Category - Airside

Burbank Airport Modernizes Lighting System After Airfield Blackout

The lights are once again bright at Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), thanks to three years of planning and teamwork, plus a giant dose of resiliency. After enduring a complete airfield lighting failure, the Southern California airport rallied to reconstruct an entirely new system.

O'Hare Int'l Adds Control Tower to South Side of Airfield

A new air traffic control tower is always a big deal; but the commissioning at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), scheduled for mid-October, is bound to garner extra attention. The tower's non-traditional angular design will undoubtedly turn heads within the industry, and those who look more closely will find notable eco-friendly elements. Internally, the opening of the new south tower and runway it will serve moves the Chicago Department of Aviation one major step closer to finishing its $8.7 billion airport modernization program.

Private Operator Looks Airside at San Juan Int'l

When Aerostar Airport Holdings took over the day-to-day operation of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, it also assumed responsibility for several in-process and future projects, including airfield infrastructure upgrades. These projects, combined with other planned improvements, are expected to complement the private operator's goals for continued growth at the northeastern Caribbean airport.

Madison Municipal Seeks Relief from FAA Ruling on Crops

It has been more than five years since US Airways Flight 1549 was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River after running into a flock of geese shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. But the airport industry is still feeling the effects of the incident.

Washington State Airport Harnesses the Sun

As an airport manager, you've likely been approached about building a solar array on airport property. You're not alone. Since 2007, federal and state tax credits designed to encourage green energy production have prompted private companies to seek out public entities with large undeveloped property, like airfields.

Manchester-Boston Regional Leverages Technology & Customized Equipment for Airfield Maintenance

With more than 2.45 million passengers and 176 million pounds of cargo to move last year, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) couldn't afford to let weather or wildlife disrupt operations. Fortunately, its Airfield Maintenance Department has developed a variety of measures throughout the years to keep the airport's runways open and safe.

Los Angeles Int'l Overhauls Airfield Pavement Maintenance Strategy

A quiet, yet sweeping, transformation has occurred in the way Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) manages and maintains its airfield pavement. Efforts have spanned multiple years, cost millions of dollars and required commitment across many departments. All the work, however, is paying off - in lower maintenance costs, longer lifecycles and safer runways, taxiways and ramp areas.

Green Bay's Airport Rescue & Firefighting Facility Mirrors City Hue

Green Bay, WI, is known to "bleed green and gold" for its beloved National Football League team, the Packers. But the local airport adds a little silver to the city's color palette as well.

Airports Battle Algae, Rust & Fading to Maintain Effective Airfield Markings

Operations Supervisor Glen Barentine was thrilled when crews painted 14 new surface hold position markings on the taxiways at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT) back in January 2012. But his happy demeanor didn't last.

Detroit Metro Quells Noise Complaints With Unique Ground Run-up Enclosure

Ever since Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) opened a new midfield ground run-up enclosure (GRE) last November, its neighbors are snoozing soundly through the night - and noise complaints have dramatically decreased.

Vancouver Int'l Upgrades Its Airfield Lighting Control Monitoring System

In good weather and bad, air traffic controllers and airport maintenance personnel need an Airfield Lighting Control Monitoring System (ALCMS) that is highly reliable and inspires confidence. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has found just that in its new $2.5 million ALCMS. In addition to providing improved monitoring, data collection and troubleshooting capabilities, the new system also includes four 10-inch tablet PCs, dedicated solely to the operation of the Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (SMGCS) by air traffic controllers. YVR cites several reasons for replacing the e

Erie Int'l Plants Slow-Grow Grass to Discourage Wildlife & Reduce Maintenance

In a move that promises to cut mowing to just once a year and reduce wildlife hazards, Erie International Airport (ERI) planted about 95 acres of a special low-growth grass last summer. Although the special species cost about $90,000 more than standard grass, ERI expects to save nearly $800 per acre each year on mowing costs alone.

Airside Concourse Provides Sacramento Feel with the Comforts of Home

The 316,000-square-foot airside concourse in the new Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) includes 19 gates, concessions with local ties, upgraded seating with built-in power and a dual-shuttle automated people mover to connect it to the landside terminal.

San Jose Int'l Uses VALE Funds to Realize Environmental Benefits

Airside operations at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) are creating lower emission levels and netting increased environmental benefits thanks in part to a more than $4.6 million Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) project grant from the FAA.

SeaTac Tower Ramps Up Ground Efficiencies

After five years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), operated by the Port of Seattle, has acclimated to having its own ramp tower to keep ground traffic flowing smoothly. With a total staff of ten, the tower operates 24/7 to control traffic into and out of 85 gates and 20 cargo hard stands.

Out of the Ozarks

Carving a spot into the Ozark foothills for the new Branson Airport (BKG) in Taney County, MO, was no easy feat. A total of 12 million cubic yards of earth was removed just to prepare the land, according to Jeremy Berven, deputy director of operations and maintenance.

Pittsburgh Int'l Tests Bio-acoustic Bird Dispersal Technology

Shortly after US Airways Flight 1549 ditched into the Hudson River in January, the topic of bird strikes thrust into the public psyche. It's long been an issue for airport operators, but the highly publicized incident pushed it to the forefront.

Underground Wetlands Reduce Deicing Fluid Disposal at Buffalo Int'l

Notoriously snowy winters require New York's Buffalo Niagara International Airport to use copious amounts of propylene glycol for deicing aircraft. This year, however, it has a new method for managing the overspray that ends up on its runways: engineered wetlands.

Atlanta's Airside Reconfiguration Nears Completion

As the busiest passenger airport in the world, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL) is a fast-paced environment. And Delta Air Lines is keeping right in step as it wraps up a $26 million concourse revamp in less than two years.

SMS Pilot Programs Already Yielding Results

You don't need a crystal ball or tea leaves to see it coming. The topic of safety management systems (SMS) has been popping up at seminars and industry conferences throughout the country ever since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its first Advisory Circular (150/5200-37) on the subject in early 2007. Before that, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had required SMS from certificated international airports since 2005.

Massport Takes a Multi-Faceted Approach to Airfield Safety

Officials at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) take what they call a "multi-faceted" approach to airfield safety. Flavio Leo, manager of aviation planning, identifies six main facets: a heavy emphasis on partnerships, promoting a learning culture, testing and/or implementing new technology, enhanced markings, physical improvements and extensive, regular coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and air carriers.

First U.S. Crystal Bridges Installed at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional

The Killeen-Fort Hood (TX) Regional Airport is trying to do something about the lack of whimsy and romance in air travel these days.

JFK Fixes Gate Shortage with Hardstands

Topping the list of capacity-constrained airports in the United States, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) often lacks gate availability to meet the demand of its passenger aircraft flight schedules. So what is a solution-seeking airport operator to do?

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