A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam

Timeline

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GIAA takes you through a timeline of significant events in our development.

January 2022
International Arrivals Corridor Opens for Operations
Operations in the new International Arrivals Corridor (IAC) went into effect January 25, 2022 with the arrival of international passengers arriving from Incheon, Korea on Jin Air’s Flight #164 at 2:40pm. The IAC is a 3rd floor sterile corridor that sits atop the concourse level of Guam’s Airport, accessible through “pods” that provides vertical ascent via elevator and/or elevator from passenger gates to the sterile corridor and routed directly to the US Customs and Border Protection Hall, completely separated from departing passengers. Subsequent to the opening of the IAC, the Airport was able to remove the temporary, gray, moveable walls in the concourse, once shared by arriving and departing passengers, and achieve the aesthetics of the original architecture, and provides full access to passenger amenities, retail and food and beverage services throughout the concourse.

February 2021
GIAA completes Phase I of the International Arrivals Corridor
Phase I of the $137M International Arrivals Corridor is complete and ready for operations. Passengers arriving on the West concourse, comprising of Gates 4 through 10, will now GIAA completes Phase I of the International Arrivals Corridor (continued) be separated from outbound passengers. Upon arrival passengers ascend up to the 3rd Floor Corridor and utilize this sterile corridor to access the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, by elevator/escalator conveyance, thereby bypassing the once shared concourse by departing and arriving passengers.

March 2021
TSA Begins Operations in New Expanded Lanes with New Screening Technology
The new, expanded screening area became operational with new, computed tomography (CT) scanners now utilized by TSA. The scanner utilizes state-of-the art technology and improves the ability of TSA officers to detect items inside carry-on luggage that are potential security threats. The CT scanner applies a sophisticated algorithm during the screening process while an X-ray camera shoots hundreds of images while spinning around the conveyor belt, generating a 3-D image of the contents of the items being screened.
A TSA officer is able to manipulate the X-ray image on-screen for a thorough visual analysis, clearing the contents of the bag without having to open it. Reducing the number of bag checks is beneficial since it eliminates potential touchpoints amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The addition of the two new lanes and scanning equipment increases processing capacity of about 1400 passengers. Area for an additional lane is in place, should passenger volumes warrant added lanes.

April 2021
GIAA attains Airports Council International (ACI) Health Accreditation
Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira, presented the Guam International Airport with the ACI Health Accreditation after extensive review and evaluation process of protocols and facility enhancements the Guam Airport has implemented and developed, showing it is providing a safe airport experience for all travelers which is in line with the recommended health measures established in the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Recovery Task Force Recommendations, along with industry best practices” As part of the accreditation process, the GIAA submitted a 40-page application, responded to dozens of questions, and provided nearly one hundred evidentiary documents detailing the enhancements, programs, processes, and practices put in place at the GIAA for the health and safety of all who use the terminal. A seasoned evaluator, with over 29 years of experience in large airports that processes over thirty-two million people annually, reviewed the GIAA’s application which demonstrates to all stakeholders that the GIAA prioritizes health and safety in a measurable and established manner.

August 2021
GIAA Presented ATRS Airport Benchmarking Award: Most Efficient Airport (<10 Million Pax)
The Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) presented GIAA with the ATRS Airport 2020 Benchmarking Award for the “MOST EFFICIENT AIRPORT” Award (under 10 million passengers) in the Asia-Pacific region. This is the fourth consecutive year the Guam International Airport has received this award.
The ATRS Global Airport Benchmarking measures and compares the performance of several aspects of airport operations: productivity and efficiency, unit costs and cost competitiveness, financial results, and airport charges. The 2020 report included 205 airports and 24 airport groups of various sizes and ownership forms in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. The ATRS Annual Global Airport Performance Benchmarking project was initiated in 2000 at the University of British Columbia. The project is now hosted at the College of Business at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The ATRS Research team is guided by a 16-member task force of leading academics from Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America.

