tale winds newsletter winter 2015
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Winter 2015• Vol. 21 No. 4Established March 1994
MIA BECOMESPHARMA HUB
DID YOU KNOW?
MIAairLAUNCHES
THE FINAL WORDNEWCARRIERSROUTES
SUPERJUMBO SERVICE
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Dr. Emilio T. González - Aviation Director
Welcome to the winter issue of the Tale Winds newsletter, and I bid you holiday greetings! We are close to wrapping up our best year ever at MIA on multiple fronts, most notably in our passenger numbers, and you should be extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished. With total traffic already up 3.2 million passengers more than last year, and with the busy holiday travel season this month, we are
on pace to reach 44 million annual travelers for the first time ever.
One highlight of our record-breaking year was Sunday, October 25, when we had our biggest single day ever for new air service. From leading European carrier Turkish Airlines’ launching daily Istanbul service, to British Airways and Air France adding our second and third A380 flights, to ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines starting daily Las Vegas service – the airline’s seventh route at MIA – our “Super Sunday” was an impressive parade of new airlines, new routes and new aircraft.
In total, seven airlines either started or expanded service on this one day – a feat that many airports don’t accomplish in one year. It was a phenomenal achievement, and I congratulate our entire team – across all divisions – for everything you did to make this a shining moment for our airport.
The good news this fall doesn’t stop there. For the past year, we have been working tirelessly to be designated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a pharmaceuticals freight hub. On November 4, at the 2015 Air and Sea
Cargo Americas Conference, that goal became a reality when IATA named MIA its first pharma hub in the U.S. and only the second in the world, after the Brussels Airport.
As we reflect on our success in 2015 and approach the winter holidays, we certainly have many reasons to celebrate together and with family and friends. Congratulations on an outstanding 2015, best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season, and I look forward to reaching even greater heights together in 2016.
Sincerely,
CUSTOMER CORNER
WINDOW SEATBy Aviation Director Emilio T. González
“Please convey my thanks to the Miami International Airport Security Staff and other attendants. Their smiling and efficient assistance made things even easier and quicker to reach my friends, so we could spend some more time together.”
“I just want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for locating and returning my lost computer backpack. It contained several expensive items. It arrived at my doorstep completely intact! Concha Gillen (Terminal Operations) in Lost and Found was very nice and thorough as she looked for it. I realize Miami International Airport is a very large and busy airport, so I appreciate you taking the time for just one bag. Thank you so much!”
“I am writing to thank you for the reception that you and your staff gave me when I arrived in Miami. Employees respectfully escorted me to the exit of the airport and
helped me efficiently with all the relevant requirements and immigration issues. I want to thank the customer service staff and Salvador Flores (U.S. Customs and Border
Protection) for their support. Even through the grief and sorrow I’m experiencing because of the death of my husband, I could enjoy at least some of the wonders of your country.”
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Christian G. Fernandez, Terminal Operations and Security Division Senior Agent.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTFrom the Marines to MIA, Christian G. Fernandez Stays on the Front Lines
As a teenager, Christian G. Fernandez dreamed of leaving his hometown of Brooklyn, NY, and making a difference in the world. So after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1978. He jokes that he was first attracted to the distinguished-looking blue uniform, but it was truly the love of his country that led him to become a Marine.
After completing his training and traveling the world, Christian earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He went on to have many life-changing experiences. Tragically, when he was stationed in Beirut, Lebanon in 1983, 241 American soldiers lost their lives when his barracks were bombed. He would later become
a member of the rifle and pistol unit, where he won the Georgia State Regional Rifle and Pistol Match and was the deciding factor in his team’s win at the Far East Asia Match. He also served as a substance abuse control officer, where he educated fellow Marines on alcohol awareness and substance abuse prevention.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Christian still wanted to serve his community in some way, so he joined the Aviation Department in 2003. Today, he is a Senior Agent in the Terminal Operations and Security Division, or as one supervisor describes him, a customer service star with a particular interest in veterans. Christian has assisted numerous
wounded warriors traveling through the airport, including a paraplegic who was in town to train for an Ironman Triathlon in Key Biscayne. He also helps to coordinate the remains of fallen soldiers arriving at MIA, ensuring that the officer in charge of the remains is never separated from the deceased soldier.
