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1996 FEBRUARY The Airport created a Web site, www.ocair.com. APRIL The direct access road to the Main Street Parking Lot opened. Great Lakes Aviation commuter carrier initiated service at John Wayne Airport. JUNE The County of Orange emerged from bankruptcy on June 12. JULY Great Lakes Aviation discontinued service. NOVEMBER After departure from John Wayne Airport, the pilot of a Morane-Saulnier 760 II requested an emergency landing because an external boarding ladder was attached to the outside of the aircraft. While turning to align the aircraft with the runway, the pilot overcompensated and the aircraft rolled, pitched, and spiraled into an industrial building, killing three people. DECEMBER The Board of Supervisors approved and adopted the Reuse Plan for MCAS El Toro and directed County staff to prepare a dual Master Plan for commercial service at John Wayne Airport and El Toro. AMR Combs purchased Martin Aviation. John Wayne Airport purchased a state-of-the-art OSHKOSH T3000 emergency vehicle for ARFF Station 33. 1997 JANUARY The Board of Supervisors awarded a contract to update, automate and integrate a new aircraft operation and noise monitoring system, replacing the system installed in 1979. The Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of an Administration Building for the Airport. FEBRUARY USAir changed its name to US Airways. MARCH The Board of Supervisors approved the East Parking Structure Expansion Project. APRIL The Airport issued $135,050,000 in revenue bonds to refund the outstanding 1987 bonds. The transaction allowed the Airport to shorten the bond term by six years and reduce debt service payments by $60.7 million. JUNE The John Wayne Airport Web site, www.ocair.com was launched. AUGUST During a routine approach to John Wayne Airport, a Cessna 195 lost all power and the pilot landed the plane in the employee parking lot and collided with two ground obstructions. The pilot walked away with minor injuries. SEPTEMBER Phase 1 (north side) construction began on the expansion of the East Parking Structure. Express Valet Parking Service was launched in the Main Street Parking Lot. Wings West discontinued service at John Wayne Airport. Frasier’s FBO was demolished making way for other general aviation uses. 1998 JANUARY John Wayne Airport personnel moved from the JWA Executive Guild at the Garden Apartments to the new Administration Offices at 3160 Airway Avenue, bringing the Director’s office, Business Development, Facilities, Finance/Administration and Government/Community Relations under one roof. The County celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Airport. FEBRUARY Executive Express II was approved as a commuter carrier by the Board of Supervisors, but never initiated service. The west side General Aviation restrooms and seating areas were opened. MARCH The new JWA Administration Offices were dedicated as the Eddie Martin Administration Building. APRIL A passenger survey was conducted. Results indicated that 96 percent of respondents rated services at John Wayne Airport as “good” to “excellent.” MAY The first John Wayne Airport Media Guide was produced and distributed. JUNE While practicing routine touch and goes, a student pilot lost control of his Cessna 152 and crashed short of the runway. Witnesses blamed the accident on wake turbulence from a Boeing 757 which landed approximately 30 seconds prior to the accident on an adjacent runway. WestAir discontinued service at John Wayne Airport. JULY The Volunteer Ambassador Program was launched in the Riley Terminal. SEPTEMBER The short Runway (19L/1R) was closed for reconstruction and resurfacing. Airport Director O.B. Schooley retired. Loan Leblow was appointed Interim Airport Director by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. JWA Today, a quarterly newsletter was launched. The Airport concluded a one year side-by-side comparison test of the new Tracor noise monitoring system to the existing system. OCTOBER The short Runway (19L/1R) reconstruction was completed nine days ahead of schedule and the runway reopened for use. NOVEMBER Phase 1 expansion of the east Parking Structure was completed and opened to the public. The Airport’s Web site was redesigned and updated. American Airlines acquired Reno Air. Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the rating for the John Wayne Airport Revenue Bonds from A to A1. 