August 2021
GIAA Successful in Sale of $143 Refunding Bonds<10 Million Pax)
The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA)—with the support and backing from the Office of the Governor, the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), and the Bureau of Budget and Management Research (BBMR)—successfully sold $143M in Refunding bonds. The sale results in will a net present value savings of over $3 million with All in True Interest Cost (TIC) of 4.07%, while reducing FY 2022 debt service payments to $8.1 million—a reduction of $5.6 million—as compared to the prior FY 2021 debt service of $13.7 million.
The successful sale of $143 million in taxable refunding bonds was driven by strong investor confidence in the way the GIAA—as well as the government of Guam—has handled the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic—with the bonds being 18.1x oversubscribed with 9 firms placing orders for the entire series of bonds.

June 2020
GIAA Meets Global Standards; Receives World Travel and Trade Council (WTTC) “SAFE TRAVEL” DESIGNATION
The WTTC designated the Guam International Airport a “Safe Travel” Facility. GIAA applied for and received the designation having implemented health protocols as identified by the Airport Council International (ACI), and aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s “Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis document

July 2020
$22M Rehabilitation of Runway 6L/24R Project
GIAA broke ground on the $22.3M rehabilitation project for primary runway 6L/24R . Funding is provided by FAA grants, and work consists of rehabilitation all port and cement concrete (PCC) pavements on Runway 6L-24R. Elements of rehabilitation include, but are not limited to, existing pavement demolition, subgrade improvement, new runway pavement, and removal and replacement of existing runway pavement markings.

June 2019
FAA 2019 Safety Award Presented to Guam International Airport Authority
The Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) was the recipient of the 2019 Airport Safety Award by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), amongst airports within the Western-Pacific Airports Region. GIAA was recognized for its exceptional Part 139 compliance record and a three-year running, zero discrepancy/zero findings, in its annual Part 139 certification inspections. FAA also acknowledged Guam International Airport's leading role in the region, especially in regard to GIAA led training and resource sharing with the neighboring Micronesian island airports.

October 2019
GIAA Establishes Micronesia Aerodrome Regional Training Center (MARTC)
The Airport Authority announced the launch of the Micronesian Aerodrome Regional Training Center (MARTC) with the goal to bring valuable, quality Aerodrome Training and Certification to Micronesian Regional Airport Professionals. The center focused on partnering with professional international aerodrome/aviation organizations to bring critical and valuable training opportunities to aerodrome/aviation professionals throughout our region.

October 2019
GIAA Partners with Airports Council International (ACI) Global Training
The Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) partners with esteemed Airports Council International (ACI) Global Training, the world's leading provider of airport management and operations education; offering executive leadership, professional accreditation, subject-matter competency and personalized in-house training courses, as well as a wide range of web-based coursework. Four (4) separate training courses were scheduled for 2020: Safety Management Systems for Executive Managers (13-15 JAN); GSN 1 - Safety Management Systems (02-06 MAR); GSN 2 - Airside Safety & Operations (03-07 AUG); and GSN 3 - Emergency Planning & Crisis Management (14-18 DEC).

November 2019
GIAA Issued and Sold $37M Bonds, Secured $18.4M Cash Flow Relief for Capital Improvement Projects
GIAA successfully sold $37.0 million in refunding bonds resulting in debt service savings of approximately 2.5%. In addition, the successful refunding resulted in cash flow relief of $18.4 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The debt service savings and cash flow relief achieved with the refunding paved the way for GIAA to move forward with various capital improvement projects that will enhance service, safety and security at the Airport. Assures GIAA's ability to provide local match/share for FAA Airport Improvement Project (AIP) Grants, which could amount to as much as $100M.

GIAA achieves 1.78M enplanements in 2018, the second highest enplanements in the Airport's history.

Guam Airport Management holds Board Positions in prestigious international organizations, enhancing Guam Airport's role for travel in the region

  • Board Member of Pacific Air Travel Association, Aviation Committee
  • Board member of the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific Region

Guam Airport was awarded the prestigious Routes Asia Marketing Award for our outstanding air service development program in 2017.

Airport launches Vision Hulo', a campaign of initiatives the Airport has adopted to promote growth, development and opportunities, and enhance Guam Airport's profile in the region and its connectivity with the world.

GIAA breaks ground on the $110M construction of the International Arrivals Corridor.

