I know.....it's just that I figured it has nothing really to do with expansion, so I'd start a fresh thread on it.

The way I read the article, it does have something to do with expansion and other airport improvements.

The more I read it the more I see your point KJP. Mucho apolgizo to the administrators.

I'm not going to link the 373 related articles on the Continental-United merger in Google, but it is safe to say they are in preliminary talks. Beyond what this means for the CLE hub, this could be a real disaster for the aviation industry. If CAL-UAL is run out of Chicago along with a new DAL-USAir airline run by US Scare managment in Phoenix, God help anyone trying to fly. And don't EVER, EVER check your bag. :)

TheGuv - Thats a recycled article

 

You know the DAL-USscare threat is over.

 

If Continental-United do merge, Cleveland would probably be kept as it convenient to hand the congested  Newark and O'Hare.

 

Although in the back of my mind I feel like Cleveland should be promoting a second hub like Alaska (preferable as its a continental partner) or Frontier as well as bring in Jet Blue.

You know the DAL-USscare threat is over.

 

If Continental-United do merge, Cleveland would probably be kept as it convenient to hand the congested  Newark and O'Hare.

 

Although in the back of my mind I feel like Cleveland should be promoting a second hub like Alaska (preferable as its a continental partner) or Frontier as well as bring in Jet Blue.

 

DAL-US Scare isn't over. It's contingent on termination the DAL's pilots pension plan. Which is real posibility considering how BK courts have ruled on airlines in the recent past.

 

Don't forget, back in '00 the US Scare-United merger was called off more than a few times for fear of DOJ reprisals only for them them to attempt to partner back up again. It wasn't until the post-9/11 market conditions played out that US Scare-United decided to part seperate ways.

 

Also if it were truly over, CAL-UAL wouldn't be talking.

 

As for a second hub, Frontier is flying out of CAK...doubt they'll switch aiports and then expand at CLE. Alaska is a bit of a stretch...but ya never know. JetBlue would mean flights to JFK and BOS or IAD. That's about it. :)

You know the DAL-USscare threat is over.

 

If Continental-United do merge, Cleveland would probably be kept as it convenient to hand the congested Newark and O'Hare.

 

Although in the back of my mind I feel like Cleveland should be promoting a second hub like Alaska (preferable as its a continental partner) or Frontier as well as bring in Jet Blue.

 

DAL-US Scare isn't over. It's contingent on termination the DAL's pilots pension plan. Which is real posibility considering how BK courts have ruled on airlines in the recent past.

 

Don't forget, back in '00 the US Scare-United merger was called off more than a few times for fear of DOJ reprisals only for them them to attempt to partner back up again. It wasn't until the post-9/11 market conditions played out that US Scare-United decided to part seperate ways.

 

Also if it were truly over, CAL-UAL wouldn't be talking.

 

As for a second hub, Frontier is flying out of CAK...doubt they'll switch aiports and then expand at CLE. Alaska is a bit of a stretch...but ya never know. JetBlue would mean flights to JFK and BOS or IAD. That's about it. :)

 

I could have sworn they said they (USAir) were going to back off.  CAL-UAL have been doing this dance since Feb. 2003.

 

Frontier doesn't have a second hub, thats their Achilles heel.  So why shouldn't they come CLE same for Alaska.

 

Jet Blue doesn't have a real presence in the Midwest, so again, this could be an opportunity for Cleveland.

 

It could be a win-win for the airlines and Cleveland Southwest/JetBlue duel it out on low fares and marketing and Continental has to match...bring customers to the airport!

 

An airport that rarely rarely has delays..runs efficiently even during storms, the only minus is the terminal/concourses themselves. :|

i like the way this new hopkins chief talks the talk. good start.

 

here's some merger talks news from today:

 

 

December 13, 2006

Continental and United in Deal Talks

By ANDREW ROSS SORKIN and JEFF BAILEY

United Airlines and Continental Airlines have been holding talks on a potential merger, a combination that would create the biggest domestic airline, with a combined value of $9 billion, people involved in the negotiations said last night.

 

The discussions, though far from complete, could spur a wholesale realignment of the airline industry.

