Tale Winds Newsletter Winter 2015

MIA BECOMES PHARMA HUB DID YOU KNOW ?

NEW

CARRIERS

ROUTES

MIAair

LAUNCHES THE FINAL WORD

SUPERJUMBO SERVICE Winter 2015• Vol. 21 No. 4 Established March 1994

WINDOW SEAT

By Aviation Director Emilio T. González 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.

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

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.

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,

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

CUSTOMER CORNER “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.”

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

“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 2

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.”

Christian G. Fernandez, Terminal Operations and Security Division Senior Agent.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

From 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 lifechanging 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.

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.

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

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 & SEMINARS

By Sandra L. Jackson

Identity Theft Protection Workshop 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 onpoint information about identity theft. He knew his stuff.”

Complimentary Nutrition Consultations 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

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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) 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

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

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.

Employee Health Fair 2015 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!

Physician Health Center

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“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.

CONCESSIONS CORNER

Air Margaritaville Now Open in Central Terminal 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 laidback 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 housemade margaritas, frozen boat drinks and cold LandShark Lager, along with signature food items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise and Volcano Nachos.

Food Trucks Have Landed at MIA 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.

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“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.”

SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES

David J. Sopczak Airport Fire Suppression Systems Tech Facilities Maintenance

SERVICE AWARD PINS

Debra Charles Facilities Maintenance Contracts Spec.

Facilities Maintenance

Miami-Dade County service award pins issued from April through September 2015.

5 YEARS

David A. Marfisi Airport Facilities Superintendent Facilities Maintenance

Alexander Hernandez Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety

Delores Jones Airport Attendant Airside Operations

Andreika Hudson Airport Record Center Clerk 2 Human Resources

John W. Meyer Airport Public Service Assistant Terminal Operations

Emilio Vazquez, Jr. Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations

Marek Wojcik Airport Protocol Officer Protocol

James R. Carlin Airport Protocol Representative Protocol

Miguel E. Rivero Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety

Jorge Melendez Airport APM Technician Facilities Maintenance

Ruben D. Gallego Airport Painter Facilities Maintenance

Kenneth A. Pyatt Deputy Aviation Director Director’s Office

Troy E. Garner Airport Operations Agent Airside Operations

Michael H. McKenzie Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety Skarlett Chavarria Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations Tanequa Cox Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations Winsky Fleureny Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations

10 YEARS

15 YEARS Alain E. Cardoso Airport Plumber Facilities Maintenance America Perez Airport Account Clerk Finance

Elias A. Kirkland, Jr. Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety Erwin E. Cattuse Airport Fire Suppression Systems Tech Facilities Maintenance Fenale J. Pierre Airport Operations Agent Airside Operations Jaime E. Torres Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety Jose A. Nunez Airport Hydraulic Mechanic Facilities Maintenance Juan J. Contreras Airport Motorcycle Mechanic Facilities Maintenance Juan C. Riera Airport Maintenance Supervisor Facilities Maintenance Kimberley Siplin Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety Lance P. Burke Airport Maintenance Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

Brenda Harris-Broderic Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety Carlos A. Baquedano Airport Systems Analyst/Programmer 2 Information Systems and Telecomm

Ammad Riaz Aviation Planning Chief Planning

Cynthia A. Paul Aviation Special Projects Administrator 2 Governmental Affairs

Carl Haney Airport Operations Senior Agent Security and Public Safety

David O. Hyman Airport Operations Senior Agent Terminal Operations

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Lasandra T. Wheeler Aviation Section Chief Security and Public Safety Leroy Stringer, Jr. Airport Permits Compliance Specialist Landside Operations Linda M. Daniels Airport Administrative Secretary Facilities Management Maeviz Young-Plummer Airport Operations Agent General Aviation Airports

SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES Maria Ferrer Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety

Lorenzo E. Velasquez Airport Maintenance Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

Mark N. Balseca Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations

Maria Najera-Matos PGTS Coordinator Program Controls

Michael Schneider Airport Fire Suppression Systems Tech Facilities Maintenance

Pamela Coney Airport Operations Agent Terminal Operations

Nicholson Pierre Airport Operations Senior Agent Security and Public Safety

25 YEARS

Rafael A. Miret Airport Painter Facilities Maintenance Richard N. Shohfi Airport Account Clerk Finance Rosa Delgado Business Development Specialist 2 Minority Affairs Shevetta Smith Airport Operations Agent Security and Public Safety Rosslyn T. John Airport BMS Operator Facilities Maintenance Teddy Valentin Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety Violet D. Ellis Airport Secretary Real Estate Management

