Friday, August 29
As part of a larger customer service initiative, CHO will soon be showcasing the diversity of art and culture in the Central Virginal region. A new Terminal Enhancement Program will include a regional artisan exhibit area covering use of diverse mediums. The intent of this program will be to create an airport experience unique to CHO that welcomes travelers to the airport and region. We hope that this will be just one of many customer service initiatives underway that will engage our travelers with innovative and memorable experiences that encourage Central Virginians to choose CHO as their gateway to the world. We will continue to look for artists in the region to contribute to the regional artisan exhibit area. Feel free to contact CHO with any questions.
Sunday, August 17
The Delta/Northwest merger continues positive progress. The merger is expected to have no immediate impact at CHO since routes at CHO do not overlap, and Delta already provides ground services for Northwest at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. Last week, pilots for both airlines announced agreement upon a joint contract as reported in the article below, courtesy of the American Association of Airport Executives:
Pilots from Delta and Northwest have voted to approve a joint contract that will apply to both pilot groups following the closing of the Delta-Northwest merger, Delta confirmed.
Delta CEO Richard Anderson issued a statement saying, “Approval of a joint contract that will cover both pilot groups immediately upon closing of the merger is an historic milestone in creating the world’s premier global airline, and we are pleased that pilots from both airlines chose to take this important step to unify the pilot group. Today’s ratification is a testament to the diligent efforts of (Air Line Pilots Association) ALPA’s leadership working together with its members, Delta and Northwest.”
In related news, Delta and Northwest announced that they have received unconditional clearance from the European Commission (EC) on the carriers’ proposed merger.
The EC said that its investigation found the proposed transaction would not impede effective competition in Europe or on transatlantic routes.
“Approval from the European Commission for the merger is another important step toward completing our pro-competitive merger with Northwest,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “We continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and remain confident that we will be able to finalize the merger by the end of the year.”
Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners would provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. In addition to approval by the Justice Dept., the merger also is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders.
Airport Report, Volume LIII, Number 16, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is served by Station 9, a group of aircraft firefighters that train for hundreds of hours a year for all types of airport emergencies. On Saturday, August 16, all of their hard work will be put to the test as evaluators follow them through a mock emergency exercise.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all commercial service airports undergo a live drill every three years to ensure responding units are prepared, and that the local emergency system is working correctly. Drills in the past have included law enforcement action in the terminal, hostage activity on an aircraft, and various aircraft emergencies both on and off airport property.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs will provide a propane fueled aircraft simulator to create realism. This year’s drill will include emergency personnel from the airport as well as local fire, rescue, police and the Red Cross. For those traveling with CHO that day, be assured daily operations will not be affected. Signage will notify travelers and broadcasts will be made in the terminal to keep everyone informed about the mock emergency event.
The drill will be conducted from 0900 to 1200, and will require multiple emergency vehicles entering and exiting airport property.
