Author: WATF

The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) is soaring to new heights with our efforts to engage our network and community in submitting nominations for the 2025 Williams Trophy Awards recipients. The Williams Trophy was established in 1996 by the Board of Directors of the WATF. Carrington Williams, for whom the trophy is named and who was the founding chairman of the WATF from 1982 to 1996, was the first to receive the trophy on June 10, 1996. The trophy is awarded to recognize those whose “Leadership, Vision and Dedication in the Application of Aviation or Space Enriched the Quality of Life on Earth.” We are celebrating our 29th year of the Williams Trophy Award and are proud to have honored many remarkable recipients in the past. The recipient(s) are recognized at the WATF’s Annual General Membership meeting (AGM) to be held late in 2025. The AGM is one of the Task Force’s biggest and most anticipated events of the year and attendance is expected to be at capacity.

The criterion for selection involves choosing an individual, group, or company that closely aligns with and respects the essence of the award. We invite you to submit your nomination here by answering three simple questions. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2025.

Recent years recipients are noted below, and a more extended list can be found here:

• 2024 – Celebrating Women in Space and Aviation: Last year, the Williams Trophy collectively and publicly paid tribute to women leaders who have notably broken-down gender barriers, have led, and continue to lead, change for a better today and future for space and aviation. Recipients included: Ellen Ochoa, Angela Gittens, Candace McGraw, Col. (USAF, ret) Pam Melroy and Katelyn Miller.
• 2023 – Doug Parker was the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines. Doug was awarded the Williams Trophy in recognition of his remarkable 37-year career marked by exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to aviation.
• 2022 – The Task Force honored the Silver Line Metrorail, spearheaded by counties of Fairfax and Loudoun, the Town of Herndon, MWAA, and WMAA.

If you should have any questions, please contact [email protected].

The Washington Airports Task Force is deeply saddened by the loss of life and the tragedy surrounding the recent events at National Reagan Airport (DCA). Aviation is a close-knit community that works together around the clock to ensure the success of air travel. When tragedy strikes and lives are lost, we are left in shock and sorrow, and we mourn together. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and all those affected. We stand with the first responders, recovery teams, and all the professionals as they continue their challenging and vital work during this difficult time. The Task Force remains committed to supporting our aviation community and those directly impacted by this tragedy.

Currently, it remains too early to identify the cause of the accident on January 29 involving an arriving American Airlines regional jet flight from Wichita, Kansas and an Army Blackhawk helicopter based at Davidson Airfield, Ft Belvoir, VA. We encourage all to follow the NTSB investigation.

For the future: One point being reported after the accident, and likely to be highlighted moving forward, is the high level of congestion in the airspace around DCA. Furthermore, the increase in flights authorized by Congress last year (and in previous years), set to begin in the coming months as part of the FAA Reauthorization process, has raised additional operational safety concerns publicly expressed by MWAA in late 2023.

For years, the Task Force has publicly opposed any additional flights at DCA, arguing that the airport is already too congested. The increase of 5 roundtrips (10 flights) will only exacerbate the situation. We support an expanded and new air service at Dulles International Airport, where capacity is unfettered. We advocate for a balanced aviation system in the region.

Right now, our most important priority is to keep the 67 people who perished, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful to our extended aviation family for their unwavering efforts, and we will be here to offer support throughout this incredibly difficult time.

Benefiting Special Olympics of Virginia, Committee for Dulles Community Outreach and the Washington Airports Task Force.

On Saturday, September 28, the 12th Annual Dulles Airport 5K/10K on the Runway brought together over 2,500 enthusiastic participants and spectators for a day of sunshine and celebration. For the first time in days, the weather smiled upon us, making it the perfect backdrop for this unique event.

Runners laced up their shoes and took off down the runway, a rare opportunity to race on one of the country’s busiest and flattest airstrips. Participants began their journey at the stunning Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. As they exited the museum, they were greeted with breathtaking views of the sunrise illuminating the runway, transforming it into a vibrant racecourse.

The event not only celebrated fitness and community but also highlighted the incredible partnership between Dulles Airport and the Smithsonian, offering a memorable experience for everyone involved. Runners of all ages and skill levels took part, enjoying the festive atmosphere filled with cheering crowds, music, and the spirit of camaraderie.

Whether crossing the finish line or cheering from the sidelines, everyone left with cherished memories of a fantastic day on the runway. You can view images from the event by clicking the link [here]. Be sure to check out the vibrant moments captured throughout the day, showcasing the excitement and joy of participants as they raced down the runway!

