Guamairport.com

New Primary Customs Clearance Facility

2009-07-02T12:07:22

The A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) and the Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency (CQA) formalized plans for the relocation of air cargo clearance operations to the new Guam Integrated Air Cargo Facility located in Tiyan and slated for completion and occupancy on August 15, 2009.

"The new facility will significantly streamline the CQA operations and will be designated as the primary customs clearance facility for both inbound and outbound air cargo shipments," stated COL (Ret) Dennis J. Santo Tomas, Director of Guam Customs & Quarantine. "It places us in a position to better handle the increased air cargo volume associated with the military buildup."

The Guam Integrated Air Cargo Facility is public/private venture between GIAA and PacAir Properties LLC. The new facility, developed by PacAir Properties is a $23M investment in a state of the art Integrated Air Cargo Facility.

"The project is in line with the Airport's plan to expand service into Guam and takes advantage of the liberal cargo authorizations granted to Guam from the US Department of Transportation, "stated Carlos Salas, GIAA Executive Manager. "It is a welcome development for the Airport and cargo operators who currently face congestive conditions and space and capacity restriction in the current 35-year-old cargo facility.

The new facility will increase cargo-handling capacity from 50,000 tons to over 3.5M tons of cargo. Safety and security are aspects addressed in the design and operations of the new Integrated Air Cargo Facility. All TSA and Customs regulations governing the movement of inbound and outbound cargo will be met, assuring secure transport of goods on aircraft carrying a mix of passengers and cargo.

The Development being undertaken will increase the available Cargo space with direct Airport Operations Area (AOA) access from 34,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet. In addition, 36,000 square feet of office space will be available for airport related tenants in this prime area. A ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

Airport Employees Lauded As 'Everyday Heroes' on Local Website

2009-07-02T12:07:22

GUAM - This week Guam News Factor is featuring a heroic duo from the A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA). Juan S.N. Reyes and Joe Calvo are loyal workers at our airport and recently have earned heroic status among their family at GIAA.

Aside from performing exceptional work at the Airport, the gateway into Guam and the first impression for our visitors, Reyes and Calvo recently rescued a young child and assisted the Guam Police Department (GPD) in returning the child to his mother. Truly, these men deserve recognition as Guam's Everyday Heroes.

On June 15, 2009 Reyes sent an email to his colleagues that read, "(Today) at around 1:00 p.m. Joe (Calvo) and I went off of GIAA jurisdiction with an official vehicle in good faith and Samaritan-ship…when we observed an unattended child walking alone along route 16 by Commercial Tire, we immediately took custody of the child as the roadside posed an immediate hazard to him had he walked into the street, we then notified GPD who arrived and assisted us."

Reyes added, "Joe was able to calm the child and assured him we would find his Mother, we then assisted GPD and were able to locate the mother roughly two blocks up from where we found the child in Barrigada Heights. (The Guam Police Department officer) then thanked us as he was determining whether or not to arrest the mother for Child Neglect / Endangerment. When asked by the officer who interviewed me, whether we wanted to press charges, I simply told him to do the right thing and that we are just grateful this was not a tragic ending."

Later it was found out the child was two years old.

Reyes, who has combined worked experience in aviation in both the military and as a civilian expressed his fascination for the world of aviation. "I feel my Job is similar to being one of the Wonders of the World," he said.

Reyes has spent the last 15 years at GIAA and explained, "Everyday is an exciting and unique challenge in itself as aviation. It has got to be one of the most exciting careers, especially when working with a group of people with high values and integrity."

Reyes has been happily married to his wife Frances T. Reyes for 24 years and together they have two children, a son, John A. Reyes, U. S. Coast Guard, and a daughter, Victoria L. Quinata, married to Jeremy Quinata, U.S. Air Force; and also a lovely granddaughter Adrianna Quinata.

Joe Calvo has been a member of the GIAA family for 23 years who along with Reyes has demonstrated his dedication beyond his normal scope of work by taking a young child out of immediate danger. "It felt great!" Calvo said after helping the two-year-old to safety.

