What's New at MIA for the Holidays (video - .WMV - 12MB)

MIA's Hero of the Year - 2009

He doesn’t have a medical degree and he works at an airport, not a hospital, but Mohamed Badenjki, an American Airlines Customer Service Manager at Miami International Airport, is now known as “Dr. Mo” for performing CPR on the spur of the moment on three different passengers within four days, helping to save the life of one.  He was recognized as MIA’s Hero of the Year at the Airport’s Annual Rewards and Recognition awards ceremony on Thursday, December 17, 2009.  Three TSA employees also shared the honor of Employees of the Year at the ceremony.

On August 11, 2009, Badenjki was called to gate E-7 where a young woman traveling with two young children had gone into cardiac arrest. Badenjki and another American Airlines employee alternated doing CPR on the passenger. Badenjki arranged for her children to be cared for at a nearby gate, away from the emergency. When Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue arrived, Badenjki went outside on the curb and asked police officers to take the children in a separate car to the hospital.

Four days later at about 11:00 p.m., Badenjki was at gate E-6 when an elderly passenger lost consciousness. Badenjki retrieved the emergency kit from a nearby aircraft and began CPR on the passenger until paramedics arrived. The passenger was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital while Badenjki called the passenger’s son in Belize and arranged for his expedited travel to Miami. About 40 minutes later, Badenjki got a call that there was a passenger in distress at gate E-10. Badenjki again went into an aircraft, got the emergency kit and began CPR, prolonging the passenger’s life until paramedics could arrive. Badenjki modestly says that he learned CPR because his son was taking swimming classes and he thought “it would be a good thing to know.”

“Mohamed is a true hero for not only using his CPR training with these passengers, but for going far above and beyond the call of duty to show the passengers and their loved ones extreme care and compassion,” said Dickie Davis, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Terminal Operations and Customer Service Division Director.  “We are proud to recognize him as MIA’s Hero of the Year.

MIA's Employees of the Year - 2009

Three Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers shared Employees of the Year honors and an American Airlines Customer Service Manager received the first-ever Hero of the Year award on Thursday, December 17, at Miami International Airport’s annual Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.

TSA officers Yomara Pineda, Veronica Ruiz and Christopher Maria were recognized as Employees of the Year for reuniting an elderly woman in March with her husband after the husband went to rent a car at the airport, became disoriented and was missing for a whole day.  The three officers notified law enforcement agencies and contacted the woman’s family in Philadelphia to get photos of her missing husband so flyers could be circulated around the airport.  They stayed with the distressed passenger hours beyond their shifts to calm her down and help to book her a hotel room for the night.  Thankfully, two of the officers spotted the woman’s husband wandering the airport the next day and reunited him with his wife.

Express Bus Route from MIA to Miami Beach Begins December 13

The Airport Flyer (Route 150), an express bus route by Miami-Dade Transit between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Miami Beach, will begin service on Sunday, December 13.  The new route is scheduled to transport passengers from MIA to 41^st Street and Alton Road within 20 minutes and then continue south on Collins Avenue to 16^th Street.  It will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, making only one stop between MIA and Miami Beach at the Earlington Heights Metrorail station, for a fare of just $2.35 each way. 

Each Airport Flyer bus is equipped with luggage racks, Wi-Fi capability, comfortable seating and special branding for easy identification by the public.  The service is being fully funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

“MIAMI BEGINS WITH MIA” Customer Service Training Begins (.MP3 Audio - 3.3MB)

Starting this week, employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) will begin to take part in “Miami Begins with MIA,” a specialized customer service and hospitality training class developed by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) and the Miami-Dade College Center for Service Excellence.

Before receiving their airport identification badges, all 35,000-plus employees at MIA will now be required to undergo the training course, which emphasizes how each airport employee plays a key role in the visitor experience from arrival to departure. MIA is the front door for Greater Miami and the Beaches, welcoming 95 percent of all visitors to the area each year.

This is the first partnership at a large U.S. airport combining local aviation and tourism agencies and an academic institution to provide customer service training to an entire airport workforce. “Miami Begins with MIA” is a component of the GMCVB’s “Miami Begins with Me” program.

MIA Launches New Website

Say “hello” to MIA’s new, highly user-friendly website, www.miami-airport.com. The new website is packed with quick links, tips, photos and information regarding everything you want to know about MIA.