This incredible event could not have happened without the support of sponsors (add link with sponsors), Potomac River Running, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and our volunteers. And a special shout out to our Premier sponsors Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines, and the Marriott Washington Dulles Airport. Although the final numbers aren’t in yet, we anticipate raising approximately $143,000 from this year’s event. This incredible support will have a lasting impact on our benefactors and the community. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated! Your involvement makes a significant difference.

See you next year on the runway!

A topic that is on all our minds and in the news, Hurricane Helene and Milton. These storms have and will continue to be a threat and disastrous to residents in FL, TN and VA. For those who may not be familiar, Tanya Matthews, from TMG Construction Corporation serves as one of our board members. TMG recently launched a hurricane relief mission that mobilized numerous volunteers to help gather donations, manage logistics, and arrange flights to North Carolina for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Below is an account of what Tanya’s husband, Joe, communicated to the TMG team following their mission. Thank you, Tanya, Joe and the TMG team for their hard work and supporting those in need. All of you are heroes!

Rusty Cook and Joe Matthews made two relief flights to help people suffering in the area of North Carolina that were hit by Hurricane Helene.

In the first flight we moved 700# of relief supplies from Winchester, VA (KOKV) to Statesville, NC (KSVH) and thereafter a second flight in which we moved 750# of relief supplies from Statesville, NC to Ashe County, NC (KGEV). Rusty was the loadmaster, Tanya encouraged us and sent us on our way with great BLT sandwiches and I was the pilot. It was a memorable day to see hundreds of people volunteering to help others in need. Understanding that what we were participating in was a volunteer operation – it was amazing to see the complexity of the logistics that are allowing hundreds of aircraft and relief workers to effectively provide help to people in need. Statesville, NC served as a hub, with a 7,000’ runway that connected nine other smaller airports that have 3,000’ to 5,000’ runways. The day started out at our home base – Winchester, VA where Nick Sabo and his Staff had accumulated donations, which we delivered to Statesville, NC. Thereafter, we were asked to move a load to Ashe County, NC which was nestled in the mountains at 3,200 AGL at a location where the hurricane had done considerable damage. It was heartwarming to see all of good human energy. As a parallel, we got to observe shear craziness at these two airports in which dozens of airplanes and helicopters were coming and going. It felt like being of the flight line of an aircraft carrier. It sounds like things are stabilizing, however there is a need for a couple more weeks of relief work.

We are fortunate to have exceptionally talented individuals on our board of directors, bringing a rich array of diversity and professionalism. These connections and the opportunities they provide are invaluable. This encompasses the latest additions to our board of directors. A full list of our board members can be accessed here (add the link from the BOD page and members below to the BOD site – see below for BOD page updates):

• Kristy Balwinski, Principle, Terracon
• Ken Bright, Director, Corporate Strategy, Airbus
• Lauren Brown, Manager of Advocacy, Washington Gas
• Jeff Smith, CEO & President, Fortessa Tableware Solutions, LLC
• Al Storm, President, DBI Architects

The Virginia Airport Operators Council concluded their 50^th Annual Virginia Aviation Conference, on August 8, 2024, which was held at the Westfields Marriott. During the annual banquet, Virginia Director of Aviation and WATF board member, Greg Campbell presented four Virginia Aviation Awards which were the Directors’, Airport Manager of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. The recipients are highlighted below:

• Virginia Airport Manager of the Year Award: Nick Sabo, Executive Director, Winchester Regional Airport
• Virginia Aviation Person of the Year Award: Carley Walker, Board member of the Winchester Regional Airport Authority
• Virginia Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award: Bud Oakey, President, Virginia Aviation Business Association
• Directors Award was presented to our own, President, Keith Meurlin

Greg’s comments while presenting the award to Keith included “Your efforts to advocate for aviation in the Commonwealth and Northern Virginia have and continue to be significant. You are an exemplary aviation leader, respected and admired by many, serving as a mentor for people like me and others around the Commonwealth. From your efforts to take the WATF to the next level, your previous leadership at MWAA, actively working legislative issues that have impacts on the airport system, etc., the selection was an easy decision!”

In Keith’s acceptance speech he said that aviation is a team sport and that the Task Force is dedicated to actively promoting economic development, jobs through aviation across the Commonwealth.