Airport Commissions two new ARFF Vehicles at a value of $1.25M.

Two Years Running - FAA Gives Guam Airport Perfect Score on its FAR Part 139 Inspection for Civil Airport Operators.

Air Seoul launches seven times weekly direct services from Incheon to Guam.

Cebu Pacific launches four-times weekly flights from Manila.

HK Express operates four-times weekly flights from Hong Kong.

Guam Airport Placed 9th Top Airport for International Arrivals nationwide as ranked by the National Travel and Tourism Office.

Guam Airport processed 1.7Million passenger enplanements in 2016, a record in enplanements since 1997.

GIAA places new $900k Passenger Loading Bridge placed into operation.

New $30M baggage handling and screening system relocated to back of house and placed into operation.

Guam Airport opens new family and lactation rooms as part of its $2.2M restroom refurbishment project.

Eight self-service Automated Passport Kiosks placed into operation at an investment of $600k for passenger processing in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hall.

GIAA completes its $2.2M Refreshed Exterior Terminal aesthetic enhancement of the terminal building.

Guam Airport renewed its Sister Airport relationship with Sendai Airport in Miyagi prefecture, Japan, allowing for cultural exchange and best airport practices sharing.

The extension of Primary Runway 6L/24R from 10,000 linear feet to 12,000 linear feet, at a cost of over $70M, becomes fully operational on June 25, 2015.

United Airlines resumes operations of the Incheon-Guam route. The route was formerly serviced by Continental Airlines in 2001.

United Airlines launches twice-weekly Shanghai-Guam services.

Philippine Airlines increases its flights from five times to seven-times weekly to Manila, on its A320 aircraft, effective August 2014.

Lotte Duty Free celebrates its one year in operation on July 21, 2014.

Fifteen airport fire recruits successfully complete the Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 1st Recruit Cycle and are installed as firefighters This is the first cycle hired after NAS Base Closure and transfer of ARFF operations to GIAA in 2003.

The Airport issues and closes $247 Million in General Revenue Bonds, providing new money for additions, improvements and enhancement of GIAA terminal and facilities.

Japan Airlines launches its cadet pilot training program for piloting B737-800 and the B767-300 aircraft.

Russian tourists arrive on Guam under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, effective February 15, 2014. Under the program, Russian nationals with parole authority are able to travel to Guam and CNMI visa free for a period of 45 days.

FedEx Guam opens its office at the Integrated Air Cargo Building in Tiyan, marking its presence onsite, versus offsite sales and freight office of the past.

Jeju Air launches direct service from ICN to Guam utilizing B737-800 aircraft.

All Nippon Airlines and Japan Airlines both retire their B747 aircraft servicing Guam.

GIAA's robust CIP program included the following project, in various stages of completion

  • Improve Airport Facility Infrastructure (Electrical System) Phase I; $7M

  • Noise Mitigation Measures (65-69 DNL); $2M

  • Extension of Runway 6L/24R Phase VIII; $4M

  • Instrument Landing System Installation RWY 6L, Phase I; $1.55M

  • Instrument Landing System Installation RWY 6L, Phase II; $4.8M

  • Airport Master Plan Update; $700k

  • Airports Geographic Information System; $675k

  • Energy Management Performance; Guaranteed Savings of $6.15M, with a capital investment of $9.9M for increased efficiency and replacement of inefficient equipment.

Continental Airlines

  • Resumes non-stop flights from Guam to Hong Kong
  • Launches a third weekly flight to Cairns
  • Launches an additional flight to Manila departing on Saturdays
  • Launches Guam-Honolulu route via Majuro
  • Launches an additional flight from Kansai (Osaka)
  • Unveils its new aircraft type B737-700 servicing Guam, Japan and Palau
  • Formalizes its merger with United Airlines in September 2010

Jin Air

  • Launches daily service from Incheon-Guam, effective April 20, 2010
  • Becomes signatory carrier, effective July 1, 2010

Japan Airlines

  • Celebrates 40th anniversary of service to Guam on October 1, 2010

Skymark Airlines

  • Operates eight charter flights from Haneda in August

Delta Air Lines

  • Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines merge in December 2009
  • Initiates in-house ground handling service with Delta Global Services in September

A total of 130 homes are mitigated for airport noise in Phase 1 A & B of GIAA's Sound Solutions Program at a cost of $3.7M.

