Five Years Later

It is hard to believe that the worst tragedy in American history happened five years ago today. Many folks have asked me what it was like then and how have things changed.

So here it goes. It was really intense and sad at the airport that day. Outgoing passengers were in shock, we were in crisis/ emergency mode and all the while, we were focused on the taking care of the most vulnurable among us....the nearly 400 stranded human beings in our building. We were visited that day by nearly 100 passengers on an American Airlines 757 enroute to the East coast (remarkably I can’t remember the exact city).

Because American doesn’t have a CAK station, it was a struggle to get these hot, tired confused passengers off the plane. They waited on the ramp for a few hours, hoping that they could eventually resume their flight. Well, that didn’t happen. Somehow, the American Airlines’ crew figured out a way to release their passengers, so that they could get off the plane and figure out what to do next. We along with the Summit County Emergency Management crew and the American Red Cross cared for these folks while they made arrangements to rent cars, get hotel rooms or for the lucky ones, hook up with family and friends. Many local neighbors were there too, offering to bring meals, provide transportation or even open their home for the night to a stranded passenger. That was really cool.

I just remember how quiet it was. Since I work right here at the airport, I’m used to hearing the sound of jet engines all day long. There were no jet engines that day; just an eerie quiet that seeped into the building and settled in my soul. I grieve deeply for the innocent lives lost that day; and for the lives of those lost fighting in the Middle East to protect our freedom.

Things at CAK are really back to normal. We’ve grown a lot since the attacks, adding numerous routes and lower fares. We needed to get back to business; we needed to help people feel comfortable about our business. I feel really good about that. In some small way we thrived, even though extreme fundamentalists wished for a different outcome, here and elsewhere in our economy.

Our terminal is safer. I can say that without a second thought. The TSA and Summit County Sheriff’s Department keep a vigilant eye out for potential threats. Their equipment is more sophisticated and the forces are better trained. I also think they care. They care about your safety and they care about our airport. It’s a very reassuring feeling.

So, I reflect on a sad day five years ago when America changed. I pray that our country will never have to experience that kind of tragedy again; although deep in my heart, I think we will.

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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