Jan/Feb 2010

Tyonek Services Leases HSV ’s New Air Cargo Facility

Huntsville International Airport recently announced its new air cargo facility has been leased to Tyonek Services – a subsidiary of Tyonek Native Corporation of Anchorage, Alaska – and a premiere provider of aviation, technology and security services. Using the 92,493-square-foot, $8 million facility, Tyonek will support testing, maintenance, repair and overhaul for Army Rotary and fixed wing aircraft. View the full article.


Public Waiting Grand Opening Draws Regional Chambers

On January 14th, Huntsville International Airport hosted a regional chamber business after-hours event to celebrate the grand opening of its new public waiting area. The event, which was presented by the chambers of commerce of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) community, served as the official ribbon cutting for the new facility.  The expansion of public waiting is part of an overall 5-year, $65 million capital improvement project that began in 2005. Construction of the public waiting area by Gadsden-based Hudak & Dawson Construction Co., Inc. totaled more than $13.5 million and took two years to complete.View the full article.


HSV Marks 13th Consecutive Year with Zero FAA Infractions

For the previous 13 annual certification inspections at Huntsville International Airport (HSV), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region’s airport inspectors have found zero infractions, meaning no serious fault with the airport’s documentation; initial and recurrent training; physical facility; or emergency response capabilities.  The annual FAA certification inspection allows Huntsville International to keep its operating certificate and continue handling air carrier traffic. Furthermore, it exposes airport employees as to what the FAA may focus on in the unlikely event of an air carrier accident.  Doug Kreulen, Director of Operations, attributes the airport’s continued success and 13 years with zero FAA infractions to three key areas, including support from senior management, his department’s desire to continuously improve airport operations, and his team of dedicated employees and supervisors. View the full article.


TSA Issues Guidance for Passengers Following 12/25 Incident

Following the thwarted terrorist attack on December 25th involving Northwest Airlines Flight 253, the Transportation Security Administration has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials. Click here to access the guidance document, including a list of travel-related questions and answers.


HSV Capital Improvement Department Earns Industry Accolades

The Airport Authority Capital Improvement Department – along with several contractors working on various airport construction projects – were recently honored by industry peers with several accolades. On December 11, 2009, the Alabama Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) bestowed the organization with four awards. View the full article.


Jetplex Tenant, Navistar Diesel of AL, Gives Back to Community

Navistar Diesel of Alabama recently hosted a kickoff rally to mark the first steps in its pilot program to retain valued employees while giving back to the North Alabama community. Due to a lull in production,  Navistar was faced with the decision to lay off 50 of its skilled workers; however, the company chose to develop and pilot a three-month retention program that avoids layoffs by using employee talents to help area non-profit organizations.  During the month of January, these 50 Navistar employees will head to work, not to assemble diesel engines, but to build three homes for Habitat for Humanity, create dozens of wheelchair ramps for CASA, and sort inventory for the Salvation Army. During the kickoff rally, which was held on the plant’s production floor and involved its more than 300 employees, Navistar Plant Manager, Chuck Sibley, addressed the crowd followed by local non-profit agency representatives who provided short remarks and appreciation for this creative endeavor to keep Huntsville jobs and help those in need during tough economic times.


Signature Receives Top Honors at 2009 Leadership Conference

At a time when so many corporations nationwide are feeling the impact of the ailing economy and sacrificing customer service for the sake of revenue, Signature Flight Support’s (SFS) Huntsville-based operation remains true to its mission, which recently earned it top honors at its 2009 SFS Corporate Leadership Conference. SFS Huntsville earned the distinction of having the highest overall customer satisfaction rating among more than 100 SFS locations worldwide. The ranking is determined using the customer service loyalty index, an independent survey developed, distributed, and reported by People Metrix. The survey has been in use by SFS operations worldwide for more than four years. The Huntsville operation has been in the top 10 previously, but this is its first year to take top honors. View the full article.