1999 MARCH Alan L. Murphy was named Interim Assistant Airport Director for John Wayne Airport by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Information Booths in the Riley Terminal were completely redesigned and updated with state-of-the-art equipment. The Board of Supervisors approved a change to policy in place since 1985 and allocated Class E Departure Capacity (the quietest noise class of aircraft) for two consecutive plan years instead of one plan year. AMR Combs (parent company of American Airlines) was sold to BBA Group PLC in West Yorkshire, England for $170 million. MAY An expanded east Parking Structure was completed – adding 2,000 new parking spaces and an easy-to-access Ground Transportation Center. 1,430-ton pre-conditioned air units were installed to reduce fossil fuel emissions by allowing the aircraft to turn off its auxiliary power. Ten power switches were also installed to make electrical power available for charging ground support equipment. AUGUST Starbucks began service in the Riley Terminal. SEPTEMBER The Shuttle Coordinator Program was launched which allowed for the better management ground transportation service to passengers. 2000 JANUARY Forty John Wayne Airport staff members celebrated the millennium by testing JWA’s computer system for Y2K. Alan L. Murphy was appointed Airport Director. Airport Director Alan L. Murphy announced the appointment of Loan Leblow as the Assistant Airport Director. MARCH American Livery, Inc. dba American Taxi was the exclusive provider of taxicab service for John Wayne Airport. JUNE The airport partnered with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. to provide an additional payment option in the parking lots. SEPTEMBER John Wayne Airport celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal by thanking its passengers with free parking for the day and offering give-a-ways. 2001 FEBRUARY Fitch, Inc. issued a rating of A+ for the Airport Revenue Bonds of Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. Additionally, Moody’s Investors Service placed the A1 underlying revenue bond rating under review for a possible upgrade. MARCH Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the underlying rating for the Airport Revenue Bonds of Orange County’s John Wayne Airport to Aa3 from A1. The Aa3 rating for JWA is the first that Moody’s has given an airport that does not have international flights. APRIL Thirty new exhibition cases replaced the 22 original cases installed when the Terminal opened to the public in September 1990. New art cases featuring the inaugural exhibition, “DARKROOM & DIGITAL” was installed in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal and featured works from 19 artists. Aloha Airlines initiates service. MAY Aloha Airlines inaugurated the first ever flight service between John Wayne Airport and Honolulu. JUNE John Wayne Airport deployed seven life-saving AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) throughout the Terminal. A demonstration of the Physiocontrol LifePak 500 was hosted specifically for the media. Aloha Airlines initiated service to Kahalai, Maui. JULY One-way curbside valet parking began at JWA, provided by PCI (Parking Concepts Inc.). AUGUST John Wayne Airport resurfaced the 1,860 parking spaces of the long-term lot on Main Street. In addition, approximately 150 combined parking stalls in the A2 and B2 parking lots were closed to accommodate the necessary removal and replacement of rubberized expansion joints. Fire fighters moved out of OCFA station #27. SEPTEMBER Following a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nationwide directive, all flights were grounded in response to a terrorist attack against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. (September 11) The airport received clearance from the FAA that the airspace was open. John Wayne was the first airport in California with departing commercial passenger fights. Four flights departed: Air carriers Skywest, Delta, America West and Aloha. (September 13) As a result of September 11, the Aviation Transportation Security Act (ATSA) was passed, creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and making it responsible for security in all modes of transportation including screening all checked baggage for explosives. John Wayne Airport moved from the 5th to the 2nd Orange County Supervisory District due to redistricting. OCTOBER American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways offered curbside check-in of baggage. Other carriers moved to re-institute the popular service. The California Air National Guard, 222nd Combat Communications Squadron of Costa Mesa, reported for duty at John Wayne Airport per an order signed by Governor Gray Davis, to provide additional resources for heightened aviation security in light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The FAA moved into the newly constructed tower cab. NOVEMBER JWA Yellow Cab Service, a joint venture comprised of three taxicab companies, began serving as the provider of taxicab service for John Wayne. County of Orange and Newport Beach officials issued a Notice of Availability (NOA) regarding the completion of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR 582). The Draft EIR evaluated potential impacts associated with amendments to the 1985 Settlement Agreement. DECEMBER TWA discontinued service at JWA on December 2 after being acquired by American Airlines in April 2001. 