 

The talks, apparently initiated by United, recently picked up pace after US Airways’ bid last month to buy Delta Air Lines for about $8 billion, these people said.

 

US Airways’ proposal, promising $1.65 billion a year in savings by joining with Delta, has helped add urgency to carriers’ interests in merging.

 

Large airlines like United, the second-largest domestic carrier, and Continental, the fifth-largest, have spent recent years lowering their costs to become more competitive with low-cost carriers and with each other. None of them want to be at a cost disadvantage to rivals.

 

A United spokeswoman, Jean Medina, and a Continental spokesman, David Messing, declined to comment.

 

Meanwhile, AirTran Holdings, a low-cost carrier that competes against Delta, is expected today to make an offer for Midwest Air, a smaller airline in Milwaukee, for about $200 million, or $11.25 a share, in cash and AirTran stock, a person close to the deal said last night.

 

AirTran’s chief executive, Joseph B. Leonard, could not be reached.

 

United’s chief executive, Glenn F. Tilton, and Continental’s chief executive, Larry Kellner, have met in person to discuss a combination, a person with knowledge of the talks said.

 

But two executives with knowledge of United’s efforts expressed skepticism over the likelihood of a United-Continental deal. The executives, who requested anonymity because of their role, said Mr. Tilton had initially approached Delta, which said it was not interested, before contacting Continental.

 

 

That last paragraph tells why this merger, if it ever attempted, will probably fail. While the hubs and route structures work well between the two, the two companies corporate mentalites mesh about as well as oil and water. UAL will never give up the reigns to CAL. Many senior folks at United still consider CAL along the same lines as they did the Eastern many years ago, as the enemy. Then there was the "screw CAL" campaign by many UAL pilots back in the early 90's. There is too much bad blood between these two. It would be like if Lerner decided to buy the Steelers and merge them with the Browns. Then again, never say never. :)

That last paragraph tells why this merger, if it ever attempted, will probably fail. While the hubs and route structures work well between the two, the two companies corporate mentalites mesh about as well as oil and water. UAL will never give up the reigns to CAL. Many senior folks at United still consider CAL along the same lines as they did the Eastern many years ago, as the enemy. Then there was the "screw CAL" campaign by many UAL pilots back in the early 90's. There is too much bad blood between these two. It would be like if Lerner decided to buy the Steelers and merge them with the Browns. Then again, never say never. :)

 

I've been reading some of the merge reports and it appears NW has to approve any merger or take over of continental.

 

And with NW & CO "in bed" so to speak, and NW in bankruptcy.  It seems the hard way to go.

 

As amrap states, the continental management will want to run the show, but the United Name would stay.  However, united employees dont trust the management.

 

but who knows what will happen

From Wiki, a CAL history from derugulation to '95:

 

First bankruptcy

 

In 1978, the Airline Deregulation Act was passed by Congress, creating problems that spurred many airline mergers. After considering a merger with Frontier Airlines, Continental was acquired by Texas International based in Houston in 1982 where the headquarters subsequently moved. The merger gave Continental its current hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and its routes to Mexico; it also gave Continental a new CEO, former Texas International chief Frank Lorenzo. In 1983 Continental filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code: much of the airline was liquidated and the company was rebranded as a low-cost carrier. Continental was also forced to abandon its hub in Los Angeles although it maintained its South Pacific routes.

 

In 1985, Continental made its first rebound by starting flights from Newark and Houston to London. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 1986. Just one year later Lorenzo decided to purchase People Express and its hub at Newark, making Continental the third-largest airline in the U.S. (Ironically, People Express's founder and CEO, Don Burr, had originally resigned from his position at Texas International under Lorenzo to found the airline.) 1987 saw the creation of the OnePass frequent flyer program, and in 1988 Continental made its first partnership ever, with SAS.

 

 

[edit] Second bankruptcy

Continental filed for bankruptcy again in 1990, shortly after unveiling a new white and blue livery. There were a number of circumstances behind the second bankruptcy: Lorenzo left Continental to dedicate himself full time to Eastern Air Lines, and fuel prices had risen because of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the resulting Gulf War. People Express had also been highly leveraged at the time of its merger with Continental, having purchased Frontier Airlines just two years before. In 1993 Air Canada, along with Air Partners and Texas Pacific Group, aided Continental in coming out of chapter 11 once again by investing $450 million dollars in the airline. Under the leadership of Gordon Bethune Continental subsequently ordered new Boeing aircraft - converting to an all-Boeing fleet - and scaled down their expensive Denver hub until it was closed entirely in 1995. Bethune chronicled his experiences in the book From Worst to First.