On the heels of Veterans Day last month, we should all take time to appreciate the active and retired service men and women around us like Christian, who continue to serve others – regardless of what uniform they may wear now. Thank you for all you do!
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HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAMS & SEMINARSBy Sandra L. Jackson
Identity Theft Protection Workshop
Complimentary Nutrition Consultations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9.9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, which equates to 19 people every minute. While you can’t prevent all identity theft, you can use some simple safeguards to minimize your risk. An Identity Theft Protection Workshop was held on October 30 to review the ins and outs of identity theft and discuss best practices for keeping your personal information safe.
Attorney F. Antonio Calero, speaking on behalf of ARAG Legal Services, provided an interactive and entertaining workshop for 40 MDAD employees that discussed identity theft, personal information, filing a complaint, organizing a case, protecting yourself and where to go for more information.
“This event was awesome!” said Lucille Altidor, Information Systems and Telecommunications Network Manager 2. “Not only did the speaker captivate us with his humor, but he provided on-point information about identity theft. He knew his stuff.”
In August, AvMed introduced Complimentary Nutrition Consultations with a registered dietitian at MIA, as part of the 2015 Wellness Program initiatives. Eleven MDAD employees met individually with Lily Suazo, RDN, LDN, CDE on August 28, at Building 5A for 30-minute consultations regarding proper nutrition, motivation and support, keeping a food journal and problem solving. Those who could not
schedule an appointment that day were put on a waiting list for consultations on October 26, when AvMed returned to MDAD.
“The nutrition consultations were extremely informative. I learned a lot during the session, such as steps necessary to realistically achieve healthy eating, simple adjustments to achieve positive lifestyle changes, and tips for meeting
my goal of weight loss and living a healthy life. The consultant was extremely knowledgeable and came prepared to meet my needs and answer my questions,” said an employee, who met with the nutritionist.
For information on upcoming workshops, go to the Employee Development page, http://intranet/Pages/EmployeeDevelopment.aspx, on the MDAD intranet.
Women In Transportation Initiative (WITI)
Employee Health Fair 2015
In response to President Barack Obama’s 2009 Executive Order #13506 that established a White House Council on Women and Girls, the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Office of Small Business devised a response to address issues that particularly impact the lives of women and girls. Hence, the Women and Girls in Transportation Initiative (WITI) Pilot Program, in collaboration with Florida Memorial University, was launched.
Miami-Dade College and the U.S. DOT Office of Small Business (Southeastern Region) invited the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) to be a public/private sector host site for fall 2015. This partnership encourages young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as other related disciplines, in an effort to build and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
MDAD hosted eight female college students on October 28 for this community engagement. The day started with an MDAD orientation by Human Resources Manager Sandra L. Jackson. The young ladies were then assigned to MDAD
women mentors for the day, who included: Cynji Lee, Assistant County Attorney; Ivonne Davila, Financial Performance Coordinator; Evelyn Campos, Division Director for Professional Standards and Compliance; Karen Wright, Gate Control Supervisor; and Odalys Bello, Aviation Security Coordinator.
“It’s important for these young people to have a better sense of the functions and responsibilities of the profession they are seeking, so they can be better prepared,” said Evelyn Campos.
The Aviation Department held its annual Employee Health Fair on October 20 in MIA’s Auditorium. A total of 61 merchants offered health and wellness education and gave demonstrations to nearly 500 people. They also provided 34 wellness giveaways including Pilates balls, a body wrap and facial, two weeks of martial arts and fitness classes, and much more.
AvMed Health Plans provided 126 biometric screenings, 78 flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, chair massages and tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle. Other wellness products and services at the health fair included optical, pharmacy, posture screenings, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, running events, self-defense, therapeutic stress relievers, weight loss and energy, whole food nutrition and yoga.
Stay tuned for details about upcoming wellness events!
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Front Row (Left to Right): Vashti Charlton, Escarleth Parajon, and Kourtni Garvin; Back Row (Left to Right): Sydney Chantalle, Dymond Henry, Tracy Toy-Valdes (Program Coordinator), Annica Henderson, Letitia Calhoun, and Aiysha Lindsay
Physician Health Center
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CONCESSIONS CORNERAir Margaritaville Now Open in Central Terminal
Food Trucks Have Landed at MIA
In September, MIA celebrated the opening of the first Air Margaritaville at a U.S. airport with a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial margarita toast by airport and restaurant executives, followed by a VIP happy hour. Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s famous song and the laid-back lifestyle it represents, Air Margaritaville features a diverse menu of food and drinks.
