|

FAA Press Release – DOT Celebrates Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Recovery Act Projects

For Immediate Release
September 2, 2010

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlighted $15 million in safety upgrades funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of aircraft at the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

“Recovery Act funding made these safety projects possible,” said U.S Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari during a press conference at BWI. “Not only are we keeping Marylanders at work, we are also improving airport safety and efficiency.”

Deputy Secretary Porcari lauded the ongoing safety, environmental, communications, and utility projects at BWI. When completed next year, BWI’s reconstructed aircraft parking apron between Concourses C and D will allow for more efficient operations among larger aircraft and service vehicles. The projects also include a new environmentally friendly deicing fluid collection system and new communications and utility systems.

“Recovery Act funds are making a difference at our nation’s airports,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “These projects will ensure that BWI continues to meet the safety needs of the airport and traveling public.”

This $15 million Recovery Act grant is one of the largest awarded by the FAA.

Without Recovery Act dollars, construction on this critical $41 million project could not have gotten under way. The rest of the project is being funded by the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program funds and BWI Airport.

The Recovery Act funded an additional $35 million in upgrades at airport runways and aircraft parking aprons in and around the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Nationwide, $1.3 billion in Recovery Act money has been made available for both airport improvement projects and air traffic control facility and system upgrades. Because of low construction bids for projects, more Recovery Act dollars were available for additional facilities and equipment and airport projects. These Recovery Act grants have been distributed to airports that serve commercial passengers, cargo and general aviation.

To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Press Release: FAA Installs Equipment for NextGen Aircraft Tracking System


    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today announced the completion of a nationwide infrastructure upgrade that will enable air traffic controllers to track aircraft with greater accuracy and reliability, while giving pilots more information in the cockpit. This upgrade is a key improvement in the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

    “This upgrade is an important step in laying the foundation for the NextGen system, which provides controllers a much more precise view of the airspace, gives pilots much more awareness and information, and as a result strengthens the safety and efficiency of our system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This state-of-the-art satellite system is already providing controllers with visibility in places not previously covered by radar.”

    The nationwide installation of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) radio network supports a satellite-based surveillance system that tracks aircraft with the help of GPS. This provides more accurate aircraft location information than the current radar system.

    NextGen refers to a set of initiatives being implemented by the FAA in collaboration with the aviation community to ensure that the United States has the safest, most efficient airspace possible for decades to come. In addition to ADS-B, NextGen improvements are already delivering benefits that include more efficient air traffic procedures that save time and fuel and reduce emissions.

    “The installation of this radio network clears the way for air traffic controllers to begin using ADS-B to separate equipped aircraft nationwide,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said. “It will also provide pilots flying aircraft equipped with the proper avionics with traffic information, weather data and other flight information.”

    Of the 230 air traffic facilities across the country, 100 are currently using this system to separate traffic. It is expected to be connected and operating at all 230 facilities by 2019. All aircraft operating in controlled airspace must be equipped with ADS-B Out avionics that broadcast the plane’s location, by Jan. 1, 2020.

    With the upgraded surveillance and broadcast system and aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out transponders, aircraft positions on controller screens update almost continuously, compared to every 4.7 seconds or longer with radar.
    ADS-B also enables more accurate tracking of airplanes and airport vehicles on runways and taxiways, increasing safety and efficiency. The new system significantly improves surveillance capability in areas with geographic challenges like mountains or over water. Airplanes equipped with ADS-B In, which is not currently mandated, will give pilots information through cockpit displays about location in relation to other aircraft, bad weather and terrain, and temporary flight restrictions.

    In addition to the operational benefits of ADS-B, each one of the 634 ground stations installed by Exelis of McLean, Va., is substantially smaller than a radar installation – resulting in less impact to the environment and less cost to maintain.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    7th Boeing C-17 for Royal Air Force Arrives in United Kingdom


    LONDON, Jan. 21, 2011 — Boeing and its Boeing Defence UK subsidiary today announced the arrival of the Royal Air Force’s seventh C-17 Globemaster III airlifter at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England. The aircraft was officially delivered on Nov. 16 from Boeing’s facility in Long Beach, Calif., and underwent modifications at the company’s San Antonio facility before flying to the United Kingdom.

    “The RAF C-17 fleet, along with the rest of the Airbridge, delivers an incredible capability to our deployed forces on the front line,” said Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Philip Osborn, Royal Air Force. “I am also extremely proud of the outstanding contribution that all our aircraft and personnel are making toward continued progress in Afghanistan.”