 

United employees and even their managers hated Lorenzo for being the union-busting guy he was. Again, it's old history, but there are plenty of old farts working at UAL. :)

From the PD "the sky is falling department":

 

A merger's impact on Hopkins

If Continental, United join, experts say airport could lose flights, hub

Friday, December 15, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

A merger of Continental and United Airlines could reduce the number of flights out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and, perhaps, eliminate Continental's hub all together, several airline experts say.

 

"The hub would be gone," predicts Michael Boyd, president of The Boyd Group, an airport consulting firm in Denver. "A merger always represents less, not more."

 

A hub is an airport that serves as a central connecting point for an airline and is important to a city because it offers more flights to more destinations, especially nonstop and international flights.

 

Continental and United have reportedly begun preliminary talks on a merger, sparking speculation about what it would mean for the airline industry and hub cities.

 

Not all airline experts agree with Boyd's gloomy outlook for Cleveland. Some say a merger could benefit the city because Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a hub for United, is more costly to operate from than Hopkins. Also, there is no room for growth in Chicago, while there is in Cleveland.

 

"One question would be how much more could O'Hare absorb," said Gary Dellapa, former airport director at Miami International Airport and an aviation professor at Kent State University.

 

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-5010

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/116617584072570.xml&coll=2

 

 

Just like the Delta-US Air POSSIBLE merger, trying to predict an outcome of something that may not happen is rather silly. We won't have the slightest clue about the status of CLE until some sort of business plan is laid out. That is at a minimum, one year away, if this even happens at all. There are alot of angles the PD could have taken at this merger business...it's not surprising that they took the most negative one.

 

 

 

Fewer flights, more passengers at region's airports

Saturday, January 06, 2007

April McClellan-Copeland

Plain Dealer Reporter

There were fewer takeoffs and landings at Cleveland Hopkins International and Akron-Canton airports last year, but more passengers were on those flights.

 

At Hopkins, there were 229,386 takeoffs and landings through November 2006, down from 250,000 during the same period in 2005, said spokeswoman Pat Smith.

 

At the same time, Hopkins' passenger count increased slightly from 10,428,447 through November 2005 to 10,572,686 last year. "What this means is that the airlines are scheduling fewer aircraft more to capacity, versus flying aircraft that are not filled to capacity," Smith said.

 

At Akron-Canton, takeoffs and landings were down 4 percent from 109,350 through November 2006, compared with 113,893 takeoffs and landings in 2005, said assistant director Rick McQueen. McQueen said the passenger count for 2006 increased just slightly from the previous year's 1,430,000.

 

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

 

My guess is about 11.7 mill pax for the year (December traditionally a heavier travel month). Not bad, fourth consecutive year of increases for CLE. Still below the record levels of the late 1990's though.

I was in the airport on Sunday getting off a flight and heard an automated message telling me to take the Red Line from the Airport for, "Quick, Hassle-free Service."  Sounds like RTA is finally getting the message about marketing.

I was in the airport on Sunday getting off a flight and heard an automated message telling me to take the Red Line from the Airport for, "Quick, Hassle-free Service."  Sounds like RTA is finally getting the message about marketing.

 

They used to run these announcements, but they stopped for quite some time.  I asked why somewhere in this forum a while back. Someone responded with the reason, but I forget what it was.  I'm glad the messages are back.

I was in the airport on Sunday getting off a flight and heard an automated message telling me to take the Red Line from the Airport for, "Quick, Hassle-free Service."  Sounds like RTA is finally getting the message about marketing.