Shop Britto® is the Latest New Store at MIA

World-renowned artist Romero Britto joined Miami-Dade County officials on December 2 for the opening celebration of Shop Britto®, the artist’s first airport retail store. Shop Britto® at MIA, located past security in the North Terminal near Gate D-32, features prints, souvenirs, casual clothes and other collectibles featuring Britto’s artistic creations.

MIA Welcomes Seasonal Service by Finnair to Helsinski

On November 23, Finnair began once-a-week passenger and cargo service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Helsinki, Finland. The direct flight, which is served by B757 aircraft and stops in Halifax, Canada only to re-fuel and change the flight crew, will continue through March 22, 2010. MIA and JFK are the only two U.S. airports that currently provide direct service to Finland.

MIA Unveils Art Exhibition with a Purpose

Faces of Freedom: Behind the Looms, a photography exhibition documenting efforts to end child labor in South Asia's carpet industry, will be on display at Miami International Airport's South Terminal Art Gallery beginning Thursday, November 19 through April 2010. The collection of photos by award-winning photographer U. Roberto Romano takes you “behind the looms” and inside the lives of “carpet kids” - children illegally employed to weave carpets in India, Nepal and Pakistan. The exhibition also features a breath-taking selection of child-labor-free, hand-spun, hand-carded and hand-knotted Himalayan wool carpets. MIA's South Terminal Gallery is located on the fourth level above the international greeters lobby for concourses H and J.

MIA Named One of Top Five U.S. Airports to Get Stranded In

SeatGuru®, a top online resource for airline information, named MIA one of its top five domestic airports to be “stuck at” should travelers experience flight delays in their upcoming holiday travel season. According to SeatGuru founder Matt Daimler, "We've picked these airports because of their amenities and attractions designed to help travelers relax and be entertained and pampered during any unfortunate, extended layovers." SeatGuru selected MIA because travelers can: receive manicures, pedicures, massages and spray tanning at the JetSetter Spa; view ongoing art exhibitions; enjoy a hair cut at the salon; and rent a mobile phone from the South Terminal Business Center. MIA was also recognized for its Armed Services Hospitality Lounge, which serves military personnel and their families, and its diverse selection of restaurants with cuisine from Cuba, the Caribbean, Japan and more.

MIA's North Terminal Phase I is now Open to the Public

Phase I of Miami International Airport's North Terminal, the “front door” of MIA for American Airlines passengers that includes new areas for curbside check-in, ticket agent and self-service check-in and domestic baggage claim, opened for business on Thursday, November 5. American Airlines relocated its operations last week to the new, 290,000-square-foot area, which features 58 ticket agent positions, 66 self-service check-in devices, 14 curbside check-in positions and two new security checkpoints that provide fast and easy access to North Terminal's newly completed gates.

MIA's Rental Car Center Scheduled to Open April 2010

Travelers will soon have a quicker, easier way to rent a car when they arrive at Miami International Airport. The airport's Rental Car Center (RCC), part of the future Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), is scheduled to open in April 2010. Just one mile east of MIA on Le Jeune Road, the RCC has four levels, each 20 acres in size, with space to accommodate up to 6,500 vehicles and 20 rental car companies. The first three levels are dedicated to storage and maintenance operations and the fourth will accommodate a spacious service lobby where each rental car company will have its own sales counter. All rental car companies currently operating inside MIA and many located nearby will relocate into the RCC. A consolidated shuttle service will run between the RCC and MIA until it is replaced in 2011 by the MIA Mover, an automated people mover system with the capacity to transport more than 3,000 passengers per hour between the two facilities. For more information, visit www.micdot.com .

New "Miami Begins with MIA" Customer Service Program Begins at MIA

This fall, MIA kicks off "Miami Begins with MIA," a mandatory customer service training program for all 35,000 employees at the airport. The training program emphasizes the importance of the MIA experience in shaping visitors' impressions of South Florida and our community. The training is being implemented by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. This training is part of a host of ongoing customer service initiatives being implemented at MIA.

