Southwest finalizes ground staff deal

It’s taken almost five years of negotiations, but the news that Southwest Airlines has finally signed a satisfactory pay contract with its ground crew will come as a relief to many. In the event, the voting was very close, with workers only narrowly approving the new contract on February 19. Members of the Transport Workers Union Local 555, which represents more than 12,000 ramp, operations, cargo and other ground workers, was the force behind the deal.

The accepted offer includes pay increases of 20% that will be phased in over the five year contract term. However, there are some who feel that the deal hasn’t gone far enough in terms of job security and employee working conditions.

JLC granted distributor rights

JLC Aviation Services has been approved as a UK distributor for Anderson Airmotive, a worldwide supplier of commercially and military proven sockets, plugs and connectors for fixed electrical ground power units.

Based in Massachusetts, Anderson Airmotive is renowned as an innovative leader in ground power, with over 60 years of experience in product design and manufacturing. The company produces the largest selection of rugged, yet simple to assemble, connector plugs, cable assemblies and receptacles in the industry. Covering all commercial and military requirements for 28VDC, 270VDC, 80VDC, 200VAC and 400VAC, all Anderson Airmotive connectors are made from high quality, specially formulated rubber with excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. Each connector has heavy, silver-plated tellurium copper contacts with quad beams and engineered steel springs that assure consistent contact for thousands of cycles.

Plaudit for diversionary airport

Bangor Aviation Services, which is Bangor airport’s ground handling and services division, was recently presented with the WOW award by United Airlines for its outstanding service to the airline’s multiple diver­sions to Bangor during the last few months.

Commenting on the award Andrew J Pratt Jr, Regional Performance Manager for United Express operations, said: “United Airlines is pleased to recognize our partner Bangor Aviation Services for their commitment to our customers.”

In reply, Bangor airport’s Director, Tony Caruso, said: “We appreciate this acknowledgement of our employees’ dedication, hard work and good customer service when the unexpected happens. Bangor handles many diversions in the course of a year. We strive to make every flight’s experience in Bangor a good one, whether scheduled or not. It is nice to be recognized for our efforts.”

In a typical year, Bangor International deals with more than 100 diversions. The airport’s long runway, experienced staff and its history of always being open and ready for any aircraft in operation globally, along with its strategic location, have all contributed to the station’s reputation of being a suitable diversion point, when required.

“We have a very experienced staff. They handle diversions as a matter of course. We are always ready and able to handle any flight that comes through Bangor, whether they have been on the schedule for a week or they give us 20 minutes’ notice,” remarked Assistant Airport Director, James Canders, who oversees those divisions recognized by United.

New contract ratified with Air Canada

The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) has announced that its members have ratified a new contract with Air Canada on collective agreement terms that will last for 12 years. Air Canada’s flight dispatchers are based at the airline’s Operations Center near Toronto Pearson International airport.

This new contract with CALDA follows on the conclusion of  ten year agreements with the IAMAW, which represents Air Canada’s 7,500 technical, maintenance, airport ramp and cargo personnel; with CUPE, representing the airline’s 6,500 flight attendants, and with ACPA, which represents around 3,000 pilots. It actually represents the seventh agreement reached by Air Canada and its unions.

New app unveiled at Miami

Miami airport has just launched its new mobile app, which is designed for passengers and all airport users. This is the first airport app in the US to use the latest technologies, including Bluetooth beacons, to get the right information to the right people, when and where they need it. Developed by IT provider SITA, the app presents an easy-to-use interface and gives travelers personalized updates, directions and tips based on their location and needs.

Described by the airport as “Your Personal Travel Assistant,” the MIA Airport Official app can be used on iOS and Android devices from anywhere in the world. When the user opens it, options are provided based on location, so a user in Miami will have a different experience from someone opening it up in London, Bogota or New York.

As travelers make their way through the airport, the app provides information and support that is relevant to their individual journey, including updates on their gate, flight times and baggage collection, as well as nearby food and retail outlets, prioritizing suggestions based on their current location.

BBA gets clearance for Landmark

British aircraft services company BBA Aviation has announced that it has won US antitrust approval to buy Landmark Aviation in a deal, signed last year, reputed to be worth US$2m.

BBA, which owns Signature Flight Support, agreed to divest fixed base operators assets, which supply fuel and other support to smaller aircraft, at six airports as a condition of antitrust approval. The airports in question are Washington Dulles, Scottsdale Municipal, Fresno Yosemite, Jacqueline Cochran Regional, Westchester County and Ted Stevens in Alaska.

Batteries packing more punch

Trojan Battery, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of deep cycle batteries, has announced the establishment of Trojan Battery Sales, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trojan Battery. Trojan Battery Sales, formerly Safe-Start, now operates factory sales locations throughout the south-eastern US, with several distribution centers in Florida to maximize support to Trojan’s extensive dealer base in the region.

Trojan Battery Sales has distribution centers in Birmingham, Alabama, Macon, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee and four locations in Florida based in Fort Myers, Miami, Pensacola and St Petersburg, with plans for continued expansion of Trojan Battery Sales centers throughout the south-east region.

These locations carry several brands of batteries, chargers and accessories, to address all customer needs. Trojan’s factory sales locations will support various battery-powered applications including automotive, floor machine, golf cars, industrial, marine/RV, motorcycle, mobility, renewable energy and utility vehicles.

“Trojan Battery Sales distribution centers are strategically located in areas which boast a large Trojan Battery customer base,” said Brian Jaibur, Director of Sales for Trojan Battery. “This new sales channel enables Trojan Battery Sales to better service customers by providing a wide selection of products and enhancing on-time delivery, while at the same time strengthening the Trojan brand.”

New contract for Air Canada workers

Air Canada and the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association have signed a new contract, on collective agreement terms, for a period of 12 years. The agreement is subject to ratification by CALDA’s membership as well as to certain openers over the 12-year period. Details of the agreement will not be released, since ratification by CALDA is pending, as is approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors.

This agreement follows on from ten year contracts with the IAMAW, which represents Air Canada’s 7,500 technical, maintenance, airport ramp and cargo personnel; with CUPE, representing the airline’s 6,500 flight attendants; and with ACPA, which represents its 3,000 pilots.

The carrier‘s flight dispatchers are based at the airline’s Operations Centre, near Toronto Pearson International.