July 2007 Newsletter

International routes are set to increase with the new Dreamliner  Introducing the new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner airplane, touted as the next generation mid-sized aircraft that can fly the long haul international routes, like the big jets, all while using 20 percent less fuel. In addition, the aircraft is expected to travel at speeds similar to today’s fastest jetliners like the 777, 767 and 757. That fuel efficiency and speed is due in part to the composite materials used in 50 percent of the primary structure – including the fuselage and wings. Read Story

Watch the latest episode of Houston Airports Today
Join us for a taste of Texas as we highlight the sweet relationship between, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Federal Express and George Bush International Airport. We’ll bring you up to date on the newest safety device now deployed at both Bush and Hobby. We’re the first in the world to use the system. We’ll tell you about the signs popping up all over Bush Airport and see who’s playing our song in the terminals. It’s all at your fingertips on Houston Airports Today when you check our website www.fly2houston.com, or you can catch it every Saturday morning on Channel 55 at 9 a.m. and on the Houston Municipal Channel Wednesday’s at 7a.m., 1p.m and 7p.m. Watch the Latest Episode

Houston’s international air traffic growing steadily
International carriers flying into Houston are experiencing significant increases in passenger and air cargo traffic. More than 21 million domestic and international passengers have already traveled through Houston’s airports in the first five months of this year. Most impressive, however, is the growth in transcontinental air traffic to and from the city. During the month of May, international passenger traffic registered a significant, year-over-year, increase of 5.5 percent, in comparison to the same timeframe in 2006. Read Story

Military presence at EFD set to triple in 2008
After 90 years of service to the local region, Houston’s oldest airport is gearing up for a substantial resurgence in military activity. In roughly eight months, the first group of 2,500-plus Army, Marine and Navy reservists will arrive at the joint-use civil/military airport to occupy the new state-of-the-art, 43-acre, United States Army Reserve facility that is currently under construction at Ellington Field. March of 2008 is the official date for which the airport is expected to triple its military personnel from the current 1,300 members of the Texas Air National Guard to more than 3,800 members of the US Armed Forces. Read Story

SEADOG to the rescue
It was designed to help airports cope with and recuperate from major disasters ranging from hurricanes to high winds. SEADOG is the name most often associated with this initiative, but in reality it stands for Southeast Airport Disaster Operating Group. The program surfaced in September 2004, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and ultimately it symbolizes a brotherhood of partnership between US airports across the country. Read Story

Governor Perry signs bill creating new Hobby Area Management District
The 80th Texas legislative session created a new organization to benefit the area surrounding William P. Hobby Airport. House Bill 4110, authored by Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston created the Hobby Area Management District as part of an overall effort by local businesses and community leaders to create and promote economic development in the area. ESC Polytech Consultants President and CEO Danny R. Perkins is the Board Chair for HAMD. He also serves as the chairman of the board of the Greater Hobby Area Chamber of Commerce. Read Story

Paying it forward 
One good deed saved a life; now another one will hopefully save many more around the City of Houston. Kevin Hanigan, senior executive vice president of Guaranty Bank, presented the City of Houston with a check for $20,000 for the purchase of additional defibrillators to be placed in public areas. He also pledged to donate 2007 trees to the city in honor of the airport employees. Read Story

Recognizing worldwide partnerships
George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s new Sister Cities display is a gleaming addition to its state-of-the-art international passenger arrivals facility. The map and plaque serve as a modest reminder of pledges between the City of Houston and 16 international cities, as part of the Sister Cities of Houston organization. The unveiling of the display drew dozens of diplomatic, federal and aviation representatives who watched as the two year project came to fruition. Read Story

Keeping up with the airports 
A runway is the main street to every city. In Houston’s case, there are twelve. With air traffic at an all time high in Houston, the runways see a lot of wear and tear. On a good weather day, there are anywhere from 80 to 100 takeoffs and landings per hour and that’s at George Bush Intercontinental Airport alone. The Houston Airport System has a group of dedicated employees that get down and dirty to ensure safe landings at each of the airports in Houston. They are called the Airfield and Grounds Department or A&G. Read Story

Hobby Airport welcomes world record breaking pilot 
Barrington Irving, a 23-year-old aerospace student is hoping to be the youngest and first black pilot to fly solo around the world. On Saturday June 23, 2007, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum located at William P. Hobby Airport, served as one of Irving’s last stops before flying home to Miami, FL where he will complete his globetrotting journey. The museum hosted a welcoming ceremony with a list of eager supporters awaiting Irving’s return with a guided tour of the museum and vintage aircraft. Read Story

Opportunity Knocks!   
The Houston Airport System will host its second annual Small Business Opportunity Networking Fair on Wednesday August 29th, at the Humble Civic Center. All interested businesses are invited to participate. Attendees will learn how to do business with HAS, our contracting requirements, how find out about upcoming opportunities, how to network with other businesses already partnering with HAS, etc. For more information call (281) 233-7823 or send a note to has.smallbusiness@cityofhouston.net. To register for the event  Click Here

   For more of the latest news about Houston's three main airports, please Click Here to visit our online newsroom.

George Bush Intercontinental - William P. Hobby - Ellington Field

www.fly2houston.com

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Director          Richard Vacar
Editor       Richard Fernandez
Writers:        Juan Alanis 
                          Marlene McClinton
                         Melissa Delgado  

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