Update: Procedure Compliance Audits

Evian Medrano
PBI General Manager &
Compliance Officer

In the last few months, Flight Services & Systems (FSS) has made a renewed focus on our training, procedure compliance, safety, and security. We will be focusing on continuing to develop our training for our employees, becoming 100% in our procedure compliance, making our employees more aware of safety and security with best practices and regular bulletins.

For our procedure compliance, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) General Manager Evian Medrano has been given the additional duties of Compliance Officer. Evian has been traveling to our various stations to perform audits. These audits are designed to help guide our General Managers towards 100% compliance and address key areas of concern. Once the audit is performed, the General Manager and Evian discuss what needs to be completed and develop a timeline for items to be accomplished.

Restarts and Startups Coming In November

In November, Flight Services & Systems (FSS) will have two restarts to our operations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Portland International Jetport (PWM). We also have new operations at our Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Charleston International Airport (CHS) stations.

Our Restarts

General Manager Jeffrey Allen and his team will be welcoming Avianca back to DFW on November 1^st.

Coming back on November 19^th, Frontier Airlines will be greeted by General Manager Kristean Jacobs and her crew.

Our Startups

General Manager Anna Graca and her team are thrilled as Viva Aerobus will be starting their service at ORD on November 15^th.

Silver Airways will start its services at CHS on November 23^rd. General Manager Cody Jackson and his crew can’t wait to get started!

October's Employee Spotlights

The Dynamic Duo of Brandi and Zach at SEA

SEA General Manager Brandi Ellison
and Operations Manager Zach Cox

General Manager Brandi Ellison and Operations Manager Zach Cox are being spotlighted for their hands-on approach at our Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) station. With their close to 20 years of combined experience, Brandi and Zach have had tremendous success since taking over at SEA. The dynamic duo meets weekly with the Port of Seattle on-site management as well as the FSS corporate management to address any concerns and find solutions.

Brandi started her aviation career as a flight attendant for United Airlines. She is currently enrolled at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where she is studying Aviation Business Administration and Management. Brandi is expected to graduate in December with a GPA of 4.0 and a member of the Dean’s List.

Zach started his aviation career as a finance intern for Hawaiian Airlines. During his career, Zach has held several managerial positions with Island Airlines, Horizon Airlines, and JSX Airlines. He also has specialized experience in Customer Service Operations. Zach holds two master’s degrees in Marketing and Business Administration with an overall GPA of 3.75.

Nathan Som Receives Praise from FAT Passenger

FAT Mobility Assistance
Agent Nathan Som

Mobility Assistance Agent Nathan Som recently received some praise from a passenger at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). General Manager Rhett Williams passed along the kind words about Nathan and Rhett couldn’t be happier about Nathan’s performance.

"I recently injured my foot and made arrangements for wheelchair assistance for my recent trip. At FAT Nathan Som was assigned to assist me. This was my first experience with needing assistance. Nathan was very personable and outgoing. He asked questions and made me feel very comfortable and not like I was needy. He went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable…"

Denise P.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport Passenger

Special Thanks to Sonia Villatoro of BOS

BOS Dispatcher Sonia Villatoro

Boston Logan International Airport General Manager Holly Egan along with Vice President of Operations George Nikolouzos wanted to spotlight Dispatcher Sonia Villatoro. Sonia recently celebrated her anniversary with Flight Services & Systems (FSS) and has been with us since 2003. During her time with FSS, Sonia has never been late or received a complaint against her. George and Holly have also heard and seen Sonia’s great repour with passengers. Thank you, Sonia, for setting the example! Here’s to many more years with FSS!

ANC Crew Passes Test with Flying Colors

During his time at our Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) station, Vice President of Operations George Nikolouzos noticed some issues with our EZCART operation. To drive home the importance of the EZCART machines and have a little fun while doing it, George set up a group chat with the ANC crew. George asked a series of questions which included photos to test the crew’s knowledge on what to look for. At the end of the test, those who answered George’s questions correctly were awarded a $25 gift card. According to George, we had four winners. Awesome job by George for thinking outside the box and get our crew engaged, and fantastic job by the winners!

Welcome Aboard, Tascha Grobbelaar!

General Manager Sam Britch of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Tascha Grobbelaar. Tascha is our new Operations Manager for ANC.

Tascha will be primarily overseeing our cargo operations and leading our cargo team. Her first-hand knowledge as a security guard for Phoenix Protective Corporation will be a great asset to the FSS team. Tascha is a team player who pays strict attention to set standards and guidelines.