Air Margaritaville’s 4,000-square-foot location in MIA’s Central Terminal offers one of the largest full-service bars pre-security at the airport, approximately 120 seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, 13 TVs within the restaurant, Jimmy Buffett style music playing throughout the venue, and surfboard tables and cargo boxes throughout the restaurant that add to the themed decor. The menu features house-made margaritas, frozen boat drinks and cold LandShark Lager, along with signature food items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise and Volcano Nachos.
The ever-popular food truck craze has spread to MIA. Every payday Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., outside of MIA’s Central Terminal, food trucks will add even more variety to MIA’s growing menu of dining options. County employees can take advantage of the discounted $8 plus tax meal options.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to offer different quality food choices at MIA, and these food trucks certainly tap into a niche market that we haven’t reached until now,” said Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “As a gateway airport for passengers from around the world, MIA is the ideal place to showcase the diversity of our local restaurant industry.”
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SERVICE AWARD PINSMiami-Dade County service award pins issued from April through September 2015.
5 YEARSAlexander HernandezAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
Andreika HudsonAirport Record Center Clerk 2Human Resources
Emilio Vazquez, Jr.Landside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
James R. CarlinAirport Protocol RepresentativeProtocol
Jorge MelendezAirport APM TechnicianFacilities Maintenance
Kenneth A. PyattDeputy Aviation DirectorDirector’s Office
Michael H. McKenzieAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
Skarlett ChavarriaLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
Tanequa CoxLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
Winsky FleurenyLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
10 YEARSAmmad RiazAviation Planning ChiefPlanning
Carl HaneyAirport Operations Senior AgentSecurity and Public Safety
David A. MarfisiAirport Facilities SuperintendentFacilities Maintenance
Delores JonesAirport AttendantAirside Operations
John W. MeyerAirport Public Service AssistantTerminal Operations
Marek WojcikAirport Protocol OfficerProtocol
Miguel E. RiveroAirport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Ruben D. GallegoAirport PainterFacilities Maintenance
Troy E. GarnerAirport Operations AgentAirside Operations
15 YEARS Alain E. CardosoAirport PlumberFacilities Maintenance
America PerezAirport Account ClerkFinance
Brenda Harris-BrodericAirport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Carlos A. BaquedanoAirport Systems Analyst/Programmer 2Information Systems and Telecomm
Cynthia A. PaulAviation Special Projects Administrator 2Governmental Affairs
David O. HymanAirport Operations Senior AgentTerminal Operations
David J. SopczakAirport Fire Suppression Systems TechFacilities Maintenance
Debra CharlesFacilities Maintenance Contracts Spec.Facilities Maintenance
Elias A. Kirkland, Jr.Airport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Erwin E. CattuseAirport Fire Suppression Systems TechFacilities Maintenance
Fenale J. PierreAirport Operations AgentAirside Operations
Jaime E. TorresAirport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Jose A. NunezAirport Hydraulic MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Juan J. ContrerasAirport Motorcycle MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Juan C. RieraAirport Maintenance SupervisorFacilities Maintenance
Kimberley SiplinAirport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Lance P. BurkeAirport Maintenance MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Lasandra T. WheelerAviation Section ChiefSecurity and Public Safety
Leroy Stringer, Jr.Airport Permits Compliance SpecialistLandside Operations
Linda M. DanielsAirport Administrative SecretaryFacilities Management
Maeviz Young-PlummerAirport Operations AgentGeneral Aviation Airports
SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES,PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
