Page 19 - 2024 Summit of the Americas

INSIDER

U.S. government awards nearly $1 billion in grants to improve airports

On February 15, 2024, the Federal of these terminal projects are under systems, and increasing accessibility for
Aviation Administration (FAA) announced construction. passengers with disabilities. Among them
that it is awarding $970 million to 114 Many grants contain an element are:
airports across the U.S., spanning 44 that will build new or expanded terminal $40 million to Chicago O’Hare
states and three territories. The funding facilities. International Airport: This award funds
comes from the Bipartisan Investing in Among them are: improvements to Terminal 3 to include
America agenda, and launches projects $35 million to Washington Dulles increasing the central passenger corridor
that will improve passenger experience, International Airport in Virginia to fund a width, a reconfigured TSA check-point,
accessibility, and sustainability while portion of the construction of a 14-gate, new hold room, a new ADA compliant
creating jobs. 400,000 sq. ft. terminal building including and family restroom, and updates to the
Investments enhancing the passenger connections to the Aerotrain and Metrorail. baggage system.
experience include new baggage systems, $20 million to Salt Lake City $26.6 million to Denver International:
larger security checkpoints, increasing International Airport in Utah to fund This award funds a portion of the baggage
gate capacity, and modernizing aging a portion of the Concourse B terminal handling system replacement, including the
infrastructure throughout terminals and expansion that will include 16 gates. control system. In addition, the new system
ground transportation. $27 million to Miami International will improve energy efficiency and increase
These investments further increase Airport to fund a portion of the design capacity.
terminal sustainability and improve phase for the modernization and Other grants will increase access to
accessibility for individuals with redevelopment of MIA’s Central Terminal other modes of transportation or improve
disabilities. Nine grants will address the and Concourses E and F. roadways, refurbish their airport owned
needs of aging air traffic control towers. Many grants contain an element that airport traffic control towers, increase
These awards are on top of the nearly $2 will improve the passenger experience terminal sustainability, and improve airport
billion for airport terminals announced by improving security screening areas, access in smaller communities.
over the past two years. The vast majority providing faster and more reliable baggage

Miami-Dade County launches “I AM MIA” customer campaign

On February 29, Miami-Dade County
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami
International Airport (MIA) Director and
CEO Ralph Cutié, and key airport partners
launched the “I AM MIA” campaign, a
pivotal initiative designed to transform the
customer experience at one of the busiest
airports in the United States.
The comprehensive program aims
to enhance the overall airport experience
for passengers and MIA’s workforce
community of more than 37,000
employees, the largest economic engine in
Miam-Dade County. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director and CEO
The “I AM MIA” campaign is a key Ralph Cutié unveil the new I Am MIA logo.
element of MIA’s ambitious Modernization
in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, a transformative Campaign highlights: redevelopment, restroom upgrades,
initiative marked by historic investments Customer-Centric Teams: Specially new passenger boarding bridges, and
in maintenance and capital infrastructure trained Lightning Crew teams will be renovated conveyance units, among other
projects. strategically positioned throughout the improvements. Through the Modernization
This groundbreaking campaign will terminals to assist passengers and address in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, 126 passenger
deploy dedicated Lightning Crew teams of maintenance issues, fostering a more loading bridges, 203 public bathrooms, and
highly trained employees to strategically personalized and responsive experience. 616 conveyance units (elevators, escalators,
patrol the terminal for maintenance issues Modernization in Action: Aligned with and moving walkways) are being renovated
in need of immediate attention. the M.I.A. Plan, the campaign is part of in phases over the next 5-7 years.
Other Lightning Crew members will an extensive effort to enhance operational With a record-breaking 52.3 million
proactively address passenger inquiries efficiency and customer experience. It travelers served last year, the “I AM
and concerns, with the ultimate goal is linked with MIA’s commitment to MIA” campaign responds to the increased
of significantly enhancing the overall infrastructure enhancements, including demand for both operational improvements
customer experience at the airport. a new parking facility, terminal and elevated customer care.

19 April 2024 Summit of the Americas

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