On July 22nd, at the annual Florida Airports Council Conference, the Florida Secretary of Transportation Mike Dew and the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) State Aviation Manager Aaron Smith presented St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) with the “Florida Commercial Service Airport of the Year Award”.
Airport Director Tom Jewsbury, on accepting the award stated, “On behalf of the team at PIE, we thank FDOT for this recognition and are honored to receive this award. Our airport staff, airlines, and business/government partners work together enthusiastically to serve our customers. Pinellas County’s Board of County Commissioners and administrators provide outstanding leadership and support of our operation. FDOT has been very supportive of our efforts to improve our facilities and serve the public. Our commitment to safety, customer service, and a seamless operation have driven our success. Thank you.”
PIE was also presented with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region “Air Carrier Safety Award” at annual Florida Airports Council Conference that was announced last month. The Southern Region covers 8 states, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. This annual award recognizes the airport with programs and accomplishments resulting in enhanced safety.
FDOT criteria for the Florida Commercial Service Airport of the Year Award include safety, aesthetics (general appearance of the airport; friendliness, courtesy, cooperation, and efficiency of airport staff), and airport management (innovative programs, financial stability and optimum use of resources, knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations; adequacy/currency of and compliance with airport master plan).
PIE is the 9th largest of Florida’s 20 commercial service airports. In its 5th year of double digit passenger growth and breaking its all-time passenger record in 2016, PIE is among the fastest growing in the nation with service to/from 62 non-stop destinations (59 domestic, 2 international). The airport is home to a mix of aviation operations, including commercial passenger, cargo, general/corporate aviation, and military.
The airport highlighted its 12 consecutive years with zero discrepancies on its FAA annual certification and safety inspection and 5 consecutive years of no discrepancies in its annual Transportation Security Administration inspection. These achievements are especially notable in the midst of rapid growth and a robust capital improvement program.
Recent capital projects include taxiway and apron hardstand rehabilitation and terminal renovations. The taxiway resurfacing project included decoupling two intersecting runways and realigning taxiway connectors to meet new FAA Design Advisory guidelines. New LED lighting and signage were also added to the airfield. Additionally, a new cell phone waiting lot and expanded parking lot were completed in 2016 to accommodate growth.
Creating a positive customer experience includes our facilities and customer service. TSA Pre√ lanes have been added and increased customer throughput. We also launched a new STAR Customer Service Program to acknowledge our STAR employees and volunteers, giving our customers and fellow team members the opportunity to share stories and reward great service. Other programs highlighted include a workplace mentorship program with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Clearwater High School, a Spare Change Donation program for homelessness prevention, Veterans Honor Flight Welcome Home Receptions, and a strong educational tour program.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is very proud to serve the community and our tourism industry and honored to be recognized for our achievements.
Fairbanks International Airport Baggage Transport Conveyor Enhanced With Mod Drive™ System
Airports face a host of unique industry challenges, such as meeting efficiency regulations and seeking out the best maintenance practices to reduce costs and keep operations flowing. In today’s current economic climate, any potential cost savings can go a long way.
In 2019, Alaska’s Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) sought to modernize its equipment and operations. They were dissatisfied with the performance of the gearmotors on their baggage transport conveyors and began searching for new suppliers. Regal approached FAI with a solution that could improve equipment performance and simplify maintenance, with the added benefit of energy cost savings: the Hub City® MOD Drive™ system.
This white paper discusses the hardware deployed, the test results and the annualized expectations for ROI.