doubt that their dedication to punctuality, quality service and security continues to exceed exceptions,” acknowledged John Drpich, KLM Area Director, The Americas. KLM’s station at JFK International Airport received this distinction for the second time; the first time in 2003 and now again for 2004. The handling of KLM flights at JFK was taken over by Swissport effective September 2004. “The recognition is testimony to the effective corporate cooperation experienced among the partners at many levels,” noted Maarten Stienen, KLM General Manager for outstations, The Americas. “Maarten Stienen & John Drpich both expressed their personal gratitude to the individual efforts of this outstanding team that made this award possible,” according to Ajay Dhawan, KLM Station Manager, JFK & Newark. “This achievement is particularly rewarding as it reflects positively on the ability of both stations to consistently deliver a high quality product.”

A staff appreciation dinner was held for staff of Terminal 7 and the focus of the event was to recognize the exceptional service the Servisair/Globe Ground team has been providing for many years as well as kick-off the new cleaning program that has been developed between British Airways and Servisair/Globe Ground. The program will provide greater efficiency of staffing in the terminal as well as the ability to better measure quality and performance on a consistent basis. The program also reaffirms British Airways strong commitment to Terminal 7 in terms of customer service and passenger service as well as continuing development of JFK Airport as a world class airport.” British Airways has and always will aggressively seek to improve our Terminal here at JFK and our new janitorial program is proof thaqt we want the cleanest, healthiest and most attractive environment for our terminal staff, our tenants and most of all, our customers,” said Vincent Melito, British Airways Director of Property and Facilities, Americas. Jack Oakman, Servisair/Globe Ground – Director Property and Facilities added, “We understand that as part of the JFK airport community our Terminal 7 clients hold high expectations for the services they want their customers to experience. This new program demonstrates that we are flexible and focused on results based upon our customers’ needs.”
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In a game called “you bet your business”, JFK IAC, Sea and Air Services of the Big Apple, would appear to be a big loser. In an indictment filed by the TSA, Sea and Air was cited as being in violation of several TSA regulations. These include; offering cargo for transport on passenger carrying flights at JFK that was not permitted under current TSA regulations, not doing competent audits of their shippers, falsifying documents requested by TSA inspectors and for committing wire fraud. Sea and Air also misled inspectors by stating that they had carried out aspects of their security program when in fact they had not. The TSA worked diligently with Air and Sea to try to rectify their problems over a long period of time through multiple inspections and outreach. TSA is not looking to be a “disciplinary” agency but one that provides support and outreach to make cargo shipments safe. The outreach to Sea and Air proved to be unsuccessful and subsequently, civil actions against the company were pursued. Sea and Air still did not take any action to correct these problems and when fraud and falsification were uncovered, the civil charges escalated to criminal. The investigation which began in late 2003 finally resulted in the company’s owner, Roshan Ali Ahmad, being indicted and arrested. Freed on $50,000 bond, he is currently awaiting trial. This work was the culmination of teamwork and dedication of the JFK Cargo Aviation Security Inspectors James Fallace and Christopher Zarnitz, TSA Criminal Investigators Ralph Palmiere and Keith Melofchik and the Department of Justice Attorneys Office. Until proven otherwise, all defendants are considered innocent.

even offers full body massages in a private room along with European facials. The stressed out traveler or airport employee can unwind amidst the cooling blues and reviving orange colored salon as they receive treatments that airlines don’t provide. As customers enjoy the sounds of Asian inspired music playing in the background, the only reminder they have of being in an airport is the intercom occasionally reminding them of their flights. D_parture spa landed at Newark Airport in Terminal C near Gate 92, in November of 2000 and the Terminal B location opened in 2002. After September 11th, d_parture spa took extra special care of their traveling customers with discounted massages. It was a “Helping America get back to action” day with all proceeds going to the Twin Tower Fund. “We had fun doing it and not only did it help raise money, but so many people needed to unwind and relax. It felt great to help out.” said Marilyn Tomaso, d_parture spa manager. The Spa also offers a Frequent Buyer Program for recurring customers along with an airport employee discount (proper identification required). They also carry their own line of skin care called “Avance”, along with other high end designers such as Paul Mitchell. “A lot of business travelers live out of their suitcases and will even call in advance to make an appointment. But if a passenger forgets a necessity, they can buy our travel size products.” said Tomaso. Celebrity travelers such as Oscar winner Hillary Swank, Nelly Furtado and Patrick Kennedy have enjoyed the spa’s amenities. If one location at Newark is over-booked, d_parture spa will book you at the other location. A quick ride on the monorail and you are on your way to another world. D_parture spa at Terminal C is open from 8:00am to 8:30pm and the Terminal B location is open from 11:00am to 9:00pm. Both are open seven days a week, including holidays. You can check out the website at: www.departurespa. com. With the rising cost of fuel prices, people are using mass transit more often, which leads to more stressed out travelers. Relaxation has become a necessity, not just an indulgence. “We are looking at expanding our locations. Maybe having like mini kiosks with massage tables around the airport. Everyone needs to relax, especially when you have to spend so many hours there.” Tomaso said. They are even thinking of bringing the relaxation world into the transportation world of bus and/or train terminals. Along with making sure the traveling community is safe and secure, airport facilities have begun catering to the health and wellness of their passengers. What was once considered a glorified taxi stand with jumbo-sized taxi’s awaiting their passengers has now been transformed into technological marvels with mini home away from home features for the weary traveler. Next time you’re at Newark Liberty International Airport with some time to kill, stop by d_parture spa for some quiet time. You’ll forget that you’re in an airport as you relax in an urban Zen hideaway. Just don’t forget about your flight.

A little over a year ago the State of Florida in conjunction with the Tampa International Airport Authority and Southwest Airlines contracted renowned artist Christopher Still to do a mural for the new Southwest Terminal at Tampa Airport. Mr. Still came up with the idea of a mural depicting both the early years at Tampa Airport and today’s times. At the same time he had heard about the restoration project of our Eastern Air Lines Douglas DC-7B. He decided that this would make the perfect center-piece theme for the mural. Mr. Still contacted Eastern Air Lines and Legendary Airliners for permission to use the DC-7B image and Eastern Air Lines as the focal point. After receiving the approval to use