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.
In her current role at Fraport USA, Shetl Petro oversees leasing, contract compliance, and business intelligence functions for John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 5 and Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B, ensuring that all airport operations, commercial agreements, and performance metrics align with organizational goals and contribute to the growth of the business. Shetl previously worked as a Concessions Manager for JFKIAT Terminal 4 at JFK Airport and has more than 15 years of experience in the aviation industry. Her background spans finance, airline management, terminal operations, safety & security, and commercial oversight, making her a seasoned professional skilled at…
Vidya Ramsammy began her career in the finance department with Corporate Loss Prevention Associates (CLPA) in 2003 and, during that time, has developed the knowledge and experience to become one of the foremost experts in the aviation industry. As the current president of CLPA, she has proven herself in many advanced training programs, including the TSA, Department of Homeland Security, and Explosive Trace Detection, and she is a New York State certified security officer trainer. Vidya’s experience has allowed her to develop and implement security policies, manage security personnel, and conduct risk assessments. Throughout her career at CLPA, she has…
As the Chief Financial Officer, Mercedes Rendon oversees all of the company’s corporate finance and manages stakeholder obligations connected to the terminal redevelopment and management. Prior to her role as CFO, Mercedes was LGP’s Controller, with responsibility for the company’s accounting operations and financial planning and reporting. A skilled finance executive, Mercedes has more than 25 years experience, including her role as SVP, Financial Controller of SmartStream Technologies. Mercedes is a graduate of Baruch College. How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation? Mercedes Rendon: After 20+ years in private accounting and fintech, I was…
Elizabeth A. Schuette oversees daily operations, strategic and financial planning, and marketing for JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center at The ARK at JFK. Opened in January 2017, The ARK provides necessary, safe and humane animal care services to airlines and their ground handling agents, shippers and brokers, corporate accounts, rescue organizations, and individuals for the import and export of all animals arriving or departing from JFK – including horses, goats, pets, zoo animals, exotics and laboratory animals. All handling staff have received extensive training in the transportation and handling of live animals. The ARK’s operations have…
Monisha Singla embarked on her journey as the founder of M & R Concessions in 2013. During her formative years, Monisha honed her skills by contributing her time and talents to her father’s restaurants, savoring the flavors of the food service industry. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her down a different avenue, where she pursued a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science from New York University. Monisha established her own successful enterprise in the fast-paced IT consulting world. Yet, deep within her entrepreneurial spirit, Monisha wanted to return to the airport environment. Driven by her profound love for both food service and management, Monisha took…
Marisa Von Wieding is Vice President of Operations at The New Terminal One at JFK, the developer and operator of a new all-international terminal in New York. She oversees the operations and customer experience at the terminal, which will transform the international travel experience to and from New York. Prior to joining The New Terminal One, Marisa led operations and guest experience at the successful redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B. She played an integral role in ensuring the operational readiness of the terminal and served as the key liaison with airline partners and the Port Authority of New York and…
With a bright, colorful design, this sky-high tribute to Nintendo’s beloved characters is sure to bring ‘Super Star’ smiles to customers’ faces. The fun doesn’t stop there—customers will be greeted by Mario and friends on the welcome screen of their seatback entertainment touchscreens. From the outside to the inside of the aircraft, the Cloudtop Cruiser is designed to make every trip feel like an adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom. JetBlue has long designed special liveries to honor the people, places, and partnerships that make up its DNA. Now, the airline is welcoming Nintendo into its fleet. At JetBlue, fun is…
JetBlue announced the appointment of Steve Olson as the airline’s new head of system operations and airports. He will report to Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer. Since joining JetBlue in 2022, Olson has served as vice president of the system operations center, leading the airline’s daily flight execution and driving improvements in reliability and efficiency—a key pillar of JetBlue’s JetForward strategy aimed at returning the company to sustained profitability. Under Olson’s leadership, JetBlue has made significant progress in on-time performance and has improved recovery from disruptions—an especially complex challenge given the airline’s East Coast network. Olson has also led…
Air New Zealand and The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport have announced an exciting new partnership, marking the next chapter of the airline’s operations at JFK Airport. This partnership is set to elevate the customer experience for passengers traveling on Air New Zealand’s flagship Auckland – New York City route. The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Currently operating at JFK Airport’s existing…
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity responsible for managing and redeveloping the world-class LaGuardia Terminal B, proudly announced today that the terminal has once again earned Skytrax’s coveted perfect 5-Star Terminal Rating. This renewal reaffirms Terminal B’s status as a global leader in airport excellence, two years after making history as the first airport terminal in North America to achieve this distinction and being named the World’s Best New Airport Terminal. This continued recognition underscores LGP’s and the Port Authority’s commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience, combining innovative design, state-of-the-art facilities, and…