20 YEARS

Alberto E. Reyes Airport Operations Senior Agent Terminal Operations Angela Marr Airport Account Clerk Finance Carlos A. Casanueva Airport Operations Senior Agent Facilities Maintenance Clara P. Meade Airport Compliance Senior Specialist Airside Operations Cristina Desdunes Airport Operations Supervisor Terminal Operations Dania Vidal Airport Personnel Technician Human Resources Denise E. Strang Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Edwin Biggerman Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

Abe G. Ivory Airport Plant Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

Evelio E. Zuriarrain Airport Operations Senior Agent Terminal Operations

Gloria Mohamed-March Airport Account Clerk Finance

Federico Garcia Airport Refrigeration/AC Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

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Francisco Valdes Airport Maintenance Mechanic Facilities Maintenance George Ruxton Airport Carpenter Facilities Maintenance Gustavo G. Yaluk Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Hubert L. Dixon Airport Plant Mechanic Facilities Maintenance Israel Herrera Airport Painter Facilities Maintenance Jorge Hernandez Airport Maintenance Mechanic Facilities Maintenance Jose A. Guzman Accountant 2 Finance Julio E. Rojas Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations Marie F. Wagnac-Ricks Airport Public Service Assistant Terminal Operations Mario Gonzalez Landside Operations Officer 2 Landside Operations Mayra Guijarro Airport Operations Agent Terminal Operations Orlando Borrajo, Jr. Airport Maintenance Superintendent Facilities Maintenance Salvador Correa Airport Lighting Technician Facilities Maintenance Sucie Carrion Executive Secretary Finance & Strategy Rafael Cutie Division Director Facilities Management

30 YEARS Allen Graham Airport Operations Agent Airside Operations Antoine R. Griffin Airport Operations Supervisor Landside Operations Chris Folds Airport Operations Agent General Aviation Airports Felix Gonzalez, Jr. Special Projects Administrator 1 Finance Jack L. More, II Painter Supervisor Facilities Maintenance Jimmy Janvier Airport Refrigeration/AC Mechanic Facilities Maintenance Jorge L. Marin Chief of Engineering Facilities Maintenance

Arnold Interiano Airport Operations Agent Airside Operations Carol A. Lord Auxiliary Airport Specialist General Aviation Airports Marcia Fernandez-Morin Special Projects Administrator 2 Marketing Maria Pereiras Airport Operations Supervisor Security and Public Safety Peter R. Prendergast Airport Operations Agent Terminal Operations

NEW HIRES AND TRANSFER-IN MDAD employees hired or transferred-in from April through September 2015.

APRIL 2015 Hector Miranda Airport Refrigeration / AC Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

Marc T. Henderson Media & Public Relations Officer Communications

Jorge Sosa Airport Electrician Facilities Maintenance

Ofelia Ferreiro Aviation Volunteer Info Coordinator Customer and Public Relations

Nicolas Perez Construction Manager 3 Facilities Maintenance

Ralph Pinnock Airport Electronic Electrical Equipment 1 Facilities Maintenance

Zacarias Gonzalez Airport Auto Equipment Operator 2 Facilities Maintenance

Ramon E. Gomez Airport Maintenance Mechanic Facilities Maintenance

MAY 2015

Robert K. Crumbliss Special Projects Administrator 1 Environmental Engineering

35 YEARS Adela A. Ledo Architect 2 Facilities Maintenance

JUNE 2015 Carrie White Airport Attendant Airside Operations Chaquaneise Jones Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations James L. Kelly, Jr. Division Director Terminal Operations Eric Robinson Airport Attendant Airside Operations Lester Ray Airport Attendant Airside Operations Marcel Desdunes Airport Attendant Airside Operations Shannon Lee Airport Inventory Control Specialist Procurement

JULY 2015 Andre Foote Landside Operations Equipment Spec Landside Operations Ileana Rivero Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Marc Exposito Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

Armando Garcia Airport Maintenance Repairer Facilities Maintenance

Suzanne Trutie Media & Public Relations Officer Communications

Jorge Camacho Airport Sprayer Facilities Maintenance

Troy Camarcho Landside Operations Equipment Spec Landside Operations

Michelle Barreau-Charles Aviation Business Systems Specialist Real Estate Management

Andrea Katz Administrative Officer 1 Planning

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AUGUST 2015 Adrian Williams Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

SERVICE AWARDS, NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS & DEGREES/CERTIFICATES Aida Jove Special Projects Administrator 2 Commercial Hospitality & Transp Svcs

Osvaldo Lara Airport Locksmith Facilities Maintenance

Alejandro Garcia Airport Electronic-Electrical Equip Tech 1 Facilities Maintenance

Rebeca Safi Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety

Amelia Cordova Aviation Sr Procurement Contracts Officer Contracts Administration

Stephen Wright Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

Fernando Mojena Amaya Airport Systems Analyst Programmer 1 Information Systems and Telecomm

