MetroAirport.com

In addition to new service offered by many of our air carriers and a wide array of new concessions opening at the McNamara Terminal during the past few years, I’ve compiled a list of some of the more noteworthy events below:

2001

· Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11^th halted all air traffic in the nation.

· In October, National Guard troops began monitoring passenger screening checkpoints at DTW.

· Runway 4L/22R was dedicated in December bringing the total number of runways at DTW to six.

·        The Wayne County Commission honored Wayne County Executive Edward McNamara by naming new terminal in his honor.

2002
·        The McNamara Terminal opened to rave reviews with a series of civic ceremonies and a public open-house in February.
·        John Dingell Drive (new airport access road) was also dedicated in February.
·        Governor John Engler signed Senate Bill 690 creating the new Wayne County Airport Authority.

· A 400-room, luxury Westin hotel, opened adjacent to the McNamara Terminal.

· Eastern Michigan University/Eagle Flight Center selected Willow Run Airport for a pilot training school.

· The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) assumed passenger security screening duties at nation’s airports.

2003

· The McNamara Terminal was featured in Architectural Record magazine and CBS recognized Smith Group for their design of the innovative tunnel which connects concourse A with concourse B & C.

· A continuing tough aviation economy caused staff reductions at DTW resulting in the elimination of 102 positions, 20 of which were occupied.

2004

· USA 3000 and Independence Air began scheduled service.

· Airport Revenue News named the McNamara Terminal concessions program the best in the nation.

·       Two new rental-car agencies were added on-airport.

2005
·        The design for the new north terminal which will replace the Smith and Berry Terminals was approved by the WCAA Board and demolition began on the Davey Terminal.
·        AirTran, Frontier and Air France began service.
·        Willow Run Airport unveiled a Master Plan Update.
·        Northwest Airlines filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September.
·        Delta filed for Chapter 11 protection the same day.

2006

· Final numbers indicated that DTW set an all-time record for total passengers in 2005 of nearly 36.4 million

· The passing of Edward McNamara, former Wayne County Executive was a sad day in February.

· On a happier note, airport and airline staff assisted Detroit in hosting a Super Super Bowl XL in February.

I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the Airport Authority’s development and the opening of the award-winning McNamara Terminal. My goal has been to operate the Authority more like a business and less like a government agency. With the assistance of a great staff, I see progress every day. I look forward to the new terminal opening in 2008 at DTW and the new environment that will create for our passengers, visitors and employees. And, let’s not forget Willow Run Airport. The new Master Plan will upgrade our infrastructure at YIP and help spur economic development between the two airports for the benefit of southeast Michigan.