A place to assist in airport locations, fl ight information, or even information about local hotels and eateries; this is part of the mission of the newly inaugurated La- Guardia Airport Welcome Center. But there primary mission is to assist with inter-city transportation. All transportation arrangements can be made at the center. A variety of transportation options are available including shared rides, private car and limousine service. The center also provides information on public transit options that require no more than one connection. In LaGuardia’s Delta Terminal, Marine Air Terminal, and US Airways terminal, visit the Ground Transportation counters on the Arrivals levels for information on traveling in New York and New Jersey. To ensure prompt service, reservations for accessible transportation vehicles should be made at least 24 hours in advance for all shared ride transportation services. Just a hint from the center’s management; it is unsafe to accept a ride from drivers who approach you. Even if they look offi cial, they are breaking the law. If you need a ride, follow the signs to the Welcome Center/Ground Transportation Counter near the baggage claim area, or call 1-800-AIRRIDE for information on authorized transportation services.

Newark Liberty International Airport will become the nation’s fi rst major hub to test a new satellite navigation technology to help reduce fl ight delays, under an agreement approved today by the Port Authority’s board of commissioners. The technology, called Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS), will help reduce air-traffi c control congestion at Newark Liberty by increasing navigational precision compared with traditional radar-based systems. Essentially, planes using GBAS will be able to fl y closer together and land more effi ciently, without reducing safety. Such a program will benefi t Newark Liberty, which has been plagued for years by congestion and has consistently ranked near the bottom of the nation’s busiest airports in terms of on-time arrivals. Testing the GBAS technology is part of the Port Authority’s Flight Delay Task Force’s

recommendations for alleviating congestion at Newark Liberty and its two other major airports, John F. Kennedy International and La Guardia. “As the Flight Delay Task Force concluded, implementing a “next gen” air traffi c control system is critical to reducing fl ight delays at the nation’s airports,’’ said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. “The Port Authority’s investment in GBAS shows our willingness to act on the Task Force’s recommendation, and we’re very pleased that our customers at Newark Liberty will be among the very fi rst to profi t from this innovative system.’’ The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is entering a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration and Continental Airlines to conduct demonstration tests of the GBAS technology. The Port Authority has authorized an estimated $2.5 million to cover the costs and oversee a contract with Honeywell to buy, install and maintain the GBAS system. Honeywell is the only FAA-certifi ed provider of the system. Continental will invest approximately $1.1 million to outfi t 15 planes with GBAS equipment and train pilots to use the system. The FAA has committed as much as $2.5 million to assess the technology and expand its use. The technology is particularly beneficial in low visibility landing conditions.

On Tuesday December 16th, American Airlines at JFK played host to a small group of unsung (or should I say “under-sung”) heroes. In partnership with Snowball Express, American Airlines and several of their employees donated time, money and resources to provide a charter fl ight and a VIP send off for 59 special people. As children and surviving spouses of military service men and women killed in action since 9/11 these families have made the ultimate sacrifi ce. Snowball Express is an organization started in 2006 and has “Snowballed” in the few years since. Their mission is simple: to pay tribute to those who have sacrifi ced and create a network of hope for those left behind. American Airlines operated 6 Snowball charters on 12/16 from various parts of the country, picking up families along the way. In addition families from Germany, Japan, and as far away as Australia joined the fun at Disneyland receiving the royal treatment from companies like Oakley, Quicksilver, Marriot, and a host of others. Locally soldiers from Fort Hamilton, and employees of Courtyard Marriot helped to make the experience more festive, and add a touch of fl are to the event. As they boarded the fl ight, these VIP’s were given a heroes welcome as rows of uniformed soldiers lined the jetway entrance. In addition Tony Orlando joined the fl ight and will entertain these families while on their trip.

The Winner of the 2008 Airport Press Christmas Decorations Contest goes to JRS Trucking, Inc., Jamaica, NY 11430, for their colorful and creative lobby display, with a special Holiday greeting and salute to the Teutul family of Orange County Choppers in Newburgh, NY... Paul Sr., Paul Jr. and families, and their amazing staff and families.