MIA Offers Tours to South Florida Organizations, Schools and the Public

MIA offers free, weekday (Monday - Friday) tours of the airport to community and civic organizations, schools and the general public throughout South Florida. The tours, provided by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, last 2 to 2½ hours and are available to adults and children aged six and older (they must be in first grade or above). Tours can be specifically designed to fill special requests or geared toward aviation/airport interests such as trade and commerce, architecture, environmental issues, careers in aviation, etc.

Armed Forces Services Center At MIA Serves Military Travelers

MIA's Armed Forces Center (AFSC), located to the right of the Concourse E security checkpoint on the second level, is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to military guests and family members with an official military ID. Operated by volunteer staff, the AFSC at MIA provides amenities such as complimentary magazines, TV, VCR, videotapes, computers with internet access and printers, fax machines, telephones with free local service, toys for children, snacks, coffee and refreshments to military personnel and their families.

Global Entry Program At Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport (MIA) is among 20 U.S. airports who are offering Global Entry - a new program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Participants will enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located in the Passport Control area.

The average time for Global Entry processing is 40 seconds. The program targets those who leave the country at least four times per year, mainly airline personnel and business travelers. Those participating in the program benefit from being better equipped to make tight connecting flights.

This program is available to U.S. citizens and legal, permanent residents and there is a $100 fee for a five-year registration. For more information visit http://www.globalentry.gov/

New Flights to Canada, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean

A number of new flights begin service this fall at MIA. On Wednesday, October 21, the airport welcomed the inaugural arrival of WestJet, Canada’s largest low-cost carrier. WestJet will provide nonstop service between Toronto and MIA until April 2010. Flights will operate five times a week until December 16 and will increase to daily service from December 17 to April 30, 2010. Finnair plans to begin seasonal, nonstop service to Helsinki once a week between November 2009 and March 2010. American Airlines, which bases its Latin American and Caribbean operations at MIA and is the airport’s largest carrier, continues to expand its MIA hub by adding new or additional service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations beginning in November.

MIA’s Special Events Manager Named Shining Star by Miami-Dade's Office of Film and Entertainment

Miami-Dade County's Office of Film and Entertainment highlights County employees who have delivered excellence to the local film and entertainment industry. This month’s Shining Star is Maria Sanchez, Special Events Manager for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department at Miami International Airport. As a result of Maria Sanchez’ efforts, MIA is a very popular filming location in Miami-Dade County and one of the easiest airports to film in the United States.

MIA Connections E-magazine Debuts

Do you want to know about newly completed construction at Miami International Airport? What about new flights, stores and restaurants? Or how about where to take your pet when he or she has to, you know, get some "relief"? It's all here in the first edition of MIA Connections, your e-magazine for what's new at MIA.

Convenient, Free Cell Phone Parking Lot at MIA

Miami International Airport (MIA) provides a Cell Phone Parking Lot for airport users who are picking up friends, family members or business associates. The lot has 60 spaces for private, not-for-hire vehicles to use. The amenity is yet another customer convenience feature offered by MIA, and its use is free of charge. The lot is located just off Le Jeune Rd. and NW 31st Street.

PVA Members Receive “Unprecedented” Assistance at Miami International Airport (MIA)…

Miami International Airport recently gave a special South Florida welcome to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) when the group held their 63rd Annual Convention in Miami. PVA delegates spoke of the “unprecedented” service and welcome from MIA.

MIA Named FDOT's Commercial Service Airport of the Year

Miami International Airport (MIA) has been named the Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The Airport was recognized by FDOT for turning the Capital Improvement Program around, including completing the new South Terminal and getting the delayed and financially troubled North Terminal back on track. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department, which operates MIA, was also recognized for continuing its on-going five-year, 20-percent budget reduction plan while at the same time bringing thousands of new terminal square footage on line, increasing customer service and enhancing the aesthetic look of MIA in the terminal area. In addition, the airport was recognized for enhancing its security program and for achieving a zero-discrepancy rating for the 11th consecutive year during the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Part 139 annual airfield inspection.

MIA Breast Cancer Fundraiser Team is #3 in the Nation

Inspired by the memory of a co-worker who died of breast cancer in May 2008 and others who have fought or are fighting the disease, a team of employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) has raised more than $36,000 this year - more than any other team in Florida - for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Walk, and now ranks third in the United States among MSABC fundraising teams. The team wants to maintain or improve its 3rd place ranking but most of all, it wants to raise as much money as possible for breast cancer research.