 

Glad to hear it, er, hear about it!

via http://www.clevelandairport.com/site/375/default.aspx

[/font]pt]

Experienced Industry Professionals Round-Out New Airport Management Team   [/size]

 

CLEVELAND, January 18, 2007— It took time, planning, and searching, but  finally the leadership team that will help Director Ricky Smith chart the course  for the Cleveland Airport System is in place.    “As a vital economic engine for our City and region it is important that we take  our rightful place as a major competitor in our industry and with these additions  to our leadership team, we have individuals who are proven and capable to ensure  our course is strategic and balanced,” said Airport Director Ricky D. Smith.  “The  future of air travel is rapidly changing and we need professionals who can help us  transition through those changes and ensure the prosperity of our air system now  and in the future.  I’m very pleased to welcome these individuals to our team.”      Todd Payne will lead the Director’s charge to expand air service opportunities for  Cleveland as the Department’s Chief of Marketing and Air Service Development.  Prior to his appointment, Mr. Payne was Regional Sales Manager of the Eastern  U.S. with Hawaiian Airlines. He brings 21 years of travel industry marketing and  sales leadership experience with airlines, hospitality, and destination entities. He  has also held strategic management positions with Experience Columbus, Accor  Hotels, the Aruba Tourism Authority, VIASA Venezuelan International Airways,  USAir and Piedmont Airlines.  Mr. Payne will focus on the expansion of passenger  and cargo air service at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, as well as  oversee advertising, public relations, and the airport's customer service programs.  Mr. Payne is a graduate of Ashland University and has a bachelor’s Degree in  Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. He has also received CTC  certification from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. 

 

Steve Nagy was selected as Chief of Planning and Engineering in November 2006.  In this position he oversees the areas of Planning, Engineering, Construction,  Real Estate and Noise Abatement. Prior to his current position, he served as  Manager at Cuyahoga County Airport, where he managed all aspects of  professional, administrative and operational functions. No stranger to Cleveland  Hopkins International Airport, Mr. Nagy began his 22-year tenure with the City  of Cleveland in 1977 as a project manager for planning and environmental  projects at CLE, where he was responsible for developing facilities planning and  aircraft noise abatement programs. Mr. Nagy received his master’s in Public  Administration and bachelor’s in Political Science from Cleveland State  University.   

 

Eleanne Young is the Chief of Administration and Performance Management,  including oversight of Information Technology, Organizational Development, and  Administrative Services.  Ms. Young’s appointment began January 2, 2007 her  breadth of experience includes a 6-year stint with the Maryland Department of  Transportation including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood  Marshall Airport, where she focused on technology-supported business and  strategic planning, human resources, and workforce development programs.  Ms.  Young holds a bachelor’s in Psychology from the College of Notre Dame of  Maryland, and an MBA from Loyola College in Maryland.   

 

Percy E. Dangerfield joined the Cleveland Department of Port Control team as the  Chief of Staff in October 2006. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Dangerfield served  as the Division Manager of the Disadvantaged/Minority Business Enterprise  Program for the Maryland State Highway Administration. Mr. Dangerfield has  accumulated 17 years of experience in the public transportation and private  sectors - primarily in business development, governmental affairs, and  organizational advancement. He serves as the principal assistant to the Director,  charged with ensuring that the overall vision and key initiatives of the  Department are implemented.  He is a graduate of Frostburg State University,  where he received both a bachelor’s in Philosophy, and a master’s in Business  Administration with a concentration in management.   

 

Pat Singleton was appointed Chief of Business Development and Management in  October 2006 and is responsible for business planning and development and all  matters related to concessions, airline agreements, parking and ground  transportation, and contracts and procurement.  Ms. Singleton joined the  Department of Port Control as Airport Development Manager in 1999 and has  served in various management positions within the business cluster.  Ms.  Singleton has a bachelor’s from Central State University and a master’s from The  Ohio State University.  She has over 20 years of experience in commercial  management experience including experience with concessions development,  airline use and lease agreements, management of airport parking and ground  transportation operations and real estate negotiations.      The new members join the existing team of Fred Szabo, Commissioner for CLE,  Khalid Bahhur, Commissioner of BKL, and Acting Chief Financial Officer  Kathleen Woidke.     

 

Tired of airport traffic? Would you pay for valet parking?

Saturday, January 27, 2007

 

Susan Vinella and Patrick O'Donnell, Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Never before has money made life so easy. Many big airports now offer valet parking to spare you that long walk -- or perhaps mad dash -- from parking garage to ticket counter.

