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.
JetBlue announced the appointment of David Marcontell as the airline’s new vice president of technical operations, starting June 17. In his new role, Marcontell will lead maintenance, materials, engineering, quality, and other operational functions. He will report to Warren Christie, the chief operating officer. Marcontell brings nearly four decades of industry experience to JetBlue. He began his career with the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 maintenance and engineering officer before joining Delta Air Lines, where he held various engineering and procurement positions. Marcontell then held engineering and operational roles at ABX Air, Boeing, and North-South Airways before transitioning to…
On Monday, June 10, Metropolitan Airport News Editor-in-Chief Julia Lauria-Blum had the honor of representing pioneering pilot Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Cochran, who was inducted into the Long Island Aviation Hall of Fame at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York. Jackie Cochran, one of the greatest aviators of the 20th Century, began her 40-year career earning her private pilot license at the Roosevelt School of Aviation at Roosevelt Field on Long Island in 1932 while on a three-week vacation. Originally a beautician by trade, Jackie learned to fly during the Great Depression so that she could start her…
Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has made two key appointments to lead its music and entertainment vertical team following a major investment in its global network strategy. Paul Kindred, Senior Business Development Manager – Music & Entertainment, brings more than three decades of experience in developing the music and entertainment businesses, including Premier Aviation UK Ltd and Air Partner, as well as 25 years working at major record companies, including 10 years working at Sony Music Entertainment. He will lead the team alongside Chloe Phelps, who has been newly appointed Team Leader—Music and Entertainment. Both individuals will be based…
Rishali Chaplot is Manager, Environment and Sustainability, where she is responsible for leading all environmental and sustainability programs and best management practices for JFK Millennium Partners at JFK Airport. She ensures the organization’s compliance with federal, state, city and Port Authority laws, regulations, permits, policies, and guidance for JFK Terminal 6 and 7. In her previous roles, she created and led sustainability strategies with a focus on climate change, responsible sourcing, and supply chain mapping. She has completed a Masters in Consumer Merchandising and Bachelors in Chemical Technology. 1 What is your role as JFK Millennium Partners’ (JMP), Manager, Environment & Sustainability…
In April 2024, Steve Thody was appointed Chief Executive Officer of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) at Terminal 6. Twenty-five years prior to his role as the new CEO at Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Thody lived in the United Kingdom and began his career there as a finance analyst for FedEx. As fate would have it while discussing how he landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport during an interview with Metropolitan Airport News, Thody remarked, “Once you get jet fuel in your veins, its really hard to back out and go somewhere else, so I…
JetBlue today reinforced its role as “New York’s Hometown Airline” by announcing it will launch service for the first time from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) with tickets on sale today. Starting this October, JetBlue will begin offering flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). This new service aims to help better serve the many loyal JetBlue customers living on Long Island, providing them with more convenient travel options to popular destinations in Florida. As New York’s Hometown Airline for more than 24 years and the only major U.S. airline…
United today added nearly 200 new flights to make it even easier for convention attendees and political enthusiasts to travel to this summer’s national political conventions. United will increase its Milwaukee flying by more than 75% for the Republican National Convention in July and will fly its largest schedule from its Chicago O’Hare hub since 2019 for the Democratic National Convention in August, including a 40% increase in flying between Chicago O’Hare and Washington Reagan. In total, the airline will add 72 flights to and from Milwaukee in July and 118 flights to and from Chicago in August. “These conventions…
Avianca has resumed eleven direct international routes for the high midyear season, aiming to provide increased direct connectivity between regions of the United States and various destinations in the Americas, including Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica, among others. “We continue to invest in the United States as one of the most important connectivity hubs within our route network,” said Rolando Damas, Avianca’s sales director for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.“Part of this investment has been to strengthen our point-to-point operation, facilitating access for more travelers to explore the continent’s main destinations, which include 11 additional…
Alba Wheels Up International recently announced that Vincent Iacopella has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth and President of Government & Trade Relations. Vince Iacopella’s career spans over thirty years in the logistics industry. Dedicated to managing global customer relationships within the Transpacific markets and known for his logistics expertise, Vince specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements for trade-sensitive products and merchandise. His strategic acumen encompasses initiatives for leveraging emerging service and market opportunities, notably pioneering e-commerce solutions and innovative supply chain de-risking tools. After joining Alba’s Executive Leadership Team, Vince championed initiatives…
United Airlines today announced the launch of Kinective Media by United Airlines – the first media network that uses insights from travel behaviors to connect customers to personalized, real-time advertising, content, experiences and offers from leading brands. The new technology platform gives marketers the opportunity to scale their reach across a wide range of channels including United’s award-winning mobile app and inflight entertainment screens. The airline expects its MileagePlus® members will receive additional value through more personalized and real-time offers and experiences that drive even greater loyalty. Kinective Media is already working with brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Macy’s,…