Miami International Airport (MIA) Arrivals Remain Steady (PDF)

Passenger arrivals at Miami International Airport increased for the month of August 2009. For the month, domestic passenger arrivals were up +3.7% when compared to the previous year, with total arrivals growing by +1.6% and international arrivals slightly decreasing by -0.3%.

MIA Wins Prestigious Customer Service Award

Congratulations to Miami International Airport (MIA), winner in the prestigious Airports Council International - North America’s 2009 Excellence in Marketing & Communications Contest! This year’s contest, now in its 19th year, had nearly 300 individual entries from 62 airport members in the U.S. and Canada. A panel of 31 judges, awarded MIA first place in the following two categories: “Customer Service Initiatives” and “Partnering with Carriers”, and second place in both “Corporate Branding Campaigns” and “Brochures” categories.

"My Name Is"

Look up "people person" in the dictionary and you'll find Mavis Seymour. With a welcoming smile and boundless energy, Terminal Operations Specialist Mavis Seymour patrols the corridors of Miami International; Airport (MIA), always looking for opportunities to help passengers in need. Meet Mavis and learn what her job is all about in Miami-Dade County’s On-Demand's newest feature, "My Name Is." View the 4 minute video.

Congratulations to MIA’s Reward & Recognition Winners

Congratulations to TSA Officers Tabitha Higuera, Nataya Williams and Jason Albury who took it upon themselves to purchase a new pair of shoes for a 6 year old child whose shoes were damaged while traveling. The TSA employees were named this month’s customer service stars in the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department Rewards & Recognition Program.

Congratulations to Westfield Concession Management

Congratulations to Westfield Concession Management, LLC, one of MIA's concession developers for leading the Westfield Airport Division in their in-store secret shopper scores. Westfield is the landlord to most of the MIA shops in the Central Terminal area including Brookstone, Mindworks, NewsLink, Bead Factory, Hudson News and Taxco Sterling among many others.

Become a Volunteer Airport Ambassador

Find out how you can become a volunteer airport Ambassador & welcome the world to our community. If you love people and solving problems, join us October 2 & 3, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon – North Terminal Concourse D, 4th floor Auditorium – 305-876-7724. Visit MIA's Volunteer Ambassador Program webpage for additional information.

MIA Officials Welcome UK Family with a Special Surprise

Three years ago, when Neil Chandler and his family came to MIA, it was a hectic time. A security scare had resulted in travel congestion and fear at many large airports. MIA Officials Max Fajardo, Dickie Davis and Lauren Stover helped the Chandlers and invited them to return to MIA again. The Chandlers vowed to do that. On August 21, they returned to Miami to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, Neil's 60th birthday and his 30th anniversary working on the railroad in the UK. MIA officials were waiting outside Customs with a "You have much to celebrate" sign, balloons and a big MIA Welcome! "How Fab,", said Karra, the Chandlers daughter. "Wow, we never expected this!" And in a thank card they wrote; "...whenever possible, we will always use MIA due to the fantastic service, we always feel so at home in your beautiful country".

Congratulations on Latest Customer Satisfaction Scores

Congratulations to Miami International Airport (MIA) whose customer service survey scores are up again this year. The survey conducted by Unison Consulting shows improvements in all three segments surveyed. The highest improvement was realized in the international arrival areas with a 7% increase, from 3.89 to 4.16; meeter/greeters scores up 6%, from 3.47 to 3.68; and departing passengers up 2%, from 3.50 to 3.57. Scores are based on 5 point scale.

Congratulations to MIA on its 81st Birthday

Congratulations to MIA on its 81st birthday. On September 15, 1928 one of Pan Am's two Sikorsky S-38 amphibian aircraft took off from a dirt runway at Pam American Field, etched out of 116 acres of bush and palm trees. With its eight-passenger quota and 340 pounds of mail, air time to New York was about 16 hours. The 90-by-100-foot hangar, its workshop and the first Pan Am offices required an investment of nearly $500,000. Floodlights were installed for night landings. This was the first scheduled flight from what is now Miami International Airport. Eighty-one years later, MIA is the international gateway of the Americas and the top U.S. airport for international freight, serving more than 34 million passengers and 1.94 million tons of cargo a year.