DFW International Airport Celebrates Safety Milestone For Third Consecutive Year

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (Feb. 12, 2004) – DFW Airport is being recognized by the FAA Southwest Region Office for an unprecedented safety performance over the past year – the FAA found DFW in full compliance with all federal rules and regulations, with zero discrepancies for the third consecutive year. More than 300 Airport employees are involved in DFW’s safety operations.

“This is comparable to winning three Super Bowl rings,“ said Kevin Cox, Chief Operating Officer for DFW Airport. “Very few truly recognize what it takes to be flawless in our business. It’s great to achieve this accomplishment once; it is phenomenal to do it three years in a row.”

The annual FAA Airport Certification Inspection under FAR Part 139 regulations is to ensure safe flight. The certification requires that the Air Operations Area (AOA) infrastructure, marking, lighting, NOTAM (Notices to Airmen), airport self-inspection process, notification process, emergency response capability, flight operations support, personnel performance and training are all in compliance with FAR Part 139 criteria.

“You are only as good as your people, and this is proof positive we are surrounded by the best people in the world,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief at today’s DFW Board of Directors meeting.

“I'm very proud of our job number one, flight safety, to be accomplished in outstanding fashion,” said Jim Crites, Executive Vice President of Airport Operations at DFW Airport. “Our employees are setting the standards for the rest of the airport world.” 

DFW’s sheer size, flight volume and complexity require a yearlong continuous inspection process. DFW Airport personnel strive to be in compliance at all times, knowing that the safety of more than 800,000 annual flight operations depends on it.

“This is a great recognition of the commitment and outstanding contribution to aviation safety by the people who strive every day to make DFW the safest Airport in the world,” said Allen Parra, A.A.E., Vice President of Operations at DFW Airport. “We also appreciate the airlines and the FAA for their teamwork on all safety issues.”

To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com.