INSIDE THIS ISSUEAer Lingus Launches Non-Stop Service to Dublin, Ireland Final Phase of Runway Safety Area Construction Planned for Summer 2014 SFO Named “Best Airport” by Outside Magazine United Begins Nonstop Service to Two Asian Destinations Flight Arrivals: Upcoming Service Additions at SFO Turn, Weave, Fire, and Fold: Vessels from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection SFO's SFOMuseum.org Wins Best in Class from Interactive Media Awards |
Aer Lingus Launches Non-Stop Service to Dublin, IrelandGetting to the Emerald Isle is now easier! SFO was pleased to welcome Aer Lingus on April 2, 2014. The airline will offer nonstop service to Dublin, Ireland with five flights per week on an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. “Today is a very special day for Aer Lingus,” said Aer Lingus Chairman Christoph Mueller. “Our direct flight from San Francisco to Dublin forms a major part of our 2014 transatlantic growth plan and is a very positive development for our airline and for the relationship between Ireland and California in terms of business, tourism and employment. San Francisco’s Silicon Valley is home to many of the world’s largest technology companies, many of which have their European headquarters in Ireland. Our operation of this new route will further strengthen Ireland’s bonds with the U.S. West Coast. We look forward to welcoming our new Californian customers on board.” San Francisco International Airport Director John L. Martin added: “I am proud to welcome Aer Lingus to SFO,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “This new service gives customers more choices; seamless connection opportunities to more than 100 cities in the United States, and access to more than 70 Aer Lingus departures from Dublin.” Aer Lingus will depart from San Francisco to Dublin daily, except Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 5:20 p.m. arriving the next day in Dublin at 11:35 a.m. Departures from Dublin will be at 12:20 p.m., arriving in San Francisco at 3:20 p.m. on the same day. Flying time will be approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. For more information, visit: http://www.aerlingus.com/.
Final Phase of Runway Safety Area Construction Planned for Summer 2014SFO plans to temporarily close two runways during the summer of 2014 to complete the final phase of multi-year, federally mandated Runway Safety Area (RSA) construction project. The project will reconfigure Runways 1L and 1R to provide additional thresholds to safely slow an aircraft should it overshoot a runway. Construction is scheduled to begin on May 17, 2014 and is planned to last through mid-September 2014. Multiple phases of preparatory work have already been completed to support this temporary closure. Construction will be conducted day and night, seven days a week. “We have been working with the FAA and the airlines for the past several years to develop a plan to adjust schedules and capacity in advance of the temporary closure in order to minimize the impact to our customers during construction,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “Unlike other airports, expanding the runways was not an option. We have to work within the airport’s current footprint. Closing both runways at the same time is the safest and fastest option.” During the 2014 RSA runway closures, the Airport will operate exclusively on its two major runways, Runways 28L and 28R which have already been upgraded. The airport has consulted with airline partners, the FAA and the business community to develop a flight management plan during the construction phase in order to minimize inconvenience to air travelers. More than 40 airports around the United States are required to install RSAs by 2015. For more information and project updates, visit www.flysfo.com/runways.
SFO Named “Best Airport” by Outside Magazine |
|
|
2014 Travel Awards Honor Renovations in Terminal 3, Boarding Area E SFO has been named “Best Airport” by Outside Magazine’s 2014 Travel Awards for the renovation of Terminal 3, Boarding Area E (T3E). Completed in January 2014, the $138-million, 10-gate boarding area features a one-of-a-kind interactive technology known as “Flight Deck”, locally-sourced concessions, private changing rooms and a Yoga Room. With abundant natural light, photovoltaic energy support and fixtures that reduce water consumption, the facility is anticipated to earn LEED® Gold certification. “We are thrilled to be recognized by Outside Magazine for T3E,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “With each terminal improvement, we aim to set a new standard for the airport guest experience. This award validates our efforts.” In May 2013, SFO unveiled a 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan – a series of construction projects which include the renovation of Terminals 1 and 3 and the creation of a new Air Traffic Control Tower. Outside Magazine’s annual travel awards recognize exceptional travel destinations, along with airlines, hotels, and travel gear.