 

Could this advancement be coming to an airport near you? Cleveland Hopkins International Airport officials say the idea is under consideration.

 

Midwest airports already offering valet service:

 

Cincinnati, Chicago O'Hare, Columbus, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Pittsburgh.

 

How it works:

 

You drive up to a designated area outside the terminal. An attendant takes your keys and parks your car in a lot or garage. When you return, you go back to the designated area, where an attendant gets your car.

 

What it can cost:

 

Cincinnati and Columbus charge $18 per day for valet parking. All-day self-parking at Cincinnati -- within walking distance of the terminal -- is $12; at Columbus, it's $15 a day. Cleveland charges $7, $10 and $14 a day to park in its lots and garages.

 

 

To reach these Plain Dealer reporters: [email protected], 216-999-5010 [email protected], 216-999-4818

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1169891168197260.xml&coll=2

 

 

I saw that on Saturday and quickly sent an email to the reporters that the redline is your best option for avoiding traffic. I also chastised them for helping to feed the idea that there is no alternative to the automobile.

^^ the worst part is that this is a re-tread from a usa today piece last week.  i'm glad the PD is recycling stories from a top paper and putting a lot of thought into what they publish.   it probably took a lot of time to get the local airport information. 

 

a better story is a research angle with a local college to survey what users of hopkins (not 24 random passengers) think is missing and think is working.  survey 2000 travelers and get some results. 

 

EDIT:

and on a positive note, I have been very impressed by the general state of Hopkins recently.  I've been on 10 flights in the last 6 weeks and things are starting to look good for an O and D passenger from one of the attached parking lots/RTA through security - repainted main lobby with bright colors, new restrooms, southwest finally got rid of their 1950 tv monitor in the baggage claim area, classical music playing in baggage claim area, rta announcements (though i didn't hear them the last trip), etc. 

 

however, for a connecting passenger or someone spending time in the actual terminals, i think some more work can be done.  Free Wifi (Please), The digital airport initiative, painting the jetways with some fun colors, and a few TVs in the concourses.

 

 

I agree.  I think im in Hopkins more than I'm in my house.

 

I did hear the RTA announcement.

 

I wish there was free wifi all over, right now you can only get it in the Presidents Club or right infront of it.

 

Actually I like the idea of Valet Parking, but again, the PD didn't consult with RTA to give a unbaised report on alternatives to get to the airport.

 

I hope those two ladies give you a response, wimwar!  Keep us posted.

http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2007/01/cleveland_hopki.html

 

A nice little blurb about using the RTA Red Line from Hopkins on cheapflights.com

 

The only beef I have is that, again, another piece of Cleveland history is supposedly put in doubt. Cleveland was the first city to have airport-to-rail service. Why is it so hard to believe? If San Fran or Chicago made the same statement it probably would be accepted with no questions asked. Why is there such a pull from alot of places to take away the city's history? We should re-name Cleveland to Camelot.

All they have to do is look it up. Every single news and information source you can find lists Cleveland not only as having the first airport-downtown rail link in the U.S., but in the western hemisphere.

Did anyone see the direct flight from Amsterdam land at Hopkins today?  Not only did CLE have a direct flight land from AMS, but it was a 767-400 ... in CLE... unfortunately, only for 45 minutes to empty toilets on its normal route AMS-IAH. 

 

i also heard that continental has/will shortly take over the northwest gates on concourse C. 

^which airline? 

 

Any word on the Paris flight?

^Continental flight#47.

 

No other news on Paris.  Tickets are supposed to go on sale this summer (for summer 08 service).  Rumors are that there will be a Continental expansion announcement as the CO execs have been quoted saying that CLE was underserved and could support more connecting traffic.  But, this will probably only be more small jet/prop service and perhaps some more west coast direct flights as CO takes delivery on their new 737NGs.  Still, if we could get SAN back, establish SEA year round, maybe add an OAK, that would be a good start.

 

it's unfortunate that the only big planes CLE seems to get are from diversions for weather or maintenance. 

 

it didn't used to be this way...sure beats seeing all of the ERJs everyday...