Calvo expressed his enthusiasm for his job at the airport, "I love my job. I work at a great agency with great people. I appreciate the daily challenges and I never stop learning."

Calvo has been married to June Fejeran Calvo for almost 25 years. They have two children, a son, Francis Calvo in the U.S. Air Force, and a daughter, Christina Fejeran Calvo.

Airport Operations Duty Manager "A.C.E." Certified

2009-06-30T12:06:28

The A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) is proud to announce the achievement of Airport Certified Employee A.C.E. certification bestowed on Airport Operations Supervisor Edward A.P. Muna II. Edward joins 8 other Airport employees, and is the second Operations division employee to receive this prestigious designation. A.C.E. designations have been previously bestowed on employees in Airport Police, Airfield Lighting, Terminal Management, and Operations divisions.

Training was held at the Portland International Airport from May 4 through 8 2009, and conducted by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Curriculum was based on Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14 and Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 139 – Airport Operations. The esteemed A.C.E. certification is attained only after passing examination of critical Operations procedures and knowledge and applicability of federal rules and guidelines.

"A.C.E. training is intense and focused on the specific discipline category, this one in Operations. Most impressive is that only 15% pass the first examinations. GIAA’s record of passing A.C.E. training has been consistent and we’re very proud that Edward passed on the first take. We value exceptional employee performance and invest to produce quality employees in this challenging aviation environment," stated Carlos H. Salas, GIAA Executive Manager.

Airport Awarded $4.8 Million in ARRA Grant Funding

2009-06-30T12:06:28

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is pleased to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funding in the amount of $4,807,180.00 for the Rehabilitation of Runway 6L/24R under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 2009.

Under ARRA, the FAA will pay 100% of allowable costs incurred in accomplishing this project. Eligibility requirements under ARRA are specific; FAA would issue grants for high priority projects that can proceed to construction quickly to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery. According to FAA Stakeholder Guidance on the use of ARRA funding, Guam’s project cost of $4.8M competed with a candidate pool that exceeded the availability of funds allocated to the Region, and is subject to increased FAA oversight to ensure required timelines and milestones are met.

"Governor Felix P. Camacho directed the A.B. Won Pat International Airport to be aggressive in the application and certification process with the FAA in securing ARRA grant funding," stated Carlos H. Salas, Executive Manager. "Our project was deemed eligible under strict guidelines, and our Airport must be especially diligent in ensuring the specific, tight and required milestone dates are met under the Act," he further stated.

The FAA communicated that the Airport was fortunate to have received ARRA grant funding, having competed for a portion of available funds nationwide. "Oversight Chairperson of the Aviation Committee, Senator Tina Muna-Barnes joined us in discussions with FAA officials, and pledged support for GIAA to meet ARRA requirements," said Executive Manager Carlos Salas. "We appreciate the support of Governor Camacho and Senator Muna-Barnes in carrying out our project successfully. They both have stated that all project successes are beneficial and will contribute to Guam’s economy that is dependent upon quality air services to support our main industry of tourism."

As can be seen by the public traveling along the Airport perimeter, construction activity is high at Guam’s Airport, and sometimes affect public access along roadways throughout Tiyan and Airport property. "Development and facility rehabilitation and improvement are key priorities for this Administration to secure the economic benefits for our island," Chairman Martin Gerber stated. "We thank our leaders and the general public for their continued support of airport development and the future benefits it will bring."

Jetstar Lands Safely at Guam International Airport

2009-06-19T18:06:05

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport received an Alert II (indicating a problem on board) from the Air Traffic Control Tower at 1:38am, notifying the Airport that JetStar Airbus A330 operating as JQ Flt 20, reported a fire in the cockpit and was located approximately 25 minutes out of Guam. JQ 20 left Kansai International Airport just before 11:00pm June 10, 2009, with Gold Coast as its final destination. At 1:40am, the Air Traffic Control Tower activated the Crash Net, which provides a simultaneous notification to both the Airport Ramp Control and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Unit (ARFF).

