As the airport progresses towards implementing its Energy Performance Management Contract (approved in November 2011) that includes an overhaul of the airport’s air conditioning system, these inconveniences will soon be remedied. This project includes the installation of energy efficient air conditioning systems and lighting systems, and a maintenance and management program for the new systems.

“In response to the need to provide immediate relief, the Airport recently installed four each 5 tons package units to service the TSA Passenger Screening Lobby. Two additional 10 ton units are currently being installed in proximity to the boutiques and food court area” stated Mary C. Torres, Executive Manager.

The airport has also fast tracked the procurement of 3 new air handling units that will supply conditioned air to the passenger gates, airline lounges and other areas of the 2nd floor of the Main Terminal. Manufacture and delivery of the units is anticipated in March 2012 with installation and operation to occur by May 2012,” stated Torres. “Furthermore, we will successfully negotiation the $11million loan in the coming weeks to enable the airport full realization of this progressive modernization and energy efficient project,” added Torres.

The airport wishes to thank all tenants, passengers and visitors to the Terminal for your patience as you endured the inconvenience of warmer conditions at the Airport. We are working to resolve these inconveniences as soon as possible. Thank you.

2012 will mark the 36th anniversary of the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) as an autonomous government organization which was created by PL 13-57 on January 20, 1976. The Airport’s mission is “to develop and promote competitive international and regional aviation services that ensure the safety and security of the traveling public and support economic growth for the island community”.

“We are looking forward to another productive year in 2012 and stand committed to continuing the development of facilities to build new industry, attract more business and maintain our role as the leading airport hub for passengers and cargo in the region,” stated Chairman Michael Z. Ysrael.

“Airport Week 2012 will feature many exciting events that will celebrate our hardworking airport employees and tenant partners,” stated Mary C. Torres, Executive Manager. “We look forward to the return of our 5K Run/walk through scenic airport property and tournaments for basketball, softball, bowling and golf. In addition, there will be a paddling challenge and an airport Wave. We celebrate this special week with all our tenant partners who are instrumental to the growing success at GIAA and who play a vital role in our airport and in our tourism industry.”

Airport Week 2012 activities will include:

January 13, 2012 Proclamation Signing, Adelup Complex Conference Room, 10:00 a.m.
January 2, 2012 Start of Basketball Tournament, Tamuning Gym
January 14, 2012 5K Run/Walk, Old Commuter Terminal, 5:00 a.m.
January 14, 2012 Start of Softball Tournament, Agana Heights Baseball Field
January 15, 2012 Paddling Challenge and Airport Get-Together, Matapang Beach, 8:00 a.m.
January 16, 2012 Bowling Tournament, Central Lanes, 10:00 a.m.
January 17, 2012 Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk, Airport Operations Area, 8:30 a.m.
January 18, 2012 Wave, Employee Parking Lot (Lower Level), 4:00 p.m.
January 19, 2012 Golf Tournament, STARTS Golf Course, 11:00 a.m.
January 20, 2012 Tenant Appreciation Banquet and Employee Recognition Program

Please visit www.guamairport.com to participate or for more information on the Airport Week activities.

“Outstanding performance by our employees garnered recognition and the Airport was awarded Department of the Year in the medium agency category,” stated Mary Torres, Executive Manager. “We also swooped up two Supervisors and five Employee(s) of the Year Awards, as well as a National Recognition Citation for our Runway Safety Action Program. Our employees are highly deserving of this recognition.”

The Management and Board of Directors acknowledge the following for their achievement:

John Ballesta, Fire Captain - Supervisor of the Year (Public Safety)
Danny Cepeda, Data Processing Manager - Supervisor of the Year (Computer Programming and Analysis)

Jovita Tajalle, Payroll Supervisor – Supervisor of the Year (Cashiering, Payroll & Fiscal Clerical)

Albert Jose, Accounting Technician I - Employee of the Year (Accounting & Fiscal)

Vanessa Pangindian, Program Coordinator II – Employee of the Year (Program Administration)

Kenneth V. Quenga, Airport Police Officer II – Employee of the Year (Security & Correction)

Franklin L. Taitano, Buyer II - Employee of the Year (Purchasing, Surplus Property, Supply & Related)
Jeffrey Martinez, Refrigeration Mechanic II - Inspiration & Encouragement (Medium Agency)

All GIAA Employees – Department of the Year (Medium Agency)

Executive Manager Mary C. Torres stated that, “In the 10 years since those tragic terrorist events in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, our world has never been the same. Aviation was changed drastically and we want to be mindful of why safety and security have become such paramount concerns in the world of air travel. Now as we take time to remember and honor the lives lost in the initial attacks and those lost in the ensuing war on terror, we also want to give thanks to those who continue to serve to protect us, those in uniform, both civilian and military.”

The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) will be hosting a Commemorative Ceremony to mark the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 along with Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG) and the Fallen Heroes of the Pacific Foundation. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 11, 2011 beginning at 8:30 am in the East Ticket Lobby where the banners of the Fallen Brave of Micronesia are displayed. An important element of the program will be a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. to coincide with the exact time that the first aircraft hit the North tower of the World Trade Center in New York.

Executive Manager Mary C. Torres stated that, “In the 10 years since those tragic terrorist events in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, our world has never been the same. Aviation was changed drastically and we want to be mindful of why safety and security have become such paramount concerns in the world of air travel. Now as we take time to remember and honor the lives lost in the initial attacks and those lost in the ensuing war on terror, we also want to give thanks to those who continue to serve to protect us, those in uniform, both civilian and military.”

This D.U.I. Enforcement is part of GIAA’s Federal Grant partnership with the Office of Highway Safety/Department of Public Works in keeping our airport roadways safe.

Efforts are being made to mitigate the inconvenience of our passengers and tenants, especially in high activity areas which include check-in counters, regulatory agency inspection points, the food court, and retail areas in the Main Concourse.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and we thank tenants, users and passengers for their understanding.

The case is still ongoing and more arrests are expected in the next few weeks. “We want to assure the traveling public that the airport’s priority is to safeguard passengers and their personal property and we have committed all possible resources to address complaints concerning airport security,” said Mary C. Torres, GIAA Executive Manager.

Airport Police warns that anyone involved in criminal activity at Guam’s airport will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Executive Manager Torres added, “The airport recognizes that crime prevention is equally a community effort and we ask that anyone with any knowledge about possible criminal activity at the airport please contact our Lead Investigator, Lt. Patrick Fejeran, at 646-0308/21.“

While these matters remain an ongoing personnel matter, GIAA cannot provide any details that may violate the employees’ privacy protection under Guam law.

What sets this 787 apart from other models is its ability to bring “big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, and “unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance”, Boeing states on its website. “The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today’s similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today’s fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will also see improvements with the new airplane, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience,” Boeing further describes in its write-up of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“The significance of this new model aircraft manufactured by Boeing is huge, not only to airlines but to airports, especially those with the characteristics of Guam.  The airlines cut costs and increases options for their operations with the increased efficiency and long range capacity of the 787.  In turn, airports such as Guam, can expect to see increased service with airlines operating the new aircraft with distance and fuel efficiency improvements,” stated Mary Torres, Executive Manager.  “This opens Guam up to many different and new route options that never could have been considered with older model aircraft.  Our extended runway(s) slated for completion in 2012 will be able to accommodate long range/long haul flights.  Guam is certainly in a great position to attract transpacific operations and this test flight is indicative of what could be in our future.”

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 to All Nippon Airways later this year.