FSS Expands to Two New Locations


Flight Services & Systems (FSS) is thrilled to announce the expansion of our operations during a turbulent time in the aviation industry. Starting on December 17th, we will begin operations for Silver Airways at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). CAE is a new location for FSS. With our management team at Charleston International Airport (CHS) close by, we are expecting this to be a smooth operation.

In continuing our partnership with Silver Airways, we will also begin operations at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) on December 21st. JAX is also a new location for FSS, but with our leadership, we are looking forward to this being a smooth startup and operation.

With the addition of JAX and CAE, Flight Services & Systems will be operating in 16 airports in 11 states by the end of 2020.

DFW Welcomes Avianca Back

On November 1st, DFW Airport General Manager Jeffrey Allen and his crew welcomed Avianca back. Operations for Avianca came to a halt in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions that soon followed. Service has now resumed from DFW to San Salvador.

The first flight was delayed approximately 48 minutes. There was a systems failure at the ticket counter. Despite the system’s failure, our ticket counter agents kept calm and made sure that the passengers weren’t affected by the setback.

On behalf of General Manager Allen, the entire Flight Services & Systems team is proud of the job our ticket counter agents and ground handling team did during the restart. Awesome job, teams!







Patrick Oliverio Wins Award at IND

IND Ramp Agent Patrick Oliverio
being presented his award by
Alaska Airlines Station Manager Kyle Batson

Flight Services & Systems (FSS) would like to recognize Patrick Oliverio. Patrick is a ramp agent at our Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and was recently nominated for Alaska Airline’s SOAR Reward. SOAR stands for Safe Operations Award and Recognition and “recognizes outstanding employees for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to safety through exceptional performance of duties, reporting excellence and/or safety innovation”.

Patrick was nominated for finding a major loading error on an inbound flight from Seattle. He stopped the operation and quickly reporting it through the proper channels. The loading error ended up being a major find and reportable to the FAA. Even though Patrick didn’t win the grand prize, he did receive an award and an Alaska Airlines Store gift certificate. Patrick is pictured with IND Alaska Airlines Station Manager Kyle Batson receiving the award.

On behalf of General Manager Matthew Allen, FSS would like to congratulate Patrick on his award and thank him for keeping safety as his top priority.

FSS Celebrates 20 Years

Since 2000, Flight Services & Systems (FSS) has been an aviation industry leader in passenger services, ground handling, safety, and security. Focusing on safety, efficiency, and employing strong leaders, FSS has grown and expanded throughout the years.

Locations of Our Stations
We currently operate in 14 airports in 11 states from Portland, Maine to Anchorage, Alaska with approximately 1,500 employees. FSS strongly believes that our employees are at the core of our goals and accomplishments. Over the years, we have placed an emphasis on employing the best people for the right position, streamlining operations, using technology to improve performance, and implementing proven processes to drive success while decreasing costs to our partners.

2020 has been a special year for FSS as we celebrate 20 years of providing aviation staffing and technology. We also introduced an aviation industry first: virtual-reality (VR) aviation security training. The VR training modules allow our trainees to conduct searches of aircraft and service vehicles, become educated on security practices, and interact with improved explosive devices (IEDs) in a safe, virtual space.

FSS has the privilege to serve close to 80 aviation partners and is looking forward to the next 20 years and on providing outstanding service. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and appreciate your ongoing business!

Thank you, Ms. B and David Irby!

Bernice Jones & David Irby of ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) General Manager Anna Graca, along with the rest of the FSS team, would like to thank Bernice Jones and David Irby. Affectionately known as “Ms. B”, Bernice has been with FSS since our first day of operations at ORD and is our longest-tenured employee. She currently works on our Aer Lingus account providing warm smiles to boarding and departing passengers.

David started at ORD a year after Ms. B. He is a ramp supervisor and works with our ramp agents to ensure each flight that arrives and departs goes as smoothly as possible. His positive “can-do” attitude has been a welcoming sight at ORD for the last 19 years.  

Thank you for your service, Ms. B and David!




Thank you, British Airways at ORD!

Maureen McLafferty
British Airlines Station Manager at ORD
FSS would also like to thank British Airways at ORD, especially Station Manager Maureen McLafferty. British Airways is our longest ongoing contract dating back to 2000. Maureen has been there every step of the way and working with our management over the years. Thank you, British Airways and Maureen, for your many years and for allowing us to provide you the service you expect.

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 1st.

Coming back on November 19th, 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 15th.

Silver Airways will start its services at CHS on November 23rd. 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
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
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