Airport Operations and ARFF staged units and were in ready position along the airfield by 1:43a.m. The 911 Dispatch office was also notified and sent Engine I and Medic I to respond to the Alert and was staged and in ready position by 2:03am.

At 2:10 a.m., JQ Flt 20 was on final approach and landed safely by 2:13a.m. ARFF units moved in to assess the aircraft and confirmed that smoke was contained in the cockpit. The aircraft then commenced taxi and blocked in at Gate 10 of the Main Terminal. At 2:24 a.m. ARFF reported that the emergency had been terminated and all respondents were secured.

"The response by all Airport personnel and regulatory authorities at Guam’s Airport was effective in responding to the emergency situation experienced by Jetstar aircraft and its passengers. We are very pleased with the responsiveness of ARFF, GFD , Airport Operations and Police divisions, TSA, US Customs & Border Protection, Guam Customs & Quarantine and the ground handling company that assisted," stated Carlos H. Salas, Executive Manager. "The emergency response procedures worked well and met all expectations under Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 139.

A relief aircraft will be arriving at 6:20pm today. Passengers will be transported to the Airport to continue their journey to the Gold Coast at 7:20pm.

For more information regarding passengers and/or aircraft please contact Jetstar at 131 538 (Australia) or visit www.jetstar.com.

GIAA Welcomes Generous Japanese Language Training by PMT Tours

2009-06-19T18:06:05

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) is proud to be the recipient of a very generous training gift from a long-time tour operator. Last month, PMT announced the retirement of Mr. Katsuaki Kobayashi, President of Pacific Micronesia Tours, Inc. and PMT Guam Corporation after 13 years of service to the Guam tourism industry. As a farewell gift to Guam, Mr. Kobayashi donated free Japanese Language training to employees of the GIAA and also to other personnel of regulatory agencies that interact with visitors, namely Customs and Immigration.

The Japanese language training kicked off the first week of May and is being held in conjunction with the GIAA’s Regional Aviation Training Academy (RATA). Five (5) lesson modules will impart basic Japanese language skills to those participating in the training. The 2-hour classes are offered weekly presenting one module per month. All participants must commit to taking all five modules, concluding September 2009. The instructor or “sensei”, Mr. Fumio Sawada, has been quite pleased with the participants’ “positive attitudes and willingness to learn.”

“We are very appreciative of this generous gift from PMT and especially Kobayashi-san. Since the establishment of our training academy RATA, we’ve been able to offer training specific to airport operations and fire fighting. We are so pleased to also be able to offer Japanese language training to enhance our employees’ skills and to provide better customer service to our visitors from Japan,” stated GIAA Executive Manager Carlos Salas. “The language instruction will surely help bridge the communication gap and facilitate the processing of passengers at Guam’s airport”, added Salas.

ANA to Operate Charters for Summer Months

2009-06-17T10:06:53

All Nippon Airways has announced that it will be conducting charters during the peak summer travel period, and will operate a total of 33 round trip flights on the Tokyo Haneda-Guam Route, utilizing B-747 aircraft.

"This is fantastic news," stated GIAA Chairman Martin J. Gerber, “and indicates All Nippon Airways continued commitment to serving Guam despite their suspension of scheduled service.”

The charters will increase capacity from Tokyo by 18,645 seats, and will operate from Haneda instead of Narita, providing customers with more options and convenience to fly to Guam.

ANA began scheduled international service in March of 1986 with direct flights to Guam, and served the Kansai-Guam route until   January of 2009.    However, the Kansai-Guam route was picked up by Korean Airlines who started its Seoul-Kansai-Guam route in December.

"The ANA operations are significant, and we look forward to their return to our facilities this summer," stated GIAA Executive Manager Carlos Salas. “We look forward to increased arrivals numbers, these charters being one of many we expect to operate to Guam during the summer months.”

