MIA Named 2013-2014 Airport of the Year by ALPA
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) will honor Miami International Airport (MIA) as its “2013–2014 Airport of the Year” for the facility’s “steadfast commitment to engaging with the airline pilots who operate there to ensure the highest safety standards for passengers, crews, and cargo.”
ALPA will confer the prestigious “2013–2014 Airport of the Year” award on the “pilot-friendly” airport during the Association’s 60th Air Safety Forum, which will be held between August 4–7, 2014 in Washington, D.C.
ALPA selected MIA in part because of its track record of maintaining effective channels of communication with Delta Air Lines F/O Carlos Suhr, ALPA’s airport safety liaison (ASL) to MIA.
“They have consistently demonstrated that they understand the importance of having a line pilot’s perspective when it comes to safety. They continue to receive our concerns and continue to listen to our pilots’ perspectives involving safety issues at the airport. Such a partnership between the airport, ALPA, and pilots can only be good for the industry” said ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak.
Miami International Airport is among the busiest airports in the world. There are over 90 airlines serving MIA to approximately 150 destinations around the globe. In 2013 they served 40.5 million passengers (more than 100,000 a day) and shipped 2.1 million tons of freight around the world. They’re in the top 10 U.S. airports for total freight, total cargo, total passengers, international freight, and international passengers.
Too bad ALPA doesn’t take into account the long and horrible TSA security lines at MIA. Recently some people have said that TSA pre-check lines and priority lanes for frequent flyers have been closed. Not to mention that MIA isn’t exactly “passenger friendly” in terms of customer service.
What do you think about MIA being named 2013-2014 Airport of the Year?
Don’t forget to RSVP for the Washington, D.C. or Miami, FL meet up events. One lucky winner at each meetup will win a $50 gift card for the airline of their choice.*
*Where applicable: airline must have a $50 gift card option.
This isn’t the “passenger’s airport of the year” award – it’s the pilots’ award. Those passenger-centric measures shouldn’t enter into it.