Manchester Boston Regional Airport: Airport News

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Airport News

Manchester Shuttle Pilot Program Proves Successful! Private Ground Transportation Company to Offer High Frequency, Affordable Service to Northern Massachusetts and Boston

June 18th, 2008

Understanding the long-term economic importance and customer service benefits associated with establishing an adequate level of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) connectivity between the airport, the densely populated region north of the City of Boston and the expansive network of the MBTA subway system, the airport launched a pilot shuttle bus program called the "Manchester Shuttle" to help demonstrate to private ground transportation companies that there was a demand for regularly scheduled bus/van service between the airport, northern Massachusetts and the City of Boston.

This 18-month pilot program, designed to aid in the development of a sustainable ground transportation network, now carries between 500 - 900 passengers per week and has shown private companies that a strong market for this type of service does exist in Manchester.

Beginning on July 1, 2008, Flight Line, Inc. will offer hourly service between the airport and several popular destinations in northern Massachusetts, as well as the City of Boston for just $19 each way. The emergence of this new high frequency, affordable service has eliminated the need to continue our pilot shuttle program. More information and an on-line reservation system can be found at www.flightlineinc.com.

According to Airport Director Mark Brewer, A.A.E., "the goal of the pilot program was to stimulate demand and entice private ground transportation companies to take a harder look at offering these service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. We are pleased that Flight Line, Inc. has committed to increase service at Manchester and improve connectivity between the airport, northern Massachusetts and the City of Boston."

New Hampshire Receives Real ID Extension from the Federal Government

March 31st, 2008

Good News! The State of New Hampshire has been granted an extension by the federal government to continue reviewing and discussing the new federal requirements included in the Real ID Act of 2005. New Hampshire residents may use their State driver's license as a valid form of identification at federal security screening checkpoints at airports across the country until December 31, 2009.

Although the State did not agree to comply with the new federal regulations governing the collection, storage and dissemination of New Hampshire's driver's license information, State officials presented a compelling case for the security of the State's exisiting driver's license program and it's high percentage of compliance with the new federal Real ID regulations.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport applauds the efforts of Governor John Lynch, State officials and the New Hampshire Legislature in securing the extension in advance of the March 31, 2008 deadline.

Q&A about the Real ID Act and possible impacts in NH

March 19th, 2008

What is Real ID? Real ID is a federal law designed to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

When is it supposed to take effect? Per the Real ID Act, beginning on May 11, 2008, citizens of States that are not Real ID compliant may not use their driver's licenses as identification for official federal purposes, included boarding an aircraft.

Are States being granted additional time to comply with the Real ID Act? YES. All States submitting requests will receive an extension until December 31, 2009. Federal agencies will still accept State driver's licenses for offical purposes from those States who have been granted an extension. Currently, only four States - Maine, New Hampshire, Montana and South Carolina - have not requested an extension to comply with the requirements of the Real ID Act.

What changes will occur at airports? Any citizen from a non-compliant State traveling by air without a valid passport or military ID will be subjected to a secondary screening process at all federal security screening checkpoints across the country prior to boarding an aircraft. The secondary screening process is a physical inspection of the person and their carry-on baggage.

What will this mean for New Hampshire? If New Hampshire doesn't ask for an extension, as of May 11, 2008 a New Hampshire driver's licenses will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification by the federal government. All New Hampshire citizens traveling by air without a valid passport or military ID will be subjected to the secondary screening process prior to boarding an aircraft.

What will this mean for passengers at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport? Passengers from non-compliant States (including New Hampshire) can expect extended wait times in the "Non-Compliant Line" at the federal security screening checkpoints, as well as a physical inspection of their person and carry-on baggage.

What's next? New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has sent a letter to Secretary Chertoff at the United States Department of Homeland Security. We are hopeful that New Hampshire will be granted an extension and avoid the May 11, 2008 deadline.

Southwest Airlines Announces Nonstop Ft. Lauderdale Service

January 24th, 2008

Great news! Southwest Airlines, Manchester ∙ Boston Regional Airport’s largest air carrier, has announced plans to offer a daily round-trip nonstop flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida beginning on May 10, 2008. The addition of this exciting new flight is part of a system-wide initiative by Southwest to refine its schedule to better serve high demand markets. As part of the plan, Southwest will also reduce its daily nonstops from MHT to BWI from eleven to ten.

According to Airport Director Mark P. Brewer, A.A.E., “this new service announcement by Southwest Airlines is great news for the airport and even better news for air travelers across the region. Ft. Lauderdale is Manchester’s eighth most popular destination and is currently the airport’s highest ranking city without nonstop service. I applaud Southwest Airlines for their continued investment in Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and for greatly improving air service in the Boston-North market.”

Please visit www.southwest.com for scheduled flight times or to purchase tickets.

Manchester - Boston Regional Airport Welcomes New Airport Director Mark P. Brewer, A.A.E.

January 2nd, 2008

On January 1, 2008 Mark P. Brewer, A.A.E.assumed duties as the new Airport Director at Manchester - Boston Regional Airport. Brewer comes to Manchester from TF Green Airport in Providence, RI where he served as Vice President and COO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) from 1997 - 2004, and most recently as President and CEO of RIAC from 2004 - 2007.

According to Deputy Airport Director J. Brian O'Neill, "Manchester - Boston Regional Airport is very fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable aviation professional leading our team. Mark brings a proven track record of successful airport management to Manchester."

Mark is also an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and assumes several leadership positions on a national level.

Airport Opens New Cell Phone Lot

September 7th, 2007

As part of an ongoing customer service enhancement program, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport has opened a new cell phone lot off Ammon Drive adjacent to the parking garage and FAA Air Traffic Control Tower. This new lot is free of charge and offers thirty spaces, free wifi and provides a convenient place to wait for arriving flights. Once passengers have deplaned and collected their luggage, they can call to be picked up at the terminal curb outside of baggage claim. While waiting in the cell phone lot, drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times.

According to Acting Airport Director Michael F. Farren, “the airport is always exploring new opportunities to improve and enhance the air travel experience at Manchester. This new cell phone lot is a convenient “temporary way-station” for motorists picking up passengers at the airport and will help improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle congestion in front of the terminal.”

Airport Adds Downloadable/Printable Flight Schedule and Internet "Flight Finder" Options to Website

February 7th, 2007

In this age of wide-spread computer proficiency and increasing computer usage among most segments of society, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport has developed two new customer amenities designed to simplify the access and broad dissemination of updated flight schedule information. The airport announces the addition of a downloadable and printable monthly flight schedule and an interactive Internet "flight Finder" tool to its award-winning website.

According to Airport Director Kevin A. Dillon, “in the past we printed our flight schedule and distributed it six times each year. Unfortunately, due to intermittent airline schedule changes, our printed guides were sometimes outdated by the end of their two-month shelf life. These new computer-based products are easily accessible and updated much more frequently to provide a higher degree of accuracy. Another beneficial byproduct of these new computer tools is a considerable saving on printing and postal charges.”

Manchester • Boston Regional Airport Now Offers Free Wireless Internet Access

August 8th, 2006

As part of our expanding customer service program, Manchester • Boston Regional Airport is pleased to now offer free wireless Internet (WIFI) access throughout the entire passenger terminal.

Manchester • Boston Regional Airport continually strives to create a convenient, predictible and positive travel experience for air travelers in the Boston-North region. If you have a comment or suggestion about the services provided within our facility that you'd like to share, please email boneill@flymanchester.com.

Thank you.

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