Demolition of seven blocks of former naval housing at a cost of $2M provides raw land for airport use and aviation-related and revenue-generation opportunity.

MSA Logistics breaks ground on its new $1.5M, 20,000 square feet warehouse and office facility in the Airport Industrial Park.

Triple B Freight Forwarders (Guam) Inc. breaks ground on its new $2.5M, 22,000 square foot air and sea multi-modal cargo facility.

PacAir Properties LLC breaks ground on the $23.8M, 140,000 square foot Guam International Integrated Air Cargo Facility in the Airport Business Park.

CTSI Logistics Guam breaks ground on their $4M logistics hub in the Airport business Park.

The total economic contribution of Guam's Airport per year is computed to be $1.7 billion dollars consisting of $291M direct, $1.1B in indirect and $326M in induced financial activity, according to an Economic Contribution Report by Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. Airport operations were reported to generate 20,440 jobs, representing a total payroll of $628M.

Triple B Forwarders breaks ground at its new $2.5M, 22,000 square feet multi-modal facility site in the Airport Business Park.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grants a two-year term for foreign carriers with USDOT authority, with some exception, to engage in transportation of cargo through Guam.

The U.S. and China conclude discussions on bilateral civil air service allowing for the People's Republic of China to designate an unlimited number of airlines to operate the agreed services to Guam and Saipan, effective August 1, 2007.

Japan Airlines celebrates its 35th Anniversary of serving the Guam market.

The GIAA K-9 Unit joins the prestigious TSA's National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) through a cooperative partnership with TSA.

DHL Worldwide Express opens its new $1.2M Express Package Facility in the Airport Business Park.

Continental Micronesia upgrades and retrofits its maintenance hangar at a cost of $3.5M.

GIAA hosts the 14th Annual Airports Council International - Pacific (ACI-Pacific) Regional Assembly & Conference in May 2004. Over 200 airport and aviation-related executives from 17 countries participated in the conference.

GIAA launched the pilot phase of the Residential Sound Insulation Program, retrofitting approximately 30 homes impacted by airport noise with $2M in FAA funding for sound mitigation.

Famed, world-renowned artist “Wyland” paints his 91st original mural as part of his Whaling Wall world series, in the East Ticket Lobby.

Refunding of the $211M 1993 General Revenue Bonds provided approximately $14M in savings on a net present value basis at the end of the Fiscal Year. Savings allowed for a decrease of 29.4% of per passenger fees by 29.4%.

Korean Air becomes a signatory carrier with GIAA

A banner year in our recovery from 9/11, new and increased airline services include:

  • Korean Air resumes Seoul-Guam route
  • Philippine Airlines resumes air service to Manila
  • Asiana Airlines adds new Pusan-Guam route
  • ANA inaugurates direct flights from Narita to Guam to complement their Osaka- Guam air service
  • Japan Airlines adds two more flights to their six flights-a-week to Narita

In September, title to 1,417 acres of former US Naval properties is officially transferred to the Guam International Airport.

GIAA posts significant increases in arrivals and departures in the year as a result of aggressive pursuit of new and increased air services and marketing of Guam in our tourist markets. Arrivals increased by 36%, departures increased 37%, cargo increased 5%, aircraft landing and takeoffs increased 11%, and aircraft gross take-off weight increased 74%.

The Phillips North American Directory ranks Guam 4th Top U.S. Gateway to/from Asia and Australasia.

Significant developments in air service include the following new and increased air services:

  • China Airlines begins charter flights to Taipei
  • Continental Micronesia adds four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft
  • Japan Airlines service to Nagoya increases to twice daily operations
  • Northwest Airlines graduates its DC10 fleet to 747 aircraft on flights to Tokyo
  • Asiana Airlines celebrates a resumption of service to Seoul, South Korea operating 9 flights a week

In August of 1998, the second phase of the Terminal Expansion Project is opened for operations.

