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February 2008 Newsletter |
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Emirates boosts service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to daily flights
Just two months after inaugurating historical new service from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport, Emirates Airlines began operating, this month, the first of four additional weekly flights. As of February 1, 2008, the carrier now offers daily nonstop service to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Fueling this rapid and considerable growth was the airline’s impressive performance to date. The Middle Eastern carrier reports that over 70 percent of their passengers are members of the city’s international oil and gas industry. Read Story
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Watch the latest episode of Houston Airports Today
Take some time and catch the new Houston Airports Today program. It includes dramatic rescues, exciting new destinations, incredible service amenities from one of our new air carriers, a festival, life saving trees and some astounding new numbers showing the Houston Airport System is flexing some global muscle. You can see the program every Wednesday on HTV (previously the Municipal Channel), at 7:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or after the Houston City Council meetings and at 7:00 p.m., or your can tune in to KTBU Channel 55 "The Tube", every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. If that won’t work check out our website and watch it anytime you like. Watch the Latest Episode
52 million travelers and over 387,000 metric tons of air cargo passed through Houston’s airports in 2007
Over the past 12 months, China Airlines Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, EVA Air Cargo, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Continental Airlines and British Airways, have launched or announced more than 42 additional weekly flights from Houston; inaugurated three new Asian all-cargo carriers; and introduced service to new markets such as Korea, Taipei, the United Arab Emirates, Heathrow Airport in London, Moscow, Russia and Singapore, all from the Houston Airport System. As a result, 2007 registered another record-setting year of passenger and air cargo traffic figures. Read Story
Houston gets high praise from national leaders
Two leading figures in politics and homeland security are praising George Bush Intercontinental Airport for its progressive use of technology, innovative security programs and impressive growth. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, along with Kip Hawley, administrator for the Transportation Security Administration, made a rare joint visit to IAH, this month. Read Story
Already in progress – parking improvements at IAH
This month, the Houston Airport System began working on a $42-million-plus capital improvement initiative to upgrade and improve the parking facilities at IAH. Among the improvements passengers can expect, once the project is complete, are more convenient parking spaces, new lighting inside the garage and easier access to the terminals – HAS officials report. For frequent flyers that would prefer to have a more personal parking space, the airport will soon offer an executive lot as well. Read Story
Biometrics make processing international travelers more secure
For anyone who has ever lost or had their travel documents stolen, the latest addition at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is certain to provide some level of consolation. Beginning this month, all international travelers arriving at the airport with non-US passports or visas will be required to comply with the Department of Homeland Security’s new 10-fingerprint initiative. Under the new identification procedure US Customs and Border Protection is replacing all of their existing two-print scanners for 10-print models, at the airport’s Federal Inspections Services facility. Read Story
From contacts to contracts
In matters of business, money talks – and at the upcoming Government and Procurement Connections Conference the message is clear. Over $1.3 million in contracting opportunities are available for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Among the organizations looking to contract new local businesses are Houston Community College, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Port of Houston, the Houston Independent School District, the Texas Department of Transportation, NASA, the City of Houston, the Texas Medical Center, Harris County and HAS. Read Story
Badging airport cab drivers adds another layer of security for travelers passing through Bush and Hobby airports
Already a leader in aviation safety, the Houston Airport System is now incorporating another layer of security at George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports. As of the last day of April 2008, all cab drivers picking up passengers at Houston’s two primary airports will be required to present an authorized airport security badge. This new measure is an extension of the Houston Airport System’s current badging policy. Read Story
U.S. Flag of Honor arrives in Houston
Some travelers stopped in their tracks; people saluted; eyes welled up with tears; others took pictures as the Flag of Honor was hand delivered and paraded through the concourse for a ceremony at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The United States Flag of Honor is said to be the U.S. flag that was originally flying over the Texas State Capitol during the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. It was then taken to Ground Zero and flown over the site and now serves as a symbol of respect and honor for the men and women who serve our country. Read Story
Military blood drive aims to reduce casualties of war
For the members of the US Armed Forces every single drop counts. When you take into account the many dangers they face overseas on a daily basis it is hard not to sympathize with their needs. At least that is what the Helping a Hero foundation is hoping. On Saturday, March 1, 2008, they will be hosting the first ever military blood-drive and 5K fun run at Ellington Field. In cooperation with the Houston Military Affairs Committee, the nonprofit Hero organization is hoping to collect enough blood to reduce the number of casualties in the military population. Read Story
Life is Good at Hobby Airport
Living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has really paid off for brothers Bert and John Jacobs. The creation of one cartoon, known simply as Jake, has blossomed into an icon of optimism for the duo who created the Life is Good retail brand concept. Spreading good cheer all over the world is the main message of this unique national retailer. With the help of the Hudson Group, an airport concessionaire, Life is Good is now available in airports around the country, including Houston’s own award-winning William P. Hobby Airport. Read Story
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
Houston Airport System news is distributed on a monthly basis and is available by subscription.
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Director Richard Vacar
Editor Juan Alanis
Writers: Juan Alanis
Marlene McClinton
Melissa Sustaita
Nneka Kimble
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