Tascha will work closely with General Manager Sam Britch in continuing to grow the ANC station while providing a watchful eye over our cargo operations. Congratulations to Tascha – welcome to the FSS team!

FSS Milestone Anniversaries: October 2020

 FSS would like to recognize our employees who have been with us throughout the years. Celebrating milestone anniversaries in October are:

15+ Years

• Monica Dillingham (FAT) - 19 years
• David Irby (ORD) - 18 years

10+ Years

• Laheen Bamadi (BOS) - 13 years

5+ Years

• Raymonde Eustache (BOS) - 9 years
• Flor Quintanilla (DFW) - 9 years
• Vinay Sangha (FAT) - 9 years
• Mulugeta Mekonnen Zelelew (BOS) - 7 years
• Abdelhadi Said (BOS) - 7 years
• Alna Edoard (BOS) - 6 years
• Jean Crisnet Belaston (BOS) - 6 years
• Bernice Jones (ORD) - 6 years
• Ilham El Aaoud (BOS) - 5 years
• Lili Guteta Emiru (BOS) - 5 years
• Wilner Joseph Elisee (BOS) - 5 years
• Mulunesh Abebayehu Teklewold (BOS) - 5 years
• Victoria Sadovska-Stibrany (CHS) - 5 years
• Justin Gary (CHS) - 5 years
• Rosio Rangel (FAT) - 5 years

Sarah Merrill Promoted to PWM Operations Manager

General Manager Kristean Jacobs of Portland International Jetport (PWM) has promoted Sarah Merrill to Operations Manager. Sarah will be taking over for the departing June Thompson. Thank you to June for your many years of service!

Sarah has been with Flight Services & Systems (FSS) since November 2011 when she started her career as a mobility assistance agent. Recently, she held the position of Customer Service Supervisor where she trained new employees, provided them guidance, and ensured employees adhered to the quality of standards and followed proper procedures.

Sarah will work closely with General Manager Kristean Jacobs in continuing the smooth operation of PWM. Congratulations to Sarah – we are thrilled to have you managing our teams in PWM!

Welcome Aboard, Matthew Allen!

Flight Services & Systems (FSS) is thrilled to announce Matthew Allen as General Manager for the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) station.

Matthew comes to FSS with 4 years of aviation industry experience. He started his career as the Lead Ramp Agent for Delta Ground Service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before coming to FSS, Matthew served as General Manager for Trego-Dugan Aviation at State College, Pennsylvania where he developed his strong communication and leadership skills. Matthew also puts a focus on safety and procedures. As General Manager, Matthew ensured success through effective staffing and training while adhering to safety regulations and well-timed customer service.

Matthew has his Associates in Aeronautics and Professional Piloting from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is currently working towards his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Welcome aboard, Matthew!

Company Announcements - October 2020

Flight Services & Systems is thrilled to announce that we have promoted George Nikolouzos to Vice President of Operations. He will be moving on from his role as General Manager of our Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) location. Holly Egan will be taking over for George and you can get to know more about Holly by clicking here. George will be overseeing the daily operations of all FSS locations and mentoring our General Managers. Congratulations, George!

We are also excited to announce that we have promoted Michael Joseph to Vice President of Training, Compliance, Safety, and Security. In his new role, Michael will be working closely with our General Managers, including Palm Beach International Airport General Manager and Acting Compliance Officer Evian Medrano, to ensure training and compliance are up to date. He will also partner with FSS Director of Aviation Security Hovav Frenkel for aviation security and safety training. Congratulations, Michael!

Lastly, we have promoted Jimmy Dillard to Training Manager. Jimmy was our General Manager at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and most recently Charleston International Airport (CHS). Cody Jackson will be taking over for Jimmy and you can get to know more about Cody by clicking here. In his new role, Jimmy will work with Vice President Michael Joseph in all training related situations and procedures. Congratulations, Jimmy!

FSS Employee to the Rescue at HTS

Flight Services & Systems, along with Huntington Tri-State Airport General Manager Stephanie Brown, would like to recognize Ramp Agent Aaron Moore. Thanks to his quick thinking and response, Aaron was able to immediately take care of an emergency GSE issue without any injury to himself or his co-workers. He was also able to prevent damage to the surrounding aircraft. Aaron helped contain a dangerous situation and prevented it from becoming a disastrous one. Excellent job, Aaron!