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» HAS Newsroom
March 24, 2006
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Texas Airports Development Office has selected the Houston Airport System (HAS) as Airport of the Year for 2005. The Texas Airports Development Office makes a selection of the outstanding primary-commercial service airport each year. There are twenty-six primary-commercial service airports in the state - each enplaning in excess of 10,000 passengers annually.
The FAA’s Texas Airports Development Office listed the following reasons for its selection:
In 2005, the HAS completed a multi-year $3.1 billion airport improvement program. Development at Bush Intercontinental Airport included new passenger Terminal E, renovation and expansion of Terminals A and C, new Runway 8L/26R, expanded Runway 15R/33L, reconstruction of Runway 8R/26L, a new air cargo service center capable of accommodating 20 wide body aircraft, a new International Arrivals Building, new consolidated rental car facility, and a new airport master plan guiding the airport through 2025.
Development at Hobby included a new concourse to serve Southwest Airlines, upgrading Runway 4/22 and a new airport master plan to guide the airport through 2022.
HAS was the recipient of the FAA’s first grant to implement the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program. The grant assisted in the acquisition of nine low emission vehicles.
HAS developed staff positions to more effectively manage the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). There has been an improvement in the identification of AIP funded projects, grant obligations are accomplished more efficiently, and grants are closed in a timelier manner. There are no old or inactive grants.
In 2005, HAS performed an incredible service to the citizens of New Orleans and the Beaumont/Port Arthur area following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Immediately following the passage of Hurricane Katrina through south Louisiana, HAS dispatched 16 vehicles, three trailers loaded with equipment and supplies and 33 people to assist with the cleanup and restoration of air service to New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. Working round the clock for several days, HAS personnel assisted with establishing temporary power and lighting to the airport, restoring airfield facilities, and cleanup and repair of the terminal and other airport building. The Houston Airports System devoted 150 people working 4,300 man-hours to the recovery effort. The opening of the airport was critical to the evacuation efforts. If not for the dedication of HAS staff the restoration of the airport would have been significantly delayed.
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita hit the Beaumont/Port Arthur area of Texas. The hurricane significantly damaged the passenger terminal building at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport in Beaumont. Again HAS responded to the need in an incredible way. Twelve to fifteen HAS employees made daily trips to the airport to convert the general aviation terminal building into a facility to serve airline passengers.
“We proudly accept this award on behalf of all Houstonians,” said Rick Vacar, HAS director. “Our airports are vital to the continued economic success of our region and as such we take their stewardship and development as a very serious responsibility.”
“I also thank Houston Mayor Bill White for his leadership in guiding and supporting our response to neighboring airports in need during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” Vacar added.
The Airport of the Year award will be presented at the 2006 FAA Partnership Conference in Dallas on March 30, 2006.
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The Houston Airport System served 48 million passengers in 2005. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation’s 9th-busiest airport and is rated 1st in the U.S. for on time performance. For more information visit our website at www.fly2houston.com
Copyright © 2006 - Houston Airport System
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