2002 JANUARY Alaska Airlines began daily nonstop service to Vancouver, B.C. from Orange County. The Alaska Flight was the first international service by a commercial carrier serving John Wayne Airport; however, within a few days, due to US Customs issues, the service was discontinued. FEBRUARY TSA assumed responsibility for security checkpoints at airports. The Globe Security contract transferred from airlines to federal government. MARCH John Wayne Airport held its triennial full-scale disaster drill. To ensure continuation of the Airport’s strong financial position, the County Board of Supervisors approved aeronautical and non-aeronautical fee increases to help offset new costs associated with TSA mandated security measures. APRIL New parking rates went into effect—$17 per day max in the terminal parking lot and $12 per day max at the Main Street parking lot. Standard & Poor’s put John Wayne Airport on credit watch and removed the “A” rating on airport revenue bonds from CreditWatch in the wake of the terrorist attacks and the ensuing decline in air traffic. Southwest initiated nonstop service between Sacramento and John Wayne Airport with four daily flights. John Wayne Airport passenger counts returned to pre-9/11 levels. MAY Levels 1 and 2 of the John Wayne Airport’s northwest parking structure (A1) closed to the public to accommodate the start of a seismic remediation construction project. The Wings of Freedom Tour, Vintage “Warbirds,” returned to Orange County and John Wayne Airport. The tour was conducted by the Collings Foundation who operates a B-24 and B-17. Mesa commuter airlines initiates service. JUNE The County of Orange and Newport Beach officials adopted the CEQA Certification Resolution and adopted the proposed Project Approval Resolution which authorized an increase in permitted operational and facility capacity at John Wayne Airport. Mesa Airlines initiated commuter service from John Wayne Airport. JULY John Wayne Airport hosted the 56th annual Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) conference. John Wayne Airport provided new and improved full service curbside valet parking on the upper level roadway. American Eagle Airlines initiated commuter service from John Wayne Airport. AUGUST The remaining two levels of John Wayne Airport’s northwest parking structure (A1) closed to the public as part of the ongoing seismic remediation construction project. The Board of Supervisors approved an emergency construction contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Company for the construction of infrastructure improvements to accommodate the In-Line Baggage System for screening 100% of checked baggage. OCTOBER U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced the deployment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal screeners to passenger security checkpoints at John Wayne Airport. NOVEMBER John Wayne Airport’s B1 (southwest) parking garage closed to the general public as part of the ongoing seismic remediation construction project. Parking Structure A1 was also closed for the weekend. John Wayne Airport, in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), launched Prepare for Takeoff, a new passenger awareness campaign to inform travelers about new security measures at the nation’s airports. Explosive Detection Canine Teams (EDT) “Ali” with handler Deputy David Ray and “Rex” with handler Deputy Kevin Nadeau arrived at John Wayne Airport. The dogs finished first and second in their class—the first time the top dogs went to the same agency. DECEMBER The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concluded that the amendments to the 1985 Settlement Agreement were exempt from the 1990 Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) and are fully consistent with applicable federal law. 2003 JANUARY Levels three and four of the John Wayne Airport’s Parking Structure B1 reopened to the general public. Levels one and two remained closed as Phase Two of the seismic remediation construction project were completed. The United States District Court signed an order confirming the amended JWA Settlement Agreement is consistent with federal law. This order was signed by the Honorable Terry J. Hatter, Jr. John Wayne Airport implemented a