GIAA Welcomes FAA Praises after Passing Certification Inspection with Flying Colors

2009-06-17T10:06:53

The Board of Directors and Management of the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) are pleased to announce the excellent inspection results Guam received during last week’s Annual Airport Certification Inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This yearly inspection is requirement for FAA certification and Guam’s only civilian airport received high marks by Airport Certification Inspector Mr. Steve Hicks of the FAA Airport District Office out of Honolulu. Mr. Hick’s and his team commented on the great conditions at GIAA and reported that it was "the model for the airport’s of the western Pacific region."

The GIAA inspection team was spearheaded by Operations Superintendent, Juan S.A. Reyes, A.C.E. Executive Manager Carlos H. Salas stated - "We are extremely pleased with our staff, especially the Operations, Properties & Facilities, and the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) divisions for their ability and professionalism in maintaining this excellent state of compliance". In order for Facilities, and the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) divisions for their ability and professionalism in maintaining this excellent state of compliance". In order for GIAA, as well as any other airport in the U.S. system of airports to operate as an air carrier airport, they must have in its possession an Airport Operating Certificate issued by the FAA. Part of the certification process involves the FAA having to perform an annual
inspection of the airport in compliance with Part 139 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR). The FAA compliance inspection includes: a review of the operational status of fire fighting vehicles, time response drills, an inspection of construction areas, all airport runways/taxiways, safety areas, surface markings, approach surfaces, along with a review of the airport’s training and operating procedures, the fuel safety program, wildlife program, airport self- inspection program, notice to airman, condition reporting, procedures for controlling ground vehicles that operate on the airfield and numerous other detailed FAR Part 139 compliance requirements.

Last Phase of Runway 6L/24R

2009-06-11T12:06:01

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority is in the last phase of the Runway Extension Project with the recent award of $15.9M to complete the extension of Runway 24R. This last phase will add an additional 1,000 feet to the 24R end of the main runway which will now equip Guam with a total of 12, 000 foot runway from its original length of 10,000 feet..Construction work is ongoing for the extension of an additional 1,000 feet to the 6L end of the main runway, completion of the north parallel taxiway, and is scheduled for completion in April 2010.

"We are at the brink of completing an important component for true marketability of Guam for more passengers and cargo services within the region, "stated Chairman Martin J. Gerber. "The economic potential of this project is huge. We will be able to accommodate long range, long haul, fully loaded aircraft, with the capability to operate direct transpacific flights to the US west coast. Expanding air service from Guam and the revenue opportunity for our people is tremendous.”

Completion of the extension of Runway 24R is the culmination of a series of projects worth over $57 Million in airfield improvements that increases capacity and safety at Guam's Airport.
- Runway 6L Extension – $11M
- Navigational Aids servicing extended runways - $5M
- Airfield Lighting Systems - $6M
- Runway 24L Extension Project – $9M
- Parallel Taxiway Construction Project - $8.5M

"All this investment is made possible by FAA grant funding, " noted Executive Manager Carlos H. Salas. "The benefits of these projects provides us the ability to serve new destinations, improve Guam's hub and spoke operations and facilitates air cargo activities for our private partners who have also invested millions of dollars in integrated cargo infrastructure,” he further stated. "This is a highlight of the Airport's portfolio and gives us the competitive edge in air service development in the entire region.”

Hawaiian Rock was the successful bidder for the extension of Runway 24R that is comprised of three stages that includes construction of runway, pavement surfacing, runway lighting, permanent markings, runway grooving, and runway edge lights. Hawaiian Rock's bid came below the government estimate by more than $800,000.