 

Here are some shots of 747s in CLE: Air Force One, Northwest, El Al, PeopleExpress, Air Canada:

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraft_genericsearch=Boeing+747%25&airlinesearch=&countrysearch=-+Cleveland+-+Hopkins+Int.+%28CLE+%2F+KCLE%29&specialsearch=&daterange=&keywords=&range=&sort_order=&page_limit=15&thumbnails=&calccount=1126259&truecount=false&engine_version=6.0

 

 

 

 

Did anyone see the direct flight from Amsterdam land at Hopkins today?  Not only did CLE have a direct flight land from AMS, but it was a 767-400 ... in CLE... unfortunately, only for 45 minutes to empty toilets on its normal route AMS-IAH. 

 

i also heard that continental has/will shortly take over the northwest gates on concourse C. 

 

What would the harm be if this flight landed all the time at Hopkins on its way from AMS-IAH? Might be a nice traffic collector for this part of the U.S. and take some heat off EWR.

Plane Runs Off Cleveland Airport Runway

Feb 18th - 9:34pm

 

CLEVELAND (AP) - A commuter plane carrying more than 70 people ran off the end of a snowy runway and pierced a fence after landing at the Cleveland airport Sunday, officials said. No injuries were reported.

 

The plane came to a stop more than 150 feet past the end of the runway, said Thonnia Lee, a spokeswoman for Delta Air Lines Inc. The engines were partially buried in snow and the tip of the plane's nose was resting on a roadway the airport uses to get to perimeter buildings, she said.

 

The cause was not yet known, airport spokeswoman Pat Smith said. Visibility was reduced to about a quarter- to half-mile because of the snow, said Dan Leins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

 

Three people onboard the Embraer 170 asked to be checked out at a hospital as a precaution, Smith said.

 

The flight, traveling from Atlanta to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, landed around 3 p.m. It was operated by Shuttle America, a Delta Connection carrier, Lee said.

 

The airport was closed for about an hour and a half and some planes were diverted to other cities, Smith said. The runway where the incident occurred will be closed indefinitely, she said.

 

Another aircraft that landed on the runway about eight minutes before reported no braking problems, she said.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board was on site to investigate, Smith said.

 

There are several Hopkins Threads, including two on expansion, but not one on general news.

Thus the post on this thread with the following from Crain's this week:

 

Hopkins ranks fourth in satisfaction survey

 

 

By JAY MILLER

 

6:00 am, February 19, 2007

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport ranked fourth in customer satisfaction among 26 medium-size airports in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2006 North American Airport Satisfaction Study.

 

Hopkins scored “better than most” in four of five measured categories — airport accessibility, security check, terminal facilities and baggage claim. It was rated “about average” in the “check-in” category.

 

The study was based on a survey of more than 9,800 passengers who flew between January and May 2006, according to a report in Airport Business magazine.

Did anyone see the direct flight from Amsterdam land at Hopkins today?  Not only did CLE have a direct flight land from AMS, but it was a 767-400 ... in CLE... unfortunately, only for 45 minutes to empty toilets on its normal route AMS-IAH. 

 

i also heard that continental has/will shortly take over the northwest gates on concourse C. 

 

The biggest problem with a CLE-AMS run on a 767-400 would be take-off weight. I don't think CAL is running 757's to Europe because of pax demand...but more from a safety/profit standpoint. On a nice spring or fall day, the 767 would have no problems. But on days when there is snow or high heat they would possibly have to dump cargo or pax or cancel the flight altogether while at say Newark there wouldn't be that issue. Hopkins has only two real directions they can run the flight.....either from 6 or 24. While at most other airports you may have one or two other runway options for wide-body flights.  The runway extention is needed in order for wide-body to take off in inclement weather or when it's say 80+ degrees outside. Even then if there's a strong wind around 150 (SE) or 330 (NW) degrees and it's snowing or raining it's still likely to get stuck at the gate.

 

Airport projects carried through without approval

Council gives slap on wrist

Friday, March 09, 2007

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport violated city law by proceeding with more than $500,000 in projects without getting City Council approval.