series of access road closures, due to increased security mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Direct access from the I-405 Freeway was not available. FEBRUARY John Wayne Airport reopened all access roads into the Airport’s terminal roadway system. MARCH All levels of the John Wayne Airport’s B1 parking structure reopened to the general public after renovations were complete. APRIL Moody’s assigned an Aa3 rating to the County’s $51 million Series 2003 Airport Revenue Bonds issued for John Wayne Airport. Standard and Poor’s assigned a single “A+” rating. MAY The Airport issued $48,680,000 in revenue bonds and utilized $10.2 million in cash reserves to refund the outstanding 1993 bonds. The transaction reduced the Airport’s debt service payments by $22.5 million over the 15 year bond term. John Wayne Airport held a press conference to announce the arrival of the 3rd K-9 Explosive Detection Team, Deputy Leonard Letze and Go-Go. The National Guard deployment at John Wayne Airport ended. The David W. Prebish Aicraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station #33 was dedicated. JUNE John Wayne Airport launched an Internet flight tracking system on its Web site, www.ocair.com, which allowed the public to view live and historical graphic depictions of air traffic from a 5-mile to an 80-mile range around John Wayne Airport. JULY Approximately $10.2 million in Airport reserves was used to refund the $65,250,000 principal amount outstanding on the Airport’s Series 1993 Bonds. AUGUST Fitch Ratings affirmed the “A+” rating on the Airport’s $141 million in outstanding general airport revenue bonds and upgraded their outlook to positive from stable. President George W. Bush arrived via helicopter, known as Marine One, at John Wayne Airport. Frontier Airlines initiated service. SEPTEMBER Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) initiated commuter service from John Wayne Airport. US Airways discontinued service from John Wayne Airport. OCTOBER The FAA announced the JWA Tower accomplished one million operations without an error. Midwest Airlines initiated service. DECEMBER John Wayne Airport implemented a series of access road closures, due to increased security mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which included the Michelson Drive entrance to John Wayne Airport’s terminal roadway system, as well as the direct access from the I-405 Freeway. 2004 APRIL Mesa Airlines became a Commercial Carrier JUNE John Wayne Airport opened eight new security screening checkpoint lanes. 2005 FEBRUARY Moody’s Investor Services affirmed JWA’s Aa3 rating and a stable outlook for outstanding airport revenue bonds. MARCH John Wayne Airport conducted a triennial full scale disaster drill emergency preparedness exercise south of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal building. Two new Starbucks opened within the Thomas F. Riley Terminal across from Gate 4 (Terminal B) and Gate 11 (Terminal A). America West merged with US Airways APRIL Midwest Airlines discontinued service at John Wayne Airport. JUNE New signage was implemented in the Airport as part of the Summer Plan when record numbers of passengers were expected to travel and the number of Federal screeners was expected to decrease. The OCFA crews moved into the new ARFF Station 33. JULY A Board of Supervisors resolution dedicated the Airport’s Concourse Gallery in the name of Vi Smith, long-time Arts Commissioner proponent for John Wayne Airport’s Art Program. AUGUST John Wayne Airport was awarded first place for its 2004 Annual Report and second place for its Web site, www.ocair.com in the 2005 Excellence in Marketing and Communications contest sponsored by Airports Council International of North America (ACI-NA). SEPTEMBER John Wayne Airport celebrated 15 years since the opening of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal. JWA employees and volunteers hosted a “Day of Thanks” and passed out promotional items and refreshments. America West merged with US Airways. OCTOBER John Wayne Airport and JCDecaux unveiled the new state-of-the art interior advertising program. NOVEMBER John Wayne Airport opened a 30-day public comment period for the Airport’s proposed Passenger Facility Charge (PFC). Brioche Dorée a popular French-style café opened replacing the previous food court in the center of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal and operated by HMS Host. DECEMBER Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) discontinued commuter service at John Wayne Airport. The Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution selecting an Improvement Program Financing Plan and approving use of Passenger Facility Charge (PFC). 