GIAA Receives Brownfields Grant

2009-06-11T12:06:01

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) is pleased to announce that GIAA will perform cleanup of three formerly used military sites on airport property that have low levels of environmental contaminants remaining. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) will oversee the clean up with the assistance of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

The cost of the clean up work is being funded entirely by new grants received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Brownfields Program. A total grant amount of $600,000 was recently awarded to GIAA. The U.S. EPA Brownfields Program awards federal grants on a national competitive basis to clean up sites and mitigate health impacts to the communities. The grants also help local communities to achieve socio-economic benefits, to create open usable spaces, and to use sustainable approaches.

Using the U.S.EPA grant money, GIAA will remove contaminants from three areas located on the GIAA property. After the contaminants are successfully removed, these three areas will be made available for unrestricted use and the GIAA will then develop these properties for aeronautical related activities consistent with the GIAA Master Plan. The planned uses will provide economic benefits to Guam and potentially create new jobs for our community.

The three areas that will be cleaned up are as follows:

· POI-3: Former Aircraft Graveyard

· POI-6: GSE Maintenance Facility

· POI-18: VQ-5 Interceptor Drainage

This federally funded project will kick off with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning 10:00 a.m. April 30, 2009, at the former GSE Maintenance Facility/POI-6, currently the USDA Plant Inspection Station. To get to the site, you will need to travel on Mariner Avenue, in Tiyan, and take the first left and then the first right. For directions and more information please call GIAA Chief Planner Ray Topasna at 646-0300.

Banners to be reinstalled

2009-05-22T16:05:59

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"BANNERS TO BE RE-INSTALLED"

The A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam will be re-installing the Fallen Heroes of Micronesia Display in the East Ticket Lobby.

"We have the very best intentions and would like to preserve the honor and respect due to those who protect our freedom here and all over the world," stated Carlos Salas. "We have the deepest respect for our servicemen, their families and the service organizations of our great nation. They protect our community and represent the best of Guam and all Americans internationally. With overwhelming support of the display, we will be re-installing the banners until a permanent home befitting of this tribute is finalized. The Airport extends its sincerest regrets for any inconvenience or emotions stirred as a result of its earlier action."

We support the troops

2009-05-22T16:05:59

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS"

Concerns have been raised over the de-installation of banners commemorating the Fallen Heroes of the War of Enduring Freedom previously displayed in the East Ticket Lobby of the Airport.

"The Airport is very cognizant of the pain and suffering of the families, friends and service organizations in the War of Enduring Freedom, which inspired us to participate in this special 63rd Liberation Day event to pay tribute to the Fallen Heroes of Micronesia," stated Chairman Martin H. Gerber. "After two years of prominent display, our intention is to present these very personal and significant keepsakes to the family members of the fallen brave who are enormously impacted by the loss of their loved ones. It is our further intention to create a special memorial piece that will have a permanent place at the airport."

Management and staff remain fully supportive of all those who have sacrificed and are committed to serve to protect our freedom. In coordination with the Family Readiness Groups from the various branches of the military, the Airport is a proud host of arrivals and departures ceremonies of deployed troops, Heroes Return Services, and special de-commissioning activities at the Airport. The Airport was also the first GovGuam Agency to receive the "Minuteman Award", the highest honor bestowed on an organization recognizing exceptional achievement, patriotic acts and outstanding contribution to a military organization in early 2008.

"This is the People's Airport, and we have deep respect for the service of all our deployed sons and daughters of Micronesia," stated Carlos Salas. "We have prominently displayed the banners as a tribute to our local Heroes, and are now preparing the pictorial banners to present as gifts to the families. Unfortunately, our action has been misinterpreted and we regret that many people were inadvertently offended by our action."

A special presentation ceremony of the Fallen Heroes banners is being coordinated to coincide with the upcoming 2009 Liberation Day Activities. Coordination and making contact with the families has commenced for a renewed Micronesian Heroes Tribute Ceremony in the 2nd week of July 2009.

All interested parties are encouraged to contact the Airport Marketing office at 646-0300/1/2 for information on the project.