 

Airport Director Ricky Smith, whom Mayor Frank Jackson appointed to the position last June, blamed deadline pressure and staff turnover for officials agreeing to $456,0000 in consulting and redesign fees for a de-icing project before getting OK from council.

 

"The airport felt pressured to move a project along . . . and [thought] we'll get smacked on the wrist later," Smith told members of council's Aviation and Transportation Committee this week.

 

Smith also said airport officials authorized Standard Parking, which operates the airport's parking lots and garages, to convert an employee lot into a $7-a-day visitor lot without council's approval; he blamed a miscommunication between a staff member and airport attorney and an ambitious project schedule.

 

Standard will receive $61,000 in rent credits for its work.

 

Council's Aviation and Transportation Committee belatedly approved the expenditures this week, but not before gently scolding the director and warning him not to let it happen again.

 

Later, committee Chairman Kevin Kelley took a sterner stand, though he said he is convinced the work was necessary and done properly.

 

"What happened was completely unacceptable," Kelley said in an interview Thursday. "There's no way to get around the fact that the way business was conducted was not appropriate."

 

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-5010

 

that was a no-no, but I wonder if getting the job done, with out approval was for the greater good of the customers and vendors?

All I have to say is that I am glad to see that the place is finally being cleaned up!  I agree the service is great but the only other airport I have seen that seems to be more dingy is Philadelphia.  Now if they can just find some color other than gray and we'll be all set!

 

 

All I have to say is that I am glad to see that the place is finally being cleaned up!  I agree the service is great but the only other airport I have seen that seems to be more dingy is Philadelphia.  Now if they can just find some color other than gray and we'll be all set!

 

 

 

Miami is hideous, LGA terminals are worse than ours, memphis is stuck in 1978, LA is the worst airport on the planet, NoLA, Jacksonville and I could go on.....all have worse "looking" joints than we do.  but as a frequent user, I think we moving in the right direction.

Agree, agree, agreee.  Just so you know I wasn't referring to the strucure (except for the gray paint everywhere), I truly was refering to how clean the place is.  I am glad to see the "keep it clean" sort of signs in the place and about 6 months ago I actually saw a cleaning crew moving throughout the place with cleaning carts, brushes, paint, etc.  That is a good sign!

i know it is only 2007, but maybe some recycling containers?  i don't want to push the envelope too much, but maybe we'll see these in the next 20 year airport plan?

and maybe some sort of green/low energy use people mover/LRT sort of thing to get to the next expansion wing whenever traveling on one of th crop dusters out of the pasture in the lower 40 (more commonly refered to as the "D Gates". 

Hopkins finds, but won't detail, more odd work

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Michael O'Malley

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

An internal review at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has found numerous cases of improper business practices and oversights relating to outside contractors, the airport reported Monday.

 

But after issuing a news release, airport officials refused to disclose details about the review. They even kept the details from Councilman Kevin Kelley, chairman of the City Council committee that oversees the airport.

 

"This is bizarre," Kelley said in a telephone interview. "I've got no information. I don't know what the big secret is."

 

Airport Director Ricky Smith's prepared media statement said a special airport review committee "uncovered numerous cases of improper procurement and business practices" at the airport. The statement said the problems spanned the "last few years."

 

The news release said contractors and consultants did work without authorization, expired leases continued under old rates and property taxes were "improperly billed." But the statement did not disclose the number of contractors or their names. It did not reveal the depth of the problems or say how much money was lost.

 

Smith did not return telephone calls Monday. Pat Smith, who was listed on the news release as a contact, said The Plain Dealer would need to file a records request with the city Law Department to obtain more details about the news release.

 

Kelley, following questions by The Plain Dealer, caught up with Smith during a council committee meeting Monday afternoon. Kelley said Smith told him there was no report on the findings.

 

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4893

Maybe they could include keeping critical ground instrumentation from getting buried by snow so we don't have more planes slide off the runway and into the NASA fence among their "odd work".

 

I saw the hole when I was heading into GRC a few weeks ago -- that thing was heading right for the guard station dead on. Amazing nobody got hurt.

