Fewer ground delays, new terminal for Salt Lake
January 24, 2012
Don’t you hate it when you push back from the gate only to have to wait in a seemingly endless queue to take off? Even worse is landing 20 minutes ahead of schedule and having to wait around to taxi to the gate. You’ve arrived, but not really.
You may not have to endure as many delays once US Airways installs Aerobahn® airport surface management systems at its Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix hubs.
The idea here is to give the airline “real-time insight into our ground operations,” says US Airways Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom. He contends, “The bird’s-eye view of the airport surface helps our team reduce delays, ensure on-time arrivals and departures and more effectively manage during inclement weather.”
Longer range, look for Salt Lake City International to start work on a massive $1.8 million make over of the airport next year. The new terminal would sport 74 gates. Today’s set-up has 86, but 30 of them are outdoor boarding areas. We’ll keep you posted on milestones as this project proceeds, and how it all affects you.
By the way, FlightStats just named SLC as the top airport in North America for 2011 when it comes to departure performance. Salt Lake, a major Delta Air Lines hub, racked up an on-time departure rate of 86.55 percent. The average airport in this category managed just 76.67 percent. Stuff like that can make a decided difference in your travels – fewer missed connections, less stress. Remember, lots of times you have a choice as to where you’re going to connect. Empower yourself as mush as possible.
What’s your favorite western US airport? What’s your least favorite?
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Neil Armstrong2)
Jerry Chandler
Jerry Chandler loves window seats – a perch with a 35,000-foot view of it all. His favorite places: San Francisco and London just about any time of year, autumn in Manhattan and the seaside in winter. An award-winning aviation and travel writer for 30 years, his goal is to introduce each of his grandkids to their first flight.
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