Airport RATA Concludes Successful ARFF Training

2009-05-14T17:05:38

Airport's RATA Concludes Successful ARFF Driver/Operator Training

"This is one of the best training classes I've had!" stated Leslie P. Omans, instructor, of the recently concluded Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Driver/Operator Course conducted by the A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam's (GIAA) Regional Aviation Training Academy (RATA). The one-week course ran from April 6th through the 10th for GIAA's ARFF personnel and also welcomed airport firefighters from regional sister airports from the Republic of Palau and Pohnpei State of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Omans, an instructor from the University of California, Davis Campus comes with extensive experience and training certifications recognized by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NBFSPQ) Pro Board. This most recent course offered to fourteen (14) ARFF personnel was the ARFF Driver/Operator (NFPA 1002) Course. An additional valuable component of the course was the "Train-the-Trainer" course, wherein three (3) GIAA ARFF Driver/Operators also completed the course, enabling them the conduct the class. This allows for RATA to provide this course through our certified trainers, without having to send staff off-island for this specific training.

"We are extremely pleased with the caliber of training that GIAA's been able to provide through RATA. We made commitment under our Board's direction to develop a training branch that addressed our unique aviation and airport service needs. We'd like to continue to enhance and build our human resource capacity and we're also proud to be a resource to our airport's from the neighboring Micronesian islands," stated Carlos H. Salas, GIAA Executive Manager.

Pictured L-R Front: Lewis Santos, Jeffrey Nededog, Frankie Perez, Kenny Atoigue, Carlos Salas, Michael Roberto, Cindy Toves-Corpuz, Maxi Elias-Pohnpei ARFF (kneeling), Alton Samsel-Palau ARFF, Willie Mauricio-Pohnpei ARFF, Edwin Kaulia, Gerard Bautista & Dan Stone.

Back: Randy Sablan, Brandon Aflague, Instructor Les Omans-UC Davis, Shane Rayfield-Navy Firefighter, Rudy Taimanglo & Michael Cuasito. All pictured above are from GIAA unless otherwise stated.

FAA Awards Airport

2009-05-14T17:05:38

     The GIAA Board accepted $8.5 Million in grant awards for various airport projectsat its Board of Directors meeting held February 26, 2009. The grant award is part of the anticipated full year funding from the FAA dependentupon the final disposition of the stimulus package for airports anticipated in the next several months.

     The grants were awarded for the following projects:
       ● $7Million for electrical upgrades under FAA’s Military Airports Program (MAP) program ;
       ● $700,000 for updates to the Airport Master Plan ; and
   ● $744,647 for extension of Runway 6L/24R (continuation of phases)

     "We appreciate the continued support of the FAA in building up critical Airport infrastructure," stated Chairman Martin Gerber. "Completion of the extension of our runway is an important component in realizingGuam's air cargo opportunities and allowing us to attract carriers to serve the long haul-long range destinations from West to East, with Guam being the pivotal hub for the airlines."

     Development of Airport properties and infrastructure in the past 5 years have been substantial. Over $170Million in FAA funding and nearly $40 Million in private investment has been vested in aviation related facilities that are necessary to expand Guam's economy. The landscape of the Airport's Tiyan Business Park is the most obvious sign of development on Airport properties, with former NAS buildings razed to make way for air cargo related enterprise and for construction of a parallel taxiway and extended runway with expanded safety zone areas.

     Infrastructure improvements is a bridge to the opportunities of the liberalized cargo exemptions granted to Guam by the US Dept of Transportation since 2006, and adds to the capacity for new traffic as anticipated under the pending decision on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by the US Department of Homeland Security.

     "Guam has been given unique opportunity by the FAA, the US DOT and US leaders to move forward in being a key economic catalyst in the region. The Authority will continue to capitalize on these opportunities for the people of Guam and GIAA will certainly do its part to help achieve that goal," said GIAA Board Chairman Martin J. Gerber.

Public Notice

2009-05-13T17:05:01

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority Board of Directors has concluded its six month performance review of Carlos H. Salas as Executive Manager, pursuant to Public Law 29-61. Overall results found his performance as outstanding.

