altitudes - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

ALTITUDES
NEWSLETTER
Baton Rouge
Metropolitan Airport
SPRING 2013
MEET OUR NEW AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS
Cleve Dunn Jr. is a life-long resident of Baton Rouge. Raised in North Baton
Rouge, he graduated from Capitol Senior High School and attended Southern
University and A&M College.
Mr. Dunn is the CEO/President of Dunn Enterprises, which manages a diverse
project portfolio including real estate investments, logistics, entertainment, and
the arts. Mr. Dunn is a sought-after business and political consultant, providing
expertise and analysis to nonprofit organizations, businesses, entrepreneurs, and
political candidates.
Dunn has helped to create and expand businesses across Louisiana, while elected officials both local and
statewide have relied on his pulse of the community to lead their campaigns to success.
He is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and serves on the board for the Angel’s
Empowerment Organization and the Baton Rouge Student Learning Center. He also serves on the BREC
Golf Advisory Committee. Cleve and his wife Stacy have two daughters.
Commissioner John Fife was born and raised in Baton Rouge, and is a graduate
of Baton Rouge High School and LSU with a bachelor’s degree in Construction
Management. He is married with three children and four grandchildren.
He has been in the industrial and commercial construction business for over 30
years, and is the owner of The Arkel Constructors group of companies which
consists of Arkel Constructors, a Baton Rouge based construction company;
ACI Facilities Management, a commercial building maintenance company; and
Derashnie Enterprises, an intermodal trucking operation.
Mr. Fife is involved in several different civic and charity organizations, primarily in the support of medical
and cancer research.
In regards to serving as a Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Commissioner, Fife stated, "I feel that the
(Continued on page 4)
AIRPORT ADMINISTRATION
From the Flight Deck………………….....2
AIRLINE NEWS
AIRPORT COMMISSION
American Airlines/US Airways............................5
United Airlines……...............................................6
Delta Air Lines........................................................7
New Commissioner…………………....1
New Commissioner Continued ….........4
Chairman’s Corner………….…….........3
PAGE 2
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MAYOR-PRESIDENT,
MELVIN L. “KIP” HOLDEN
MAYOR PRESIDENT
CITY/PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE
AIRPORT ADMINISTRATION
Anthony Marino,
Director of Aviation
Ralph Hennessy,
Assistant Director of Aviation
Greg Beeson, Acting Operations
Manager
Jim Caldwell , Marketing & Air
CHECK BTR FIRST
FROM THE FLIGHT DECK
As you may know, the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) gave a temporary deferment in 2013
for states not found to meet the standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005 for driver's licenses and identification cards, which resulted in Louisiana driver's
licenses continuing to be valid for commercial airline
travel this year. However, a previous vote by the
Louisiana legislature to prohibit state compliance
with the REAL ID Act of 2005 is still in effect.
Service Development Manager
Cary Morgan, Business Manager
Greg Pierson, Electronic &
Information Systems Manager
Michael Taffaro,
Airport Legal Counsel
Jason Wilson, Administrative &
Development Manager
AIRPORT COMMISSION
Trae Welch, Chairman
Senator Sharon Weston Broome
Dr. James Gilmore, designee
Alfred Buckley
James “Jimmy” Dodds
Senator Yvonne Dorsey
Rose Doolittle, designee
Cleve Dunn, Jr.
Jim Ellis
Johnny Fife
Todd Grigsby
Representative Valarie Hodges
Gary Beard, designee
Representative Dalton Honore
Andrew McCandless
Michael Samuel
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Chandler Loupe, Mayor Pro Temp
Anthony “Buddy” Amoroso
Joel Boe
Chauna Banks-Daniel
John Delgado
Ronnie Edwards
Ryan Heck
Chandler Loupe
Donna Collins-Lewis
C. Denise Marcelle
Trae Welch
Tara Wicker
Scott Wilson
The Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) will sponsor a bill to comply with the Real ID Act during the upcoming LA Legislative Session. LAMA hopes
to influence current LA lawmakers to vote for the state to comply with the Real ID
Act of 2005, which will allow the LA Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the
steps necessary for full compliance.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacts the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources
of identification such as driver's licenses." The Act establishes minimum security
standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from
accepting for official purposes those documents issued by a state unless DHS determines that the state meets the minimum standards. Official purposes, as defined in
statute and regulation, are accessing a Federal facility, boarding federally-regulated
commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.
Before the 2013 deferment, DHS has twice modified the statutory deadline in order
to allow states more time to meet the statutory requirements of the Act. To assist
states further, between 2008-2011 DHS awarded $263 million in grants to improve
the security of state identification credentials. DHS has stated that "secure driver's
licenses and identification documents are a vital component of a holistic national security strategy. Law enforcement must be able to rely on government-issued identification documents and know that the bearer of such documents is who he or she
claims to be."