The year also marks an historical arrival of Air Force One touching down on the Guam International Airport's tarmac transporting the Honorable President of the United States, William “Bill” Clinton. In his speech, Clinton states, “I have logged thousands of miles visiting many, many corners of America, trying to gain a greater understanding every day of the rich diversity of our nation. No president, however, can ever claim to have seen the breadth of America without coming here to our westernmost boundary. I thank you for making me feel so welcome, ‘Where America's Day Begins'.”

GIAA conducts a full-scale disaster simulation to fulfill requirements of Federal Air Regulation (FAR) Part 139 for the first time. This simulation organizes an island and agency-wide response to a mass casualty incident on airport grounds.

The first phase of the terminal expansion project is completed on September 10, 1996. The completed phase features an expanded terminal space of 550,000 square feet from an original 220,000 square feet, a new larger customs and immigration hall, public parking lot with 710 spaces, new and expanded retail space, an automated baggage system capable of processing 120 bags per minute, and four pairs of moving walkways along the concourse.

GIAA obtains an Airport Operating Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in preparation for the closure of NAS. April 1, 1995 marks the first date that Guam's only commercial airport becomes fully operational for the first time by civilian air traffic controllers and GIAA Operations Officers, responsibilities that originally belonged to the U.S. Navy.

In Fiscal Year 1994, arrivals and departures total 2,149,511 movements.

GIAA joins “Komitea Para Tiyan,” a committee organized to plan for the transition of NAS from federal to local government control.

In January 1993, the GAA sells $242M in bonds in New York City for the airport expansion project.

In June 1993, Naval Air Station (NAS) Agana, (the joint-use airfield for civilian and military operations) is added to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission's list for recommended closure.

Governor Joseph F. Ada signs Public Law 21-135 in September 1992 allowing the GAA to sell $300M bonds for the expansion of the air terminal.

The Commuter Terminal becomes operational in August 1991. Three new loading bridges and parking aprons are added to the terminal at a cost of $6.2M.

Korea is added to the Guam Only Visa Waiver program. Continental Air Micronesia began air services to Seoul and also commenced services to two additional cities in Japan, Sendai and Sapporo.

The Guam International Air Terminal Master Plan is updated in February.

Guam passes the “One Million Passenger” mark with 1,494,148 passengers processing through the GIAT.

The Airport Access Road opens on June 10th.

The GIAT is renamed to the “Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Air Terminal” in honor of Guam's first elected Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

GAA attains $10.1M in revenues with operating costs of $7.7M.

Construction begins on the $2M Airport Industrial Park and GAA breaks ground for the Airport Access Road project.

The U.S. Congress passes the Omnibus Territories Act (visa waiver), which waives the visa requirement for travelers from Australia, Brunei, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, United Kingdom (including Hong Kong), Vanuatu and Western Samoa.

ANA began regular international air service to Guam in March.

The Board of Directors approved a 5-year capital improvement program consisting of construction of the Airport Access Road, concourse extension project, extension of the departure lounge, apron parking extension and a parallel taxiway.

Continental Air Micronesia introduced service to Hong Kong.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) began charter flights to Guam which led to the inauguration of their international service three years later.

The new $43M Guam International Air Terminal was dedicated on January 19, 1982.

Continental Micronesia added flights to Japan and Northwest began regularly scheduled services to Guam.

An Economic Impact report identified $25,395, 000 as direct dollar impact from airlines operating through Guam International Air Terminal. Of that, approximately $5.87M went to wages, employee benefits and for goods and services purchased locally.

Guam Airport Authority floated a $43M bond to build new terminal facility.

Groundbreaking and site preparation of a new Guam International Air Terminal was held in October 1978 to meet improved passenger services and capacity.

GAA Special Facility Fueling System Revenue Bonds were issued in the amount of $3.25M, and was fully guaranteed by Lockheed Corporation with Wells Fargo Bank. This provided for an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that Lockheed Corporation would meet all payments due in serving the bond issue.

The Airport Expansion and Improvement Project plan was first drafted identifying key issues for growth and development of airport facilities and services.

Guam Airport Authority (GAA) took over operations of the air terminal from the Department of Commerce in January 1976

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