Public review is available by contacting GIAA Board Office at (671) 642-4717

PUBLIC ADVISORY - Closure of Tiyan Road Section Affects Local Traffic Only

2009-05-13T17:05:01

The A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) would like to advise motorists passing through Tiyan, that a section of the road will be closed-off, effective immediately. The affected area is near the former NAS officers’ housing area and the closure is critical to facilitate ongoing construction activities for the development of the Tiyan Bypass Road. This closure WILL NOT affect access to the airport terminal from Route 8, which is shaded in blue on the map below.

$4.95M Baggage Transfer System International Transfer Facility

2009-05-08T16:05:27

A new $4.95M International Transfer Facility (baggage transfer system) has been installed at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam and will be online in the very near future.

Working closely with the local TSA office, the new system offers more efficiency in the transfer of baggage onto its final destination. “Incorporating high technology systems into our facility puts us on par with international airport standards,” stated Chairman Martin J. Gerber. “The $4.95M is an investment in efficiency, and is to the benefit of airlines, regulatory agencies, the airport authority and passengers alike.”

The new International Transfer Facility is equipped with 2 large CTX machines to x-ray transfer baggage, and is designed to accommodate additional machines as part of a plan to phase in a fully integrated in line baggage system. An in-line hybrid system will reduce the check-in/baggage transfer process, and provides the potential to move screening equipment to the back of the house, freeing up valuable lobby space for profitable endeavors and passenger amenity services.

Airport Announces Appointment of New Deputy Manager

2009-05-08T16:05:27

The Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary C. Torres as the new Deputy Executive Manager. “The success of our Air Service Development program is dependent upon the right facilities, to serve as the hub, supporting infrastructure and aggressive promotion of Guam as a preferred destination”, stated Martin J. Gerber, GIAA Board Chairman. “Mary Torres’ experience with GVB is key to furthering our initiatives on visitor growth particularly in obtaining visa waivers for travelers from China, Macau and Hong Kong and synchronizing our air service development strategies with GVB marketing firms in Japan, Korea, Taipei, Hong Kong and China.”

Mary Torres served as the Deputy General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau since 2005 and has extensive experience in management and administration in the office of Students for Public Interest Law, Harvard Law School and assisted in the establishment of a local law firm, serving as its office manager and legal assistant before joining the Guam Visitors Bureau.

Mrs. Torres is an active member of several community and civic organizations. She is Vice-Chair of the Department of Chamorro Affairs Board and is active with the Guam Museum Task Force and the Guam Beautification Task Force. In her new appointment, she will be working closely with GIAA Marketing personnel and airline tenants in improving customer services programs that include the multi-lingual Ambassador Program and the Airport Information Center to give the “best impression” to our visitors. “Her experience and involvement in these organizations are complementary to defining the ‘sense of place’ and first and last impressions we are trying to achieve here at the terminal,” stated GIAA Executive Manager Carlos Salas.

Mrs. Torres graduated with honors and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts in 1989. Married to Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, she and her husband reside in the southern village of Santa Rita and have three children and three grand children. She is a strong advocate for preserving and perpetuating the unique cultural attributes that distinguish Guam as a premiere travel destination.

Airport Adjusts 2009 Budget to Meet Lower Passenger Forecasts

2009-04-28T16:04:16

With a firm commitment to keep costs down for the airlines and airport tenants, the Board of Directors of the A. B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam (GIAA), adopted more stringent fiscal measures in its Fiscal Year 2009 Operating Budget to respond to a decrease of 4% in the airlines’ passenger traffic forecasts. At their most recent regular monthly meetings held this past Thursday, August 28, 2009, the GIAA Board approved the budget after consultation with all of the signatory airline partners operating at the A. B. Won Pat International Airport.

