is to source sustainable fuels in the southeastern United States. It is an opportunity to work closely with local stakeholders to scale-up production and the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels in the region,” said Frederic Eychenne, Head of New Energies at Airbus. “We are actively seeking ideas to leverage Airbus’ strategy into opportunities for new economic development in Alabama.”
JetBlue is proactive about mitigating the impact of changes in the fuel market by flying more efficient aircraft, optimizing its fuel consumption, moving to renewable jet fuel, and more. With an aviation industry-wide goal to cap net greenhouse gas growth from 2020 onward, renewable jet fuel is a key aspect of JetBlue’s emissions reduction strategy. In 2016, JetBlue signed a deal and made an offtake agreement with SJ Preston for renewable jet fuel at New York’s JFK Airport.
JetBlue’s Focus on the Environment
JetBlue depends on natural resources and a healthy environment to keep its business running smoothly. The airline is committed to taking steps to address the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from its flights and empowers and inspires its customers and crewmembers to offset GHG emissions when they fly. The airline is constantly looking for ways to become more fuel efficient and embrace efficient technologies. For example, JetBlue planes feature Airbus’ Sharklets, which improve aerodynamics and cut fuel burn and emissions. For more on JetBlue’s work to reduce emissions, visit jetblue.com/green.
The JFK Chamber of Commerce held its annual golf outing at the Lawrence Country Club on September 17th. It was a little on the humid side, but the weather held out for over 100 golfers in attendance. It was wonderful to see the generations of airport families coming out to relax and have some fun with old friends and new.
Phil Jensen was honored for his years of service to the JFK community through his dedicated leadership in the JFK Chamber of Commerce as well as KAAMCO and KAAMCO Cargo. A portion of the proceeds of the golf outing will go the USO of Metropolitan New York.
