NEWS
Aviation

78-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , May 22, 2000

PORT AUTHORITY AND AREA BUSINESSES JOIN FORCES TO OPEN ANNEX TO AVIATION HIGH SCHOOL AT JFK


The Port Authority, members of the John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce and other private sector firms are putting the final touches on a 5,000-square-foot annex to Aviation High School, created to prepare its top students for jobs in aviation. The new airport facility, valued at more than $500,000, will be completed by June 1 and begin classes in the fall.

"This project is the first of its kind," said William R. DeCota, Director of Aviation for the Port Authority. "No other airport in the world has this kind of training facility for public high school students right on its premises. We invite other airports around the country to take notice of this program and follow our lead."

Students at Aviation High School will complete a five-year program with the last year at the annex, where they will gain hands-on experience working on state-of-the-art aircraft technology, and pursue internships and professional licenses leading to profitable careers in this expanding field. The annex is on Kennedy Airport in Building 141, formerly the location of the airport's administrative offices. The Port Authority has provided the space and funded most of the project.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for public and private organizations to work together to improve people's lives and train the next generation of aviation workers," said Charles Seliga, General Manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport. "That's why we're asking other organizations in the airport community and in the aviation industry to join with the Port Authority and others already involved in supporting the school by donating money and equipment."

Private sector participation in the project was led by Graf & Lewent Architects, Ove Arup Engineers, Morse Diesel Construction Management Services, KeySpan Energy Solutions and Brooklyn Union Gas. Commitments to fund the project have been provided by the JFK Chamber of Commerce, United Airlines and other members of the Airport community.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1978 by businesses operating at the airport to address common concerns. The members of the chamber represent a variety of large and small businesses, including airlines, construction firms, banks and contractors. The Port Authority is a member of this organization.

Aviation High School is a fully accredited New York City public school. For 63 years the school has worked in partnership with the aviation industry to prepare students for employment. Many successful graduates now work at JFK and the Port Authority's other two airports - Newark International and LaGuardia.

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