Globally, Guam’s airport is no exception. It faces the same daunting challenges that airports worldwide are facing wherein airlines are continually reducing flights to lower expenses and attain operating cost levels that allow flights to be profitable. With the high cost of fuel crippling airlines and subsequent airfare increases, all destinations are impacted with reduced passenger traffic. GIAA’s Board and Management developed a business plan within its new budget to mitigate airlines’ financial woes and promote a “win-win” financial model that is palatable to the airlines serving Guam.

The main highlights of the GIAA Fiscal Year 2009 Operating Budget includes 4% less in passenger growth from 1.5 million in FY’08 to 1.446 million in FY’09 from all signatory carriers operating at the Guam Airport. The FY’09 passenger forecast takes into account the suspended route(s) by All Nippon Airways, effective January 2009, recent cancelled Continental flights to Hong Kong and Bali, and forecasted passenger activity by the newest signatory carrier Cape Air. Cape Air serves as Continental Airlines’ connection to the Northern Mariana Islands.

On a favorable note the board approved the continuation of incentives to the airlines in an effort to spur additional flights or new air services to Guam. Under the incentives, the airlines can take advantage of reduced airport fees and realize savings if new flights are implemented and more passengers are flown to Guam.

Additionally, even under such tight financial outlook for 2009 the airport set the final cost per enplaned passenger at a low rate of only $14.78. This fee, which is assessed to each airline for every passenger carried, was greatly reduced from the initial cost recovery rate of $18.73. The lowered rate was the result of the airport’s steadfast reduction of operational expenditures by 5% and implementation of new initiatives to generate additional revenue from activities other than the airlines, such as concessions and land lease rentals. With stringent fiscal measures in place for 2009, the airport is optimistic of maintaining an industry standard of 1.54 debt service coverage ratio over the basic 1.25 minimum with respect to repayment of its outstanding revenue bonds.

Board Chairman Martin Gerber stated that, “The budgetary process began in April and concluded after receiving and incorporating input from airlines and other non-airline tenants of their needs. We have to factor in mandated requirements by the FAA, TSA and also the mandates of the Airport’s enabling legislation. Our Board and Management team’s main concern is maintaining the highest standards of customer service, while meeting the maintenance requirements within the forecasted revenues. Management is always held to task on continually ensuring the airport’s expenditures are within the approved budgetary amounts.”

Fiscal Year 2009 appears to be a year of fiscal challenges for the Airport Authority amidst an ever-challenging business climate and remain an economic catalyst for Guam. “In 2006, we contributed $1.7B to the economy, and are expending resources to attract new businesses, build new industry to Guam with the US authorization to expand our air cargo business, develop a regional distribution center, and pursue visa waiver modifications for Guam and our CNMI neighbors” continued Chairman Gerber. “We intend to reap economic benefits from these new and wonderful opportunities while countering the impact of reduced passenger arrivals. Our goal is to make 2009 another successful year for Guam.”

Temporary Closure of Airport Perimeter Road

2009-04-28T16:04:16

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) along with its contractor Sumitomo Mitsui Construction would like to inform the public that they will be closing off a portion of the Airport’s perimeter road in Tiyan effective Tuesday, September 9, 2008. The road closure will begin at the “Y” intersection across from the Toto/Canada Road traffic light (Route 8 Maite) adjacent to the Mobil service station and end right before the road entrance to the National Weather Service Station (see attached map). Please note that Route 8 will not be affected at all and the closure affects only the Airport’s perimeter road within the perimeter fence line.

The road closure will enable GIAA to complete the installation of waterline pipes, which is expected to take a couple of months. For the public’s safety, any and all vehicle and foot traffic, jogging, biking, etc. will be not be permitted as trenching and pipe laying activity will be taking place in the affected closure area.

Motorists are advised to be on the alert for posted road closure signs and use alternate routes. We apologize for this inconvenience and look forward to the public’s full cooperation. The continued development of the Airport’s infrastructure is vital to the economic growth of the island and GIAA is committed to laying a solid foundation for Guam’s future.

Temporary Airport Perimeter Road Closure Map