 

PS, it's kind of ironic that they would pull something like this during Sunshine Week which emphasizes "the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy." (quoted from Wikipedia -- Link)

  Just got back from NYC again today and was picking up my bag when I overheard someone asking if there was easy way to get to downtown other than cab.  When I told them that there was a train line that went directly downtown they were like "oh, didn't know there was a train in Cleveland".  I KNOW some of you will argue the point with me...but WE are used to the term "rapid transit"...many others from other places aren't.  How hard is it to just simply state on signs in the airport "Trains to downtown"...easy to understand and universal!!!!!  This would be SO easy to rectify and would help RTA tremendoulsy for ridership.  I wonder how many other people "had no idea" that would have used the system? 

Sounds a letter writing campaign is in order.

  Just got back from NYC again today and was picking up my bag when I overheard someone asking if there was easy way to get to downtown other than cab.  When I told them that there was a train line that went directly downtown they were like "oh, didn't know there was a train in Cleveland".  I KNOW some of you will argue the point with me...but WE are used to the term "rapid transit"...many others from other places aren't.  How hard is it to just simply state on signs in the airport "Trains to downtown"...easy to understand and universal!!!!!   This would be SO easy to rectify and would help RTA tremendoulsy for ridership.  I wonder how many other people "had no idea" that would have used the system? 

 

I think its a very valid point. We all know 'rapid' means here in Cleveland. When i would say 'rapid' around my visiting in-laws, i had to explain what it meant.

i believe that the citizens advisory board presented the same conclusion regarding the airport signage to the full board of RTA.  not sure where this stands, but there is a full board meeting next week, so that might be a good time for some people to follow up.  the bottom line appeared to be that it was up to the airport, more than RTA as RTA does not maintain or establish the signage.  so maybe write the airport as well.

Share your thoughts with RTA's board at:

 

Direct phone calls and e-mail to:

Board Secretary

216-566-5187, [email protected]

 

Share your thoughts with the city's Department of Port Control at:

 

Ricky D. Smith, Sr., Director

5300 Riverside Drive

Cleveland, Ohio44135

216-265-6022

Fax: 216-265-6096

[email protected]

JDD I noticed that last night.  I've never paid attention before, the signs in tower city or other "rapid" station say "train to X" but in the airport is says rapid transit.

Airport officials release sought-after report on finances

Posted by Michael O’Malley March 15, 2007 18:54PM

 

Cleveland airport Director Ricky Smith disclosed Thursday that the airport failed to collect tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes from its tenants.

 

Smith made the disclosure three days after issuing a news release about unspecified cases of improper business practices at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

 

During a news conference at City Hall, Smith released a six-page report -- which had been sought by The Plain Dealer since Monday -- showing that airport officials may have violated city rules regarding contracts and leases at Hopkins.

 

The report is dated March 13, the day after Smith issued the news release.

 

Smith, who became director eight months ago, said officials have not calculated how much money the problems cost the city.

 

"There's much more work to be done before we can establish a dollar figure," he said.

 

The work is being done by a four-member Procurement Review Committee, Smith said. Members are Jack Arnold, a lawyer in the city's Law Department, and airport officials Percy Dangerfield, chief of staff; Kathleen Woidke, interim chief of finance; and Steve Nagy, chief of planning.

 

I was worried that smith wasn't going to work out and that Mok was doing a great job, now with all these findings I wonder what Mok was really doing?

 

It appears that smith is checking every line item and trying to hire airport mgmt & aviation officials.

 

I just wonder how airport tenants could not pay taxes, one for damn near 20 years!

 

So far Smith seems to be getting to the business of verifying airport finances; checking every vendors finances and contract and open to improving the customer experience.

 

BTW, I forgoet to mention, that Continental (and/or Hopkins) is taking opinions about adding a Presidents CLub lounge on the D Concourse!  FINALLY!

^ damn elitists and their "Presidents Clubs"....people like me have to fly on a buddy pass and slam down a 40 oz. on the Red line!

^ damn elitists and their "Presidents Clubs"....people like me have to fly on a buddy pass and slam down a 40 oz. on the Red line!

 

So you're the SOB leaving St. Ides bottles on the seats!

I was wrong about Mr. Smith he seems to be very diligent in trying to make hopkins better.  There has to be some accountability with these vendor not paying their share. ( Preferably sooner than later)