Miami International Airport officials were more than happy to welcome a cavalcade of public visitors at their stand yesterday, having the dual role of promoting both Miami's tourism and airport infrastructure.
An ongoing US$4 billion expansion programme, started in 1992, continues at the airport - which will be doubled in size by the Year 2005.
The expansion programme will include a new Air Traffic Control Tower to provide the US FAA with a new observation deck at 91.5 metres, substantially higher than the existing tower.
Of significant importance to the airport's future is a planned fourth runway, which will allow MIA to continue its expansion and expected growth of 48 million passengers in 2005.
Airport authorities also hope to streamline arrival procedures.
Miami is ranked number two in the US for international passenger traffic, number six in total passengers and top in international air freight.
Peter Cajigal, Chief of Cargo Development at MIA said the airport's strategic location close to buoyant Latin American markets ensures a healthy response to the next biennial Air Cargo Americas exhibition from October 28-30 this year.
Reflectone's $25m trainer deal
Tampa, Florida-based Reflectone has confirmed the award of a $25million contract from Bell-Boeing to provide five, three-dimensional maintenance trainers for the MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor.
Reflectone was selected last December, but the contract was not signed until February and the impending merger with British Aerospace then barred any further announcements.
The contract will provide the US Marine Corps with a cockpit maintenance procedures trainer and four composite maintenance trainers.
The latter replicate the flight controls, landing gear and hydraulics, powerplant/power train and avionics.
The equipment allows ground crews to work up their expertise at much-reduced cost compared with utilising the real aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