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Maria FerrerAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
Mark N. BalsecaLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
Michael SchneiderAirport Fire Suppression Systems TechFacilities Maintenance
Nicholson PierreAirport Operations Senior AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Rafael A. MiretAirport PainterFacilities Maintenance
Richard N. ShohfiAirport Account ClerkFinance
Rosa DelgadoBusiness Development Specialist 2Minority Affairs
Shevetta SmithAirport Operations AgentSecurity and Public Safety
Rosslyn T. JohnAirport BMS OperatorFacilities Maintenance
Teddy ValentinAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
Violet D. EllisAirport SecretaryReal Estate Management
20 YEARS Abe G. IvoryAirport Plant MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Gloria Mohamed-MarchAirport Account ClerkFinance
Lorenzo E. VelasquezAirport Maintenance MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Maria Najera-MatosPGTS CoordinatorProgram Controls
Pamela ConeyAirport Operations AgentTerminal Operations
25 YEARSAlberto E. ReyesAirport Operations Senior AgentTerminal Operations
Angela MarrAirport Account ClerkFinance
Carlos A. CasanuevaAirport Operations Senior AgentFacilities Maintenance
Clara P. MeadeAirport Compliance Senior SpecialistAirside Operations
Cristina DesdunesAirport Operations SupervisorTerminal Operations
Dania VidalAirport Personnel TechnicianHuman Resources
Denise E. StrangAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Edwin BiggermanAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Evelio E. ZuriarrainAirport Operations Senior AgentTerminal Operations
Federico GarciaAirport Refrigeration/AC MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Francisco ValdesAirport Maintenance MechanicFacilities Maintenance
George RuxtonAirport CarpenterFacilities Maintenance
Gustavo G. YalukAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Hubert L. DixonAirport Plant MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Israel HerreraAirport PainterFacilities Maintenance
Jorge HernandezAirport Maintenance MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Jose A. GuzmanAccountant 2Finance
Julio E. RojasLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
Marie F. Wagnac-RicksAirport Public Service AssistantTerminal Operations
Mario GonzalezLandside Operations Officer 2Landside Operations
Mayra GuijarroAirport Operations AgentTerminal Operations
Orlando Borrajo, Jr.Airport Maintenance SuperintendentFacilities Maintenance
Salvador CorreaAirport Lighting TechnicianFacilities Maintenance
Sucie CarrionExecutive SecretaryFinance & Strategy
Rafael CutieDivision DirectorFacilities Management
SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES,PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
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30 YEARS Allen GrahamAirport Operations AgentAirside Operations
Antoine R. GriffinAirport Operations SupervisorLandside Operations
Chris FoldsAirport Operations AgentGeneral Aviation Airports
Felix Gonzalez, Jr.Special Projects Administrator 1Finance
Jack L. More, IIPainter SupervisorFacilities Maintenance
Jimmy JanvierAirport Refrigeration/AC MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Jorge L. MarinChief of EngineeringFacilities Maintenance
Marc T. HendersonMedia & Public Relations OfficerCommunications
Ofelia FerreiroAviation Volunteer Info CoordinatorCustomer and Public Relations
Ralph PinnockAirport Electronic Electrical Equipment 1Facilities Maintenance
Ramon E. GomezAirport Maintenance MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Robert K. CrumblissSpecial Projects Administrator 1Environmental Engineering
35 YEARSAdela A. LedoArchitect 2Facilities Maintenance
Andrea KatzAdministrative Officer 1Planning
Arnold InterianoAirport Operations AgentAirside Operations
Carol A. LordAuxiliary Airport SpecialistGeneral Aviation Airports
Marcia Fernandez-MorinSpecial Projects Administrator 2Marketing
Maria PereirasAirport Operations SupervisorSecurity and Public Safety
Peter R. PrendergastAirport Operations AgentTerminal Operations
NEW HIRES AND TRANSFER-INMDAD employees hired or transferred-in from April through September 2015.