United Begins Nonstop Service to Two Asian Destinations
United Airlines commenced daily service from San Francisco to Taipei, Taiwan on March 29, 2014 on a Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Flights depart San Francisco at 1:50 p.m., arriving in Taipei at 6:30 a.m. on the following day. The return flight leaves Taipei at 11:10 a.m., arriving in San Francisco at 7:30 a.m. on the same day. On June 9, United is scheduled to start nonstop service to Chengdu, China three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays on a Boeing 787-800 aircraft. Flights will depart San Francisco at 1:25 p.m. and arrive in Chengdu at 6:40 p.m. on the following day. The return flight will leave Chengdu at 9:50 a.m., arriving in San Francisco at 8:40 a.m. on the same day.
Flight Arrivals: Upcoming Service Additions at SFO
Turn, Weave, Fire, and Fold: Vessels from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
“You can put your heart in (vessels). The fact that they’re not utilitarian doesn’t mean they aren’t useful, to the eye or to the heart.” —Forrest Merrill, “Collecting California”, American Craft magazine, June-July, 2006
The Vessels Exhibit is on display in the International Terminal, departures level, pre-security through June 1, 2014.
SFO's SFOMuseum.org Wins Best in Class from Interactive Media AwardsSFO’s recently re-launched SFO Museum website (www.sfomuseum.org) won the Interactive Media Award’s top honor, the Best in Class Award, in the category ‘Museum’. Some of the new features on the website include:
“The successful launch of the new website resulted from the hard work and close coordination of the Museum’s staff and Airport’s web team. We are proud of the effort and pleased with the results,” said SFO Museum Director and Chief Curator Blake Summers. “It's an honor to be recognized by the Interactive Media Awards with their top award,” said Charles Schuler, Associate Deputy Airport Director of Communications & Marketing. “We strive to deliver a world class online experience to keep our guests informed, educated, and entertained. This award is a testament to our commitment to innovation and creativity.” This award further validates that SFO Museum remains an industry leader and that SFO is able to effectively and efficiently develop powerful and appealing websites that appeal to our valued guests and visitors.
Sisters Reunite at SFO After Nearly Five Decades
Mary Agnes and Penny Ann, two sisters who were adopted by different families as children, recently experienced a very special reunion at SFO after being separated for nearly five decades. Mary Agnes and Penny Ann were born in the 1950s. Their mother was unable to care for them and they were removed by social services when Penny Ann was a baby and Mary Agnes was two years old. Initially, they were in the same foster home, but in 1956, they were adopted by different families in the greater Chicago area. Mary Agnes knew that she had younger sister, but Penny Ann did not remember Mary Agnes and came to know of her when she was much older. Penny Ann had searched for her family for many years. In 1985, she located their sister Colleen and brother Clay. At that time, she also met their mother who told her about Mary Agnes. Penny Ann then started searching for Mary Agnes, a labor of love which required a huge investment of time and money. Little did she know that Mary Agnes was searching for her as well. The two sisters were finally able to connect through a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers that helps loved ones find each other at no cost. Penny Ann describes their meeting at SFO as “unbelievable!” “The day Penny Ann called me and told me who she was, I was shocked, happy and excited at the same time,” said Mary Agnes. “There's always been an empty feeling in my heart; an aching and overwhelming feeling of never fitting in and never feeling wanted. I never thought the day would ever come that I would meet my sister. When I first saw her at SFO after all those years, I knew exactly who she was! Nobody had to point her out. I had not seen her since she was a baby, but I just knew!” Mary Agnes and Penny Ann spent two and a half weeks getting acquainted with one another. Mary Agnes is planning to leave the Chicago area and relocate to the Bay Area to be closer to her sister.
Send Us Your FeedbackWe're interested in hearing from you. E-mail us at SFOnewsupdate@flysfo.com with your comments and suggestions. |