SEPTEMBER 2015

Gary Porter Airport Maintenance Supervisor Facilities Maintenance Gregory Busche Airport Fire Suppression System Tech Facilities Maintenance Gregory Cooper Airport Attendant Airside Operations Guillermo Martinez Airport Electrician Facilities Maintenance James Hollis, Jr. Safety Specialist 2 Human Resources John Seaman Senior Aviation Property Manager Real Estate Management Kelly Quiroz Airport Accountant 1 Finance Lytice Ferreras Special Projects Administrator 1 Business Development Maribel Areiza Westgate Aviation Senior Cost Manager Program Controls

Emir Pineda Aviation Marketing Specialist Marketing Daniel Morus Airport Auto Equipment Operator 1 Facilities Maintenance

PROMOTIONS

JUNE 2015 Cristina Desdunes Airport Operations Supervisor Terminal Operations Jorge Sariego Terminal Facilities Maintenance Chief Facilities Maintenance Leon Cuellar Aviation Cost Analyst Program Controls Norman Hegedus Section Chief Airside Operations Ofelia Ferreiro Aviation VIP Coordinator Customer and Public Relations Pierre Marquez Airport Attendant Airside Operations

JULY 2015

MDAD employees promoted from April through September 2015.

Jayson Fernandez Airport Operations Specialist Security and Public Safety

APRIL 2015

AUGUST 2015

Julissa Owens Executive Secretary Facilities Management

Carlos Martinez Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

Jimmy Talabert Airport Electrician Facilities Maintenance

David Hyman Airport Operations Senior Agent Terminal Operations

MAY 2015

Diosdado Fernandez Airport Facilities Superintendent Facilities Maintenance

Ashey Bayol Airport Operation Specialist Terminal Operations Guillermo Lacayo Airport Public Service Assistant Terminal Operations John Collado Landside Operations Officer Landside Operations Francisco Rodriguez Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations

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Elizabeth Bellmas Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Gabriel Morales Airport Painter Facilities Maintenance Gina Thomas Airport Facilities Superintendent Facilities Maintenance James Richardson Airport Painter Facilities Maintenance

Sandra MacGibbon Airport Compliance Specialist Landside Operations

Oliver Samy Emergency Vehicle Technician Certificate Facilities Maintenance

Tanya Gutierrez Airport Compliance Specialist Landside Operations

Porchia Lazier Certified Public Accountant Finance

SEPTEMBER 2015

Willie Morgan Emergency Vehicle Technician Certificate Facilities Maintenance

Clara P. Meade Airport Compliance Senior Specialist Landside Operations Fadia Nehme Airport Operations Agent Terminal Operations

Yoamel Zequeira Emergency Vehicle Technician Certificate Facilities Maintenance

JUNE 2015

Jean Aurelien Airport Lighting Supervisor Facilities Maintenance

Oscar Aguirre Airport Operations Certificate Finance

Kerryann Aikman-McLean Landside Operations Officer 1 Landside Operations

Katherine James Advanced Communicator Bronze Award Toastmasters International Cash Management

Manuel Rodriguez Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Mercedes Adams-Charlton Airport Attendant Airside Operations Michelle de la Hoz Airport Operations Specialist Terminal Operations Ricardo Montiel Airport Noise Abatement Officer Noise Abatement Yalysher Ameng Airport Public Service Assistant Terminal Operations

MERITS

MDAD employees that received Merits and were recognized at the Quarterly Employee Recognition Breakfast from April through September 2015

APRIL 2015 Auguste Louissant Emergency Vehicle Technician Certificate Facilities Maintenance

Lisa Wilcox Advanced Communicator Bronze Award Toastmasters International Human Resources Mark Mitros Competent Communicator and Competent Leader Awards Toastmasters International Landside Operations Sabrina Saint Jour Competent Leader Award Toastmasters International Terminal Operations Sandra L. Jackson Competent Communicator Award Toastmasters International Human Resources Tametria Harris Competent Leader Award Toastmasters International Concession & Business Development Edward S. Murray Competent Leader Award Toastmasters International Information Systems and Telecomm

Gary Ellis, Jr. Emergency Vehicle Technician Certificate Facilities Maintenance 11

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NEW E- MAGAZINE MIAConnex.com

HOLIDAY EDITION NOW ONLINE!

DID YOU KNOW?

New Carriers, Routes and Superjumbo Service Part of Two-Day Extravaganza at MIA 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 MiamiLondon 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?

MIA Named First Pharma Freight Hub in the U.S., Second in the World

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.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

MIA Director Meets with Business and Community Groups to Gain Valuable Feedback 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, MiamiDade 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.

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“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.”

THE FINAL WORD

MIAair 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

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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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