APRIL 2015Hector MirandaAirport Refrigeration / AC MechanicFacilities Maintenance
Jorge SosaAirport ElectricianFacilities Maintenance
Nicolas PerezConstruction Manager 3Facilities Maintenance
Zacarias GonzalezAirport Auto Equipment Operator 2Facilities Maintenance
MAY 2015Armando GarciaAirport Maintenance RepairerFacilities Maintenance
Jorge CamachoAirport SprayerFacilities Maintenance
Michelle Barreau-CharlesAviation Business Systems SpecialistReal Estate Management
JUNE 2015Carrie WhiteAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Chaquaneise JonesAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
James L. Kelly, Jr.Division DirectorTerminal Operations
Eric RobinsonAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Lester RayAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Marcel DesdunesAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Shannon LeeAirport Inventory Control SpecialistProcurement
JULY 2015Andre FooteLandside Operations Equipment SpecLandside Operations
Ileana RiveroAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Marc ExpositoAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Suzanne TrutieMedia & Public Relations OfficerCommunications
Troy CamarchoLandside Operations Equipment SpecLandside Operations
AUGUST 2015Adrian WilliamsAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
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Aida JoveSpecial Projects Administrator 2Commercial Hospitality & Transp Svcs
Alejandro GarciaAirport Electronic-Electrical Equip Tech 1Facilities Maintenance
Amelia CordovaAviation Sr Procurement Contracts OfficerContracts Administration
Fernando Mojena AmayaAirport Systems Analyst Programmer 1Information Systems and Telecomm
Gary PorterAirport Maintenance SupervisorFacilities Maintenance
Gregory BuscheAirport Fire Suppression System TechFacilities Maintenance
Gregory CooperAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Guillermo MartinezAirport ElectricianFacilities Maintenance
James Hollis, Jr.Safety Specialist 2Human Resources
John SeamanSenior Aviation Property ManagerReal Estate Management
Kelly QuirozAirport Accountant 1Finance
Lytice FerrerasSpecial Projects Administrator 1Business Development
Maribel Areiza WestgateAviation Senior Cost ManagerProgram Controls
Osvaldo LaraAirport LocksmithFacilities Maintenance
Rebeca SafiAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
Stephen WrightAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
SEPTEMBER 2015Emir PinedaAviation Marketing SpecialistMarketing
Daniel MorusAirport Auto Equipment Operator 1Facilities Maintenance
PROMOTIONSMDAD employees promoted from Aprilthrough September 2015.
APRIL 2015Julissa OwensExecutive SecretaryFacilities Management
Jimmy TalabertAirport ElectricianFacilities Maintenance
MAY 2015Ashey BayolAirport Operation SpecialistTerminal Operations
Guillermo LacayoAirport Public Service AssistantTerminal Operations
John ColladoLandside Operations OfficerLandside Operations
Francisco RodriguezAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
JUNE 2015Cristina DesdunesAirport Operations SupervisorTerminal Operations
Jorge SariegoTerminal Facilities Maintenance ChiefFacilities Maintenance
Leon CuellarAviation Cost AnalystProgram Controls
Norman HegedusSection ChiefAirside Operations
Ofelia FerreiroAviation VIP CoordinatorCustomer and Public Relations
Pierre MarquezAirport AttendantAirside Operations
JULY 2015Jayson FernandezAirport Operations SpecialistSecurity and Public Safety
AUGUST 2015Carlos MartinezAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
David HymanAirport Operations Senior AgentTerminal Operations
Diosdado FernandezAirport Facilities SuperintendentFacilities Maintenance
Elizabeth BellmasAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Gabriel MoralesAirport PainterFacilities Maintenance
Gina ThomasAirport Facilities SuperintendentFacilities Maintenance
James RichardsonAirport PainterFacilities Maintenance
SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES,PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
Sandra MacGibbonAirport Compliance SpecialistLandside Operations
Tanya GutierrezAirport Compliance SpecialistLandside Operations
SEPTEMBER 2015Clara P. MeadeAirport Compliance Senior SpecialistLandside Operations
Fadia NehmeAirport Operations AgentTerminal Operations
Jean AurelienAirport Lighting SupervisorFacilities Maintenance
Kerryann Aikman-McLeanLandside Operations Officer 1Landside Operations
Manuel RodriguezAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Mercedes Adams-CharltonAirport AttendantAirside Operations
Michelle de la HozAirport Operations SpecialistTerminal Operations
Ricardo MontielAirport Noise Abatement OfficerNoise Abatement
Yalysher AmengAirport Public Service AssistantTerminal Operations
MERITSMDAD employees that received Merits and were recognized at the Quarterly Employee Recognition Breakfast from April through September 2015
APRIL 2015Auguste LouissantEmergency Vehicle Technician CertificateFacilities Maintenance
Gary Ellis, Jr.Emergency Vehicle Technician CertificateFacilities Maintenance
Oliver SamyEmergency Vehicle Technician CertificateFacilities Maintenance
Porchia LazierCertified Public AccountantFinance
Willie MorganEmergency Vehicle Technician CertificateFacilities Maintenance
Yoamel ZequeiraEmergency Vehicle Technician CertificateFacilities Maintenance
JUNE 2015Oscar AguirreAirport Operations Certificate Finance
Katherine JamesAdvanced Communicator Bronze AwardToastmasters InternationalCash Management
Lisa WilcoxAdvanced Communicator Bronze AwardToastmasters InternationalHuman Resources
Mark MitrosCompetent Communicator and Competent Leader AwardsToastmasters InternationalLandside Operations
Sabrina Saint JourCompetent Leader AwardToastmasters InternationalTerminal Operations
Sandra L. JacksonCompetent Communicator AwardToastmasters InternationalHuman Resources
Tametria HarrisCompetent Leader AwardToastmasters InternationalConcession & Business Development
Edward S. MurrayCompetent Leader AwardToastmasters InternationalInformation Systems and Telecomm
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MIA welcomed an impressive mix of new carriers, new routes and new superjumbo aircraft on October 25 and 26, led by Four-Star carrier Turkish Airlines’ inaugural Istanbul-Miami flight. The lineup also featured longtime MIA airline partner British Airways’ introduction of daily Miami-London Heathrow service aboard the massive Airbus A380 superjumbo and the start of daily Las Vegas service by ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines. Additionally on October 25, Lufthansa introduced expanded seasonal service to Munich, SWISS and Virgin Atlantic launched additional daily flights, and Air France kicked off seasonal Airbus A380 service. Finnair launched year-round nonstop Miami-Helsinki flights on October 26.