We are optimistic that the Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates will be successful this year in getting a bill passed by the LA Legislature to comply with the Real
ID Act.
Anthony J. Marino, Director of Aviation
PAGE 3
WWW.FLYBTR.COM
3
THE CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) plays a crucial role in the region's economic growth and development. Area companies considering expansion and outside
ones seeking new locations to expand rate air service as a key factor; and BTR passenger support, in turn, is vital to our success in maintaining and expanding air service.
BTR is served by the remaining four major, network airlines--American, Delta, United
and US Airways. Travelers can access the global air transportation grids through them
and their global alliance partners, making "network" carrier service the most important
airline component for an airport. (This global access led to the term "network" carriers
being applied to this group of airlines.)
Years of airline consolidation will culminate with the pending American-US Airways merger, creating the world's
largest airline. Airline consolidation, record high fuel prices, and a weak economy contributed to big reductions in
air service throughout the U.S. since 2007. High fuel prices are also hastening the decline of aircraft with 50 seats or
less; and with no 50-seat or below aircraft in production, smaller airports will need to have enough demand to fill
larger aircraft to maintain and expand air service.
Airline seating capacity, however, is scheduled to expand at BTR beginning in mid-March. American Eagle is adding
larger regional jets, while Delta and United both are increasing flight frequencies. Delta also added a mainline DC9
jet to the BTR schedule in November. The Delta DC9 and the larger CRJ700 aircraft that fly into BTR offer First
Class and Economy Comfort in addition to regular coach seating. With BTR seating capacity growth coming at a
time when many airports are experiencing reductions, it is of particular importance that the seats be filled, and that
the community shows it can support the scheduling of larger aircraft.
We can never thank our customers too often for supporting BTR. The airport's passenger volume reached a fouryear high in 2012; and if we can fill these additional seats, 2013 could be a five-year high. We look forward to your
continued support in making this happen.
Trae Welch, Chairman, Airport Commission
“It is often easier to fight for a principle than to
live up to it.”
— Adlai Stevenson
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CHECK BTR FIRST
NEW COMMISSIONERS CONTINUED
(Continued from page 1)
success and growth of the Baton Rouge Metro Airport is important to the continued economic development of
our city. The airport property encompasses a great resource of real estate with significant development potential
that can bring substantial building and employment opportunity to our area. I hope my experience in the construction and development industry can aid in the continued growth of this facility."
Commissioner Todd W. Grigsby is a native of Baton Rouge, and a 1989 graduate of
Tara High School. He received a B.S. degree in Construction from LSU in 1994 and a
Master of Business Administration from Tulane University in 2000.
Mr. Grigsby has worked for Cajun Industries, LLC his entire adult life, a company founded by his father in 1973. His father is the owner and serves as Chairman of the Board.
Currently, Grigsby serves as President & CEO of Cajun Constructors, Inc. He has held
several other positions, including, but not limited to: laborer, mechanic helper, carpenter,
Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Estimator, Project Manager, Manager of Marketing and Vice President of the Dallas Division.
Cajun Industries, headquartered in Baton Rouge, has annual sales in excess of $300 million. Cajun is a multi-faceted
company that provides a broad range of services to various industries, including Water Quality, Petroleum, Chemical,
Power, Pulp and Paper, Manufacturing, Distributing and Food Processing. As a leader in full-service industrial construction and maintenance, Cajun's expanded capabilities feature mechanical construction including pipe erection,
equipment setting, structural steel erection, as well as drill shafts and pile driving to complement a full menu of construction services.
Todd is married to Ainsley Rolfs Grigsby and they have three sons, Lane (11), Crawford (9) and Oliver (5). In his
free time, Grigsby enjoys spending time with his family, spear fishing, hunting, and fishing.
" I am honored to serve as a commissioner of the BTR airport," stated Commissioner Grigsby. "As a commissioner, I see my role being to help provide direction and leadership to BTR along with my fellow commissioners. As a
newly appointed commissioner, I intend on gathering knowledge on issues as they pertain to the airport. Once I
have a better understanding as to the way the airport operates, I will try and help lead the airport toward measured goals and objectives."
BTR THANKS OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS BUDDY AMOROSO, BOB BREAUX, AND
JONATHAN STARNS FOR THEIR SERVICE.
WE APPRECIATE THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IN THIS VOLUNTEER POSITION.
PAGE 5
WWW.FLYBTR.COM
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The New American Airlines
American Airlines and US Airways To Create A Premier Global Carrier
Customers to Benefit from an Expanded Global Network and Investment in New Aircraft, Technology,
..
