More than $10 million invested towards snow fighting operations
LOUISVILLE, KY (December 15, 2022) – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is always open, even during harsh winter weather conditions. Ranked no. 6 in the world – and third in North America – for busiest cargo airports, its essential the airport team is prepared to handle whatever Old Man Winter throws at Kentuckiana.
As part of these preparations, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority continues its investment with more than $10 million spent in recent years towards its snow-fighting operations. This includes nearly $6 million towards seven new MB2 multi-function snow removal vehicles – the best in class in airport snow fighting and $4.2 million for a new facility to house them.
“We are consistently a leader on the global stage for cargo operations,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Airport Authority. “Lifesaving cargo comes and goes on our runways every day and because of this, it’s crucial we are always open for business. This investment demonstrates our commitment to our cargo and airline partners that we’re always prepared, no matter the weather conditions outside.”
With 12 dual-door storage bays, the new facility spans 18,048 square feet and will eventually hold a total of nine MB2 multi-use vehicles and three snow blowers, with the possibility of additional equipment as space allows. It also provides a full wash area for the massive equipment used on the airfield to clear runways and taxiways. Construction for the new facility was completed by Wehr Constructors, Inc.
The state-of-the-art MB2 multi-use vehicles are industry leaders when it comes to snow fighting. A single operator can control the 24-foot plow, 22-foot broom and 400 mph air blast system, reducing time spent clearing snow on runways and taxiways by more than 50%. These added efficiencies mean more commercial and cargo aircraft can take off and land on-time during snow events at SDF. The Airport Authority will augment its already vast snow fleet of plows, brooms and blowers with two additional vehicles in the coming years.
The seven MB2 snow vehicles compliment a robust fleet of more than 35 various pieces of equipment used in SDF’s winter weather efforts. There are more than 17
miles of taxiways and runways, ranging from 75 to 150-feet wide and 10 miles of airfield roadway the SDF team clears during winter weather events.
Media Assets
Click here for Louisville’s Airports 2022-2023 Winter Operations fact sheet.
Click here for image gallery of snow removal equipment and new storage facility.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.