Latest announcements from the Valley’s three major airports

7 months ago 189

HARLINGEN, Texas – All three commercial service airports in the Rio Grande Valley have made news this past week.

BROWNSVILLE

In Brownsville, Angel E. Ramos, PE, AAE, IAP, has been appointed director of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, effective February 20.

Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez says the hiring marks a significant milestone in the airport’s journey towards enhancing its operations and services to the community and its stakeholders.

“Mr. Ramos brings to the role over two decades of extensive experience in airport planning, design, construction management, and capital infrastructure programming,” Ramirez said.

“His comprehensive background, combining technical expertise with proven leadership abilities, positions him exceptionally well to lead our airport into its next chapter of growth and development.”

Ramirez said city leaders are confident that Ramos’s leadership will usher in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and growth for the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.

She said Ramos’ vision for the future aligns with the City’s commitment to providing outstanding service and facilities to passengers and business partners.

Ramos said he is “profoundly honored” by the appointment.

“I am eagerly anticipating contributing to the City of Brownsville and its surrounding communities. Together with the airport staff, our collective efforts will elevate the airport’s stature on a global scale, but also contribute significantly to the vitality and resilience of the City’s economy. I look forward to working with everyone,” Ramos said.

Prior to joining the City of Brownsville, Ramos served as vice president of planning and development at the CVG Airport Authority. There, Ramos oversaw what he said was a significant project – the Terminal Modernization Program.

Previous roles included serving as assistant airport director of planning and engineering at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. There he led planning, design and construction efforts, as well as overseeing the capital improvement program.

Ramos holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico.

His expertise is further solidified by his licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE), his accreditation as an Airport Executive (AAE), and his certification as an International Airport Professional (IAP).

Harlingen

Meanwhile, in Harlingen, the City of Harlingen and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez have announced a $4.5 million federal grant for the modernization of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at Valley International Airport.

According to VIA, the upgrade will significantly improve operational capacity and ensure the safety and efficiency of its airspace.

Gonzalez said the funding was secured through the Airport Terminal Program (ATP) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation he championed as it was going through Congress. Gonzalez said the funding signifies a landmark advancement in enhancing air traffic control safety and efficiency at VIA, while demonstrating dedication to top-tier community and visitor facilities.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to better our communities, modernize our infrastructure, and increase transportation reliability,” Gonzalez said. “The funding will ensure that Valley International Airport continues to provide top-notch safety to onboard travelers and crews while improving workplace conditions for hardworking staff.”

A press release from the City of Harlingen said city leaders were grateful for the support of their representatives in Congress.

“Their effective advocacy was key in obtaining the funding. Our representatives’ commitment to the growth of our airport and the betterment of our region’s infrastructure has been invaluable,” the press release said.

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda said: “This is a transformative moment for the City of Harlingen and Valley International Airport. The $4.5 million ATP grant not only solidifies our commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art facility but also showcases the federal government’s confidence in our city to continue thriving as a regional hub of commerce and travel.”

Marv Esterly, director of aviation at Valley International Airport, said: “I’m profoundly grateful for the support from our federal representatives, our Harlingen Airport Board, Mayor of Harlingen and City Commissioners. This funding is not only a milestone for our airport but also a reflection of their dedication to enhancing our aviation infrastructure. The ATCT upgrade will significantly improve our operational capacity and ensure the safety and efficiency of our airspace.”

McAllen

Meanwhile, in McAllen, a new nonstop service from McAllen International Airport to Tampa/St. Petersburg in Florida has been announced, courtesy of Allegiant Air.

The service will starting in June 2024.

Allegiant also currently operates nonstop routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and Los Angeles from McAllen.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said Tampa/St. Petersburg is a top U.S. tourist destination with over 35 miles of award-winning beaches, the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, top rated beach front dining, and endless leisure opportunities at the 26-acre St. Pete Pier.

“This new Allegiant route is just another win for McAllen and our entire region. We are proud to see that our airline partners have confidence in our market and continue to choose McAllen International Airport for expansion. We also look forward to welcoming visitors from Florida to experience everything that McAllen has to offer as a two-time International Festival and Event destination city,” Villalobos said.

McAllen City Manager, Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., said Allegiant has opened ticket sales starting at $59 dollars for the Tampa/St. Petersburg flights.

“McAllen is the epicenter of the Rio Grande Valley and is striving to provide our region with the absolute best in connectivity. With three new nonstop air service announcements in 2024,” Rodriguez said.

“McAllen International Airport has gone above and beyond to connect our community to new travel opportunities and improve our overall quality of life.”

McAllen International Airport Director, Jeremy Santoscoy, P.E., said his airport is now one of the top ten busiest airports in Texas. He said its commercial airline traffic led the region in 2023 with 45 percent of the RGV’s commercial air service market share.

Santoscoy said 2023 saw over 964,000 passengers travel via his airport. He said that with a recent nonstop Aeromexico air service announcement to Felipe Angeles International Airport just outside of Mexico City, McAllen International Airport also continues to be the only airport in the region with year-round international service.

“Travelers will always be the No. 1 priority at McAllen International Airport. Whether you’re coming back to the place you love, or taking the trip of a lifetime to St. Petersburg, we are here to make sure your journey goes above and beyond,” Santoscoy said.

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