Today, the Houston Airport System (HAS) and its affiliate HAS Development Corporation (HASDC) entered into an unprecedented partnership with the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), a member of the Texas A&M University System, to establish a world premier aviation training facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Representatives of TEEX and HASDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will inaugurate a new program that will initially provide aircraft rescue and firefighting training for
domestic and international aviation representatives.
"It is our intent to establish an aviation academy that offers a wide range of aviation disciplines," says Rick Vacar director of aviation for HAS. "Airports all over the world are
expanding and developing at a rapid pace, we are already being asked to provide assistance and we think this partnership with TEEX and the new facility will benefit the aviation industry
as a whole."
TEEX offers hands-on, customized training, technical assistance and emergency response services including fire, homeland security, public safety and security, public works, safety and
health, search and rescue, and emergency response. "TEEX is excited about the possibilities the signing of this agreement presents," says Gary Sera, director of TEEX. "We pride ourselves
on providing quality training and are pleased to be associated with HASDC in this new training endeavor."
HASDC provides a myriad of services to airports worldwide, including airport management and operations, business planning and analysis, technical advice, airport personnel training,
airport terminal development, transitional planning and assistance, capital project management, and retail planning and implementation.
"HASDC provides a strategic approach to airport management," says Jeff Scheferman, president and CEO of HAS Development Corporation. "We recognize that the expert training programs
offered by TEEX and the exceptional growth and appeal of IAH will be a plus for the industry.
The Houston Airport System served a record 52 million passengers in 2007. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is
the nation's 8th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS
annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU
Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com