    Assigned to 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, the UK fleet of C-17s provides critical airlift capability for the nation’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force and has supported humanitarian and disaster-relief missions to Pakistan, Haiti and Chile. 99 Squadron’s C-17s are equipped with upgraded software and avionics, as well as additional fuel tanks that extend the aircraft’s nautical mile range to over 4,000 miles. In normal operations, the aircraft carries a crew of three — two pilots and one air-loadmaster.

    “May 2011 will mark the 10th anniversary of the delivery of the Royal Air Force’s first C-17, which continues to perform superbly — anytime and anywhere,” said Boeing UK C-17 Program Manager Liz Pace. “The RAF uses its C-17s more than any other service today, which is why it has surpassed 60,000 flight hours with just six aircraft.”

    The UK Ministry of Defence announced it would acquire its seventh C-17 in December 2009, less than one year before delivery.

    Boeing supports the RAF’s C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a performance-based logistics program, at RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s main operating base for strategic air transport and air-to-air refueling. The arrangement provides the RAF with the benefits of complete “virtual fleet” access and an extensive support network. The virtual fleet concept enables C-17 customers, especially those with smaller numbers of aircraft, to benefit from worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.

    Boeing Defence UK Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It currently has employees at 20 locations throughout the UK supporting Ministry of Defence and U.S. military programs.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    Office Closures Due to Inclement Weather

    Southern Region
    Due to inclement weather, the FAA’s Southern Region Office in College Park, GA will be closed for normal business today, January 10, 2011.

    Employees and contractors who work in that office should follow local procedures to obtain more information.

    Central Region
    The FAA’s Central Region office in Kansas City, MO dismissed non-emergency personnel due to inclement weather effective at 1 p.m. Central Time, today, January 10, 2011.

    Central Region personnel should follow local procedures to obtain more information.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    Press Release: Lufthansa


    Special flight schedule published at www.lufthansa.com due to expected pilots’ strike
    East Meadow, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2010 — As a consequence of the strike measures which have been initiated by the “Vereinigung Cockpit” trade union, Lufthansa is making corresponding adjustments to its flight schedule from Monday to Thursday, February 22- 25. About two thirds of the affected Lufthansa-operated flights will have to be cancelled, however Lufthansa regional partners such as Lufthansa City Line will operate their flightsaccording to schedule.

    The special flight schedule for the period of the strike can now be accessed at
    www.lufthansa.com and lists all flights which should be operating according to the current planning. Depending upon the actual operating conditions during the days of the strike, further changes could be made to the special flight schedule.

    Customers who have purchased a Lufthansa ticket for a flight which is operated by a partner airline (codeshare) will not find the LH flight number known to them in the special flight schedule. Since the partner airlines are not affected by the strike, these flights will operate as planned (flight numbers LH1400-2629 and LH5050-6999).

    Lufthansa is doing everything in its power to inform its customers as soon as possible and offer them alternative travel options. Passengers already booked on a Lufthansa flight during the period from February 22 to 25 can rebook once free of charge on another Lufthansa flight, if they wish to change their travel plans – provided their ticket was issued before February 18, the new travel date is before May 31, 2010 and their arrival and departure destinations remain the same.

    Should a flight be cancelled, and the purpose of the journey no longer applies,
    passengers can cancel their booking free of charge. Travelers have the opportunity to regularly check the status of their flight at www.lufthansa.com under the heading “My bookings”. A cancellation of the flight and the booking will be shown there. If a rebooking has been made, the travel alternatives will be shown there as well.

    Passengers on domestic German flights, whose flights have been cancelled, can
    independently purchase a rail ticket for the identical route in the same travel class and later, together with proof of the flight ticket purchased from Lufthansa, claim a refund. They can access the passenger receipt of their etix online at www.lufthansa.com under Information & Service > Check-in > Passenger Receipt.

    Customers can continue to obtain information about their bookings, as well as about the Rebooking options and cancellations, at the toll-free number 1-800-645-3880 in the U.S. and 1- 800-563-5954 in Canada.