On the last night of the conference, WATF board member Chris Browne, Director of the National Air and Space Museum opened the doors to Udvar Hazy Center for an amazing self-guided tour of the museum and wonderful reception.

Julie Coons, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and WATF Board member has been honored with the 2024 Women in Leadership Award from Virginia Business, and a 2024 LGBTQ+ Business Award from the Washington Business Journal. Another write up from NVC can be found here. WOW! Congrats, Julie!

Newsline:

Katelyn Miller, the daughter of a Dulles Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority employee, has received the most honored and highest Dulles Airport Scholarship Award named after retired WATF Vice President, Carol Welti. She is a graduate of Loudoun Valley High School, in Purcellville, Virginia. (continue reading)

Katelyn’s selection stemmed from her academic achievements, leadership acumen, community engagement in extracurricular or volunteer pursuits, and unwavering commitment to academic progression.

The committee was honored to have received Katelyn’s application and to learn about her journey as she approaches this new chapter in her life. Here are a few examples what set her apart for others:

She is a solo student pilot getting 1st place in the Simulator Contest at Virginia Pathways Flight Academy.

• She earned a quantum power certification from a George Mason University special Quantum Immersion program while in 11th and 12th grades.
• She got the highest course grade of 400 scholars studying at the Virginia Space Coast Scholars Program.
• She was a teacher’s assistant in the 11th and 12th grade in the Aviation Maintenance Electricity Basics Course.
• Her community service includes
• President of Purcellville Library Teen Leadership Council
• Vice President of Loudoun Valley High School American Red Cross
• Committee Chair of Loudoun Valley NHS
• Co-founder and co-President of Loudoun Valley Computer Science Honor Society

Accepted by eight universities, Katelyn will begin her pursuit of mechanical engineering at Harvard College this fall. She also wants to teach flight and aviation as a commercial flight instructor while there. After graduating, her goal is to work in the aerospace industry and then become an astronaut. You can learn more about Katelyn and her recent adventures via LinkedIn and Loudoun Now.

The Committee for Dulles (CFD), in partnership with the Washington Airports Task Force (WATF), formed the Committee for Dulles Community Outreach (CFDCO) in 2012. The CFDCO is pleased to announce it has awarded 41 Dulles Airport Scholarship Program scholarships totaling $40,500 to local graduating high school seniors who are employed or volunteer at Washington Dulles International Airport or are dependents of employees or volunteers at the airport. These students attended various high schools all over the region. 

Of the 41 students:

• Came from 30 different high schools in our region.
• Came from 10 companies at Dulles including Dulles Jet Center, TSA, SP Parking, United, Duty Free, NASM, Washington Flyer Ground Transportation, Swissport, Travelers Aid and MWAA.
• These 41 students have been accepted and are going to 23 colleges and universities across the United States.

Including this year’s scholarships, to date since 2012, CFDCO has awarded 263 scholarships totaling $415,000. Visit the link below for more information regarding the Dulles Airport Scholarship Program https://www.committeefordulles….

Washington Dulles International Airport officials recently announced major expansion plans for both flying passengers and cargo shipping, 7News reported. The major change for travelers is a new $700 million 14-gate concourse set to open in 2026 that will have a direct link with the underground Aerotrain system. There are also plans to add a fifth runway at Dulles.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) hosted a media tour of the airport, providing reporters with a behind-the-scenes look and unprecedented access to film cargo operations, new concourse construction and conduct interviews on the runway. Additional attendees included representatives from Dulles International Airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the Washington Airports Task Force, United Airlines, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, and Loudoun Economic Development.

Washington Dulles International Airport is an emerging air cargo gateway in the Mid-Atlantic region serving a large catchment area along the East Coast, according to MWAA. VEDP is partnering with the Washington Airports Task Force on a consultative study to evaluate cargo market share opportunity for the airport. Currently, Dulles handles more than 300,000 tons of cargo annually and is serviced by 41 airlines providing connections to 57 international and 86 domestic destinations.

“The cargo operation would just expand the capabilities of the airport and really feed the business environment in the region,” Washington Dulles International Airport Manager Richard Golinowski said to Washington Business Journal. “It’d be a huge boon for the DMV to get more cargo into this area, and we really think that long-term, we’re going to have it. We are ready for it.”

The airport connects to all major U.S. markets via the interstate highway system and over 56 percent of the U.S. population resides within a one-day drive. As the primary international airport for the Washington metro area, Dulles serves one of the major economic regions in the United States with a continuously growing number of international airlines. WUSA has more.