Products, and Services
Combined Company to Enhance oneworld® Alliance, Offering a Seamless Global Network
Will Improve Loyalty Benefits by Expanding Member Opportunities to Earn and Redeem Miles
Combination Provides Path to Improved Compensation and Benefits with Greater Long-Term
Opportunities for Employees of Both Companies
Combined Airline Expects to Maintain All Hubs and Service to All Destinations
Expected 2015 Annual Synergies of More Than $1 Billion, Creating Value for Stakeholders of Both
Companies
Enhances Recoveries for Stakeholders
AMR Stakeholders to Own 72% and US Airways Shareholders to Own 28% of Combined Company’s
Common Stock
Company to Retain Iconic, Globally Recognized American Airlines Brand
Company to Be Headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, with Significant Corporate and Operational
Presence in Phoenix
The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is served by both American and US Airways. On the April schedule, American Eagle
provides 9 daily, roundtrip flights from BTR to its Dallas/Ft. Worth hub. US Airways has 3 daily, roundtrip flights from BTR
to its Charlotte hub.
PAGE 6
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NEWS FROM...
SECURE FLIGHT REQUIREMENT
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates that a customer making a reservation is required to provide their Secure Flight passenger information (full name, date of birth, and gender), exactly as it
appears on the government-issued identification card they plan to use when traveling. To ensure compliance with
this mandate, United is requiring that the customer name used to book tickets matches the name used for Secure
Flight in all reservations. Additionally, United has implemented a requirement for MileagePlus members to ensure
the name on their account matches the name on their reservations and government-issued identification.
United.com and the United mobile app will prompt customers to update the information in their MileagePlus
profile if their names do not match their stored Traveler ID or Secure Flight passenger profile. Customers should
confirm stored personal identification information on their MileagePlus profile, and edit information if necessary. Please visit http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/help/myaccount.aspx for complete details.
For more information on the Secure Flight requirement, please visit the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/
stakeholders/secure-flight-program.
NEW SIMPLIFIED BOARDING PROCESS
United has introduced a new process to expedite boarding and improve on-time performance. Instead of seven
groups, there are two groups for Premiers and premium customers, including select MileagePlus credit card
members, and three general boarding groups. In the second quarter, United will begin improving gate layouts by
designating lanes for each of the five groups. This will create greater emphasis on and access for Premiers and
premium customers. Later in 2013, United will modify the method used to determine how customers are assigned to the general boarding groups. The first group to board will be customers sitting in window seats, followed by those in middle seats and then aisle seats. This approach replaces the current system of boarding by
row number from the back of the aircraft.
BEST AIRLINE FOR NORTH AMERICA TRAVEL
Business Traveler magazine has published its annual readers’ top picks for best business travel services around the
globe, and United has been named “Best Airline for North America Travel.” Star Alliance was also recognized as
“Best Airline Alliance.”
United provides 10 daily, roundtrip flights (peak days) from BTR to its Houston hub.
PAGE 7
BTR AIRLINES
7
Delta.com and Kiosk Enhancements
The new delta.com has been completely re-imagined and features a new My Delta section, which consolidates trip
summaries and SkyMiles account details in a single location. An improved My Trips section also brings together
details of a customer's trip into one location, including weather information and travel alerts.
Additional website enhancements will be available through a series of scheduled deployments in the first half of
2013. Planned updates include more robust customer alerts, enhanced information displays and greater personalization. Over time, delta.com and all Delta digital channels will evolve to deliver greater relevancy to the individual
customer and more custom travel information. These enhancements will result in a more highly-personalized
online experience and improved delivery of critical features, such as flight check-in options. Currently more than
90 percent of Delta’s customers utilize online check-in during their travel.
The service provided by more than 2,500 airport kiosks has also been improved. Customers may now check-in
up to 15 percent faster than before, thanks to a streamlined process, and review information in up to 12 languages, with the ability to select additional services through the check-in process.
Based on traveler feedback, the improvements made to delta.com and kiosks are meeting the needs of travelers
who tell us they appreciate the more intuitive navigation, new features, and the ability to add to the to their experience after they arrive at the airport.
New Fly Delta App for iPad and iPhone
A new Fly Delta app for iPad was launched earlier this month and has been well received. So far, Delta has had
nearly 6 million downloads. It includes popular services including: flight check-in, accessing an eBoarding pass,
changing seat assignments, watching the status of an upgrade list, tracking bags, receiving alerts for updated travel
information, viewing airport and aircraft details and even setting airport parking spot reminders. The Fly Delta
app for Android will be updated in early 2013.
One of the most popular features of the new Fly Delta app for iPad is a "Glass Bottom Jet" which allows customers the ability to view the ground below in a unique way that includes maps, social networks and internet content
while connected to the Internet on any of Delta's more than 800 Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft. The app also includes
destination guides, an interactive trip map and a "What's Next" feature to help guide customers to the next point
in their journey.
Travelers can rely on Delta to provide innovative tools throughout their travel experience that put them in control and provide access to the information they need, when they need it. Be assured that Delta will continue to
enhance its digital offerings to meet the needs of your travelers.
Delta provides 10 daily, roundtrip flights from BTR to its Atlanta hub, and
1 daily roundtrip flight to Memphis.
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