    According to the special flight schedule, the following flights to/from North America are scheduled to take place during the period from February 22-25:

    February 22
    LH 412 Munich – Newark
    LH 413 Newark – Munich
    LH 430 Frankfurt – Chicago
    LH 431 Chicago – Frankfurt
    LH 434 Munich – Chicago
    LH 435 Chicago – Munich
    LH 438 Frankfurt – Dallas Ft Worth
    LH 439 Dallas Ft Worth – Frankfurt
    LH 492 Frankfurt – Vancouver
    LH 493 Vancouver – Frankfurt
    LH 498 Frankfurt – Mexico City
    LH 499 Mexico City – Frankfurt

    February 23
    LH 412 Munich – Newark
    LH 413 Newark – Munich
    LH 492 Frankfurt – Vancouver
    LH 493 Vancouver – Frankfurt

    February 24
    LH 412 Munich – Newark
    LH 413 Newark – Munich
    LH 434 Munich – Chicago
    LH 435 Chicago – Munich
    LH 442 Frankfurt – Detroit
    LH 443 Detroit – Frankfurt
    LH 492 Frankfurt – Vancouver
    LH 493 Vancouver – Frankfurt
    LH 498 Frankfurt – Mexico City
    LH 499 Mexico – City Frankfurt

    February 25
    LH 412 Munich – Newark
    LH 413 Newark – Munich
    LH 434 Munich – Chicago
    LH 435 Chicago – Munich
    LH 490 Frankfurt – Seattle
    LH 491 Seattle – Frankfurt
    LH 492 Frankfurt – Vancouver
    LH 493 Vancouver – Frankfurt
    ###
    Deutsche Lufthansa AG
    Corporate Communications
    Martin Riecken
    Tel.: +1 516-296-9671
    americaspr@dlh.de
    www.lufthansa.com
    http://twitter.com/Lufthansa_USA

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

  • North American Airlines and VT Systems Plan Conversion of Boeing 757-200 to Combi Configuration

    ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 17, 2010 — North American Airlines, a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc., and the aerospace division of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), a subsidiary of ST Engineering, today announced that they have entered into an agreement for the conversion of Boeing 757-200 passenger aircraft to Combi configuration. In the Combi configuration, the aircraft will accommodate up to 10 cargo pallets and provide comfortable cabin seating for 45 passengers.

    “The Boeing 757 Combi will be utilized on routes where our customers require the shipment of heavy supplies as well as personnel,” said Brian Bauer, Chief Commercial Officer of Global Aviation. “As a longtime operator of the passenger Boeing 757, North American will be able to offer customers a seamless upgrade using this modern and fuel-efficient platform.”

    “This agreement is a vote of confidence in our strong MRO and engineering track record in the U.S. and our capability to offer tailored solutions to meet customers’ special operating requirements,” said General (Retired) John G. Coburn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VT Systems. “We look forward to supporting North American Airlines with a complete solution – from design and development to implementing the conversion at our MRO facilities.”

    VT Systems’ aerospace division, which owns maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Mobile and San Antonio, is the largest private employer in Mobile, and the largest private independent MRO employer in San Antonio. Managed by ST Aerospace as part of its global network of MRO facilities, these facilities have been performing heavy maintenance and modification works for numerous aircraft types, including the Boeing 757. The Mobile facility previously designed and converted two Royal New Zealand Air Force 757-200 passenger aircraft into multi-role combination configuration. It also jointly developed the engineering solution with Boeing for the 757-200 passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversion and redelivered 17 converted freighters to Boeing’s customer DHL. It is currently performing PTF conversions for FedEx Express, following the award of a conversion contract for 87 Boeing 757-200 aircraft. ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering.

    North American Airlines is a provider of customized, non-scheduled air transport services. Founded in 1989, North American operates Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. North American is a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc. which is the largest provider of contracted air transportation services to the U.S. Military.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    New Mexico Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut on Space Station

    Expedition 54-55 prime Scott Tingle of NASA.

    Students from six schools in Alamogordo, New Mexico, will speak with a NASA astronaut living, working and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 21. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

    Middle and high school students will travel to Alamogordo High School for the call to Expedition 54 astronaut Scott Tingle aboard the space station, posing questions about life aboard the orbital outpost, NASA’s deep space exploration plans, and doing science in space.

    Tingle arrived Dec.19 and is scheduled to return to Earth in June.

    The New Mexico Museum of Space History (NMMSH) has collaborated with the Alamogordo Public School and the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for this event. NMMSH is a state museum chartered to educate the people of New Mexico and visitors in the history, science and technology of space.

    Students have been preparing for the event by forming teams to design and build simple apparatuses or experiments involving fluid management, combustion, or crystal growth to compare performance in a 1g vs simulated microgravity environment. Some 1,500 students and teachers are expected to be on-site at Alamogordo High School during the downlink with 4,000 more watching virtually in school auditoriums throughout Alamogordo Public Schools.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.