“We couldn’t be happier about introducing all of these new air travel options to our valued customers, and we’re most grateful to our airline partners for their commitment to the red-hot Miami market,” said Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “New routes, new aircraft and new carriers – it’s all part of our strategic growth plans, and it’s all in a day’s work for our team here at MIA.”
DID YOU KNOW?New Carriers, Routes and Superjumbo Service Part of Two-Day Extravaganza at MIA
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The Aviation Department hosted eight business organizations at MIA in 2015 as part of the airport’s new Community Engagement Series. The monthly meetings provide a forum for updating organizations on improvements at the County’s leading economic engine and discussing potential partnerships on current and future airport projects. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Minority Chamber of Commerce, 100 Great Ideas and Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County are among the groups who met with MDAD staff. The ongoing outreach effort is aimed at strengthening the airport’s ties to the local business community.
“What I enjoy most about these community engagement meetings is the feedback we receive from airport users who live and work in our region,” said Director Emilio T. González. “Our goal is to find areas where we can work together to make them an integral part of MIA’s success. I am encouraged to hear that many of their recommendations are in line with projects we are already planning to implement.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACHMIA Director Meets with Business and Community Groups to Gain Valuable Feedback
DID YOU KNOW?
The Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents some 260 airlines or 83% of the world’s total air traffic, announced on November 4, that it has designated Miami International Airport as the first pharmaceuticals (pharma) freight hub in the U.S. and only the second in the world. MIA was recognized for organizing its pharma logistics providers to undergo IATA’s Pharma Certification Program, which certifies that pharma products are transported in accordance with global best practices. The announcement was made on November 4 at the 2015 Air and Sea Cargo Americas Conference, the largest gathering of air and sea cargo executives in the Western Hemisphere.
“As the first IATA-designated pharma freight hub in the U.S., we have the goal and expectation of increasing as well as attracting new pharma business from untapped markets across the globe,” said Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “We deeply appreciate our cargo partners for collaborating with us in this exciting new chapter of MIA’s growth.”
MIA Named First Pharma Freight Hub in the U.S., Second in the World
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THE FINAL WORDMIAair Makes Travel Easier for Special Needs Children and Their Families
MIAair (Airport Instruction and Readiness), the airport’s program designed to ease children with autism and hearing loss into the experience of air travel, was unveiled to the public on November 24. In partnership with the University of Miami’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), MIA has created a unique program that offers travel rehearsals for special needs children.
MIAair materials in English and Spanish provide families with photos of airport procedures including getting a boarding pass, passing
through security and boarding a plane. The program also provides travel checklists and tips, and brings participants onto a reserved aircraft for a simulated preflight experience.
Anthony Casola, an 18-year-old with autism and hearing impairment, was one of the first test cases for MIAair. His medical issue made traveling difficult, which meant that an annual trip with his family by car to Disney World for his birthday was his only travel experience. After reading the MIAair handbook, putting his belongings through
the x-ray machine at security, and taking part in a simulated plane ride, Anthony was ready to experience a real flight with his family. This year, they flew to Orlando for his annual birthday trip to Disney World.
“I know that MIAair will help other families like ours. They’re entitled to go to other places and meet other people,” said Vivian Casola, Anthony’s mother. “(MIAair) has opened up a whole new world for us.”
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