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.
JFKIAT has partnered with Hospitality Quotient, a hospitality advisory from the team at Union Square Hospitality Group, to launch a comprehensive hospitality training program for the thousands of employees who power the largest and busiest air terminal at JFK Airport. This partnership is in support of JFKIAT’s T4 North Star program, the strategic vision for T4 as the terminal undergoes a $1.5B transformation. The many components of this initiative will evolve every aspect of T4 to stand as a truly world-class air terminal with an enhanced hospitality culture, achieving the Port Authority’s larger vision for JFK Airport. JFKIAT’s partnership with…
PrimeFlight, a leading provider of out-sourced, flight critical aviation services to airlines and airports, announced the acquisition of GAT Airline Ground Support (GAT). GAT provides mission-critical ground handling, cargo handling and, under its Sky Café brand, catering services to airline customers across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, GAT has approximately 6,000 employees and operates at nearly 70 airports across North America. “We are incredibly excited to welcome the GAT team to PrimeFlight and hope this transaction signals our longstanding commitment to providing our airline partners with world class aviation services,” explained Charlotte Cheatham, COO and EVP for PrimeFlight. “This acquisition is a significant milestone in our strategic growth plan. GAT greatly expands our ground handling footprint and further enhances our relationship with our airline partners through the addition of highly complementary capabilities, stations, and relationships.…
Leslie A. Morris, a retired airline pilot, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 26, 2026. He was born on February 7, 1937, in Harlem Hospital, New York City, NY. He is survived by his Son, Michael, and daughter-in-law Sharese, four grandsons, three great-grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, whom he married in July 1958. They spent almost 60 years together. He entered the service as a USAF/NY Air National Guard Aviation Cadet in 1957 and graduated in the top ten of his class as a 2nd Lt., as a single-engine, single-seat jet…
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners today approved the nomination of Kathryn Garcia to serve as the agency’s next executive director.Garcia brings three decades of experience across government, most recently serving in the administration of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as director of state operations and infrastructure, where she oversaw major initiatives like the launch of New York City’s congestion pricing program, New York’s nuclear power moonshot, the Interstate 81 Viaduct project in Syracuse, N.Y., the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project, the Interborough Express, and the redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport. Previously, Garcia served in…
WINGS at JFK, an innovative organization dedicated to empowering women leaders and mentors, officially launches today with a bold mission: Women Inspiring Nex-Gen Stars. Through leadership, mentorship, and visibility, WINGS aims to amplify the voices of women who are shaping the future and inspiring the next generation to lead with confidence and purpose. Founded on the belief that representation and mentorship drive lasting impact, WINGS at JFK brings together accomplished women across industries to support, guide, and elevate emerging leaders. The organization will deliver curated programming, community-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships designed to foster growth, opportunity, and inspiration. “WINGS at…
FedEx introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at two more U.S. airports towards the end of last year: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). With these two additional deployments, FedEx began using blended SAF at a total of five major U.S. airports in 2025. Combined, these agreements secure the equivalent of 5 million gallons of neat SAF. “Expanding SAF use by FedEx to include our operations at DFW and JFK caps off a successful year of SAF deployments coast-to-coast,” said Karen Blanks Ellis, chief sustainability officer and vice president of Environmental Affairs, FedEx. “While…
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), announced the openings of two local businesses that offer food and beverages reflecting New York City’s diverse culinary scene. One business, Villa Russo Café, is a Queens-based graduate of the Port Authority’s specialized training program intended to increase the number of local and diverse businesses that are part of the concessions program at JFK. Villa Russo Café and Brooklyn Tea & Market represent the first wave of joint-venture partnerships that HMSHost has formed with selected local and diverse businesses…
On The Go (OTG) has announced that Matt King has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Matt brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in multi-unit foodservice, hospitality, and airport concessions, with a strong track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest experience, and delivering financial performance across complex, distributed businesses. “Matt is the right leader for On The Go at this moment,” said Ed Sirhal, Chair of People & Talent Committee of On The Go. “He brings a rare combination of industry insight, sound judgment, and a people-first leadership philosophy. The Board has great confidence in Matt’s ability to…
Since 1978, NEW has prepared, trained, and placed women in careers in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades. As a tradeswoman, I know the transformative power of NEW’s programs, helping women to achieve economic independence and a secure future for themselves and their families. This June, join us in celebration of women in the trades and the individuals, companies, and organizations dedicated to their advancement. The Luncheon is an annual destination event for the building and construction industry in New York, attracting 800 industry leaders. Our honorees this year are: • Dan Finnegan, Executive Vice President, Structure Tone LLC…
Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, celebrated the debut of its first Eataly in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8, part of a new partnership agreement to bring the renowned Italian marketplace and retail concept to airports across North America. The new 5,526-square-foot full-service restaurant, 1,353-square-foot wine bar, and retail shop is the first Eataly in an airport in the region and will soon be followed by locations in JFK Terminals 4 and 5. “The opening of Eataly marks several significant milestones and the beginning of an exciting partnership…