2006 JANUARY “Specialized Art in Progress,” the Art of the Settlement Amendment Implementation Plan, featured unique hand drawn renderings created by E. Gary Blankenship of Landrum and Brown, was displayed in the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery in the Riley Terminal. FEBRUARY Nine Orange County students received top honors at the state level of the International Aviation Art Contest. One student was recognized at the national level and all were originally winners in the 16th annual John Wayne Airport Student Art contest themed “Air Sports and Nature in Harmony.” MARCH Hudson Group and local bookstore owner Rueben Martinez opened Hudson News concession with a surf theme including ocean blue tile and decorative back lighted surfboards on the storefront. APRIL Fitch upgraded the rating on the Airport’s outstanding revenue bonds from A+ to AA- with a stable outlook. President George W. Bush arrived on Air Force One (Boeing 757) at John Wayne Airport. MAY John Wayne Airport, in cooperation with the Registrar of Voters, offered travelers the opportunity to be among the first to cast their ballots by offering early voting in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal for Orange County’s June 6th Primary Election. Wolfgang Puck Express opened at John Wayne Airport in two locations in the Riley F. Terminal along with the Gibson Guitar Lounge and Sports Page Pub. JUNE John Wayne Airport offered an electronic news subscription service to anyone interested in receiving airport new release and other airport updates electronically. AUGUST The John Wayne Airport intranet, “JWANet,” was launched. John Wayne Airport increased security in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security elevating the national threat level for aviation from Yellow (elevated) to Orange (high) Alert. DHS announced that a terrorist plot, reportedly involving the use of liquid explosives, had been thwarted in the United Kingdom. As a result, DHS implemented an immediate ban on the transport of all liquid-like items through airport security checkpoints and onto airplanes. SEPTEMBER Mesa Consolidated Water District and John Wayne Airport collaboratively on the installation of waterless and low-flow devices during its restroom refurbishment, which produces significant water savings for the airport. John Wayne Airport launched its new Web site dedicated to the Airport Improvement Program: www.ocair.com/improvements. OCTOBER John Wayne Airport’s only full-service dining facility, the Orange Grill, was and opened as Oasis Grill & Sky Lounge. John Wayne Airport, in cooperation with the Registrar of Voters, offered travelers the opportunity to cast their ballots by voting early in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal for the November election. NOVEMBER Airport employees moved to the “T” Lot with shuttle service to the Terminal. This was the first step in making space for valet cars at the Terminal Parking Structures to begin the process for the Improvement Program. 2007 FEBRUARY Discover Card was accepted as a method of payment at John Wayne Airport. MARCH Hudson Group and Rueben Martinez opened Sunglass Hut/Life is good specialty concession in John Wayne Airport. Construction began on the South Remain-Over-Night parking area. The Tallman Rd. / Mantz Way intersection was demolished to make way for Airport Improvement Program. APRIL John Wayne Airport Communications Operator Elizabeth Wells received the Walter Knott Award – an award given by the Orange County Tourism Council to a tourism industry professional who best exemplified outstanding customer service. MAY Nine Orange County students received top honors at the state level of the International Aviation Art Contest. Two of the nine students were recognized at the national level of the competition. John Wayne Airport (JWA) completed its second economic impact study which identified the Airport’s substantial contributions to the Orange County and Southern California economies in Calendar Year 2005: Output: $5.61 billion; Payroll: $1.28 billion; Employment: 42,162. SEPTEMBER On September 26, 2007, America West merged with USAirways. America West was renamed USAirways. 2008 JANUARY On January 6, 2008 SkyWest (United Express) discontinued service to LAX. FEBRUARY John Wayne Airport began offering passengers access to electrical outlets through custom designed power-receptacle seating, available in gates 2-14. MARCH Aloha Airlines declared bankruptcy (March 20) and discontinued service (March 31). APRIL On April 2, ATA Airlines declared bankruptcy and discontinued service. On April 4, 2008, Alaska Airlines discontinued service to OAK. |
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