Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Wins Prestigious International Award for Snow and Ice Control
Syracuse, New York – The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), operator of Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), has won this year’s Balchen/Post Award for Outstanding Achievement in Airport Snow and Ice Control for the Small Commercial Airport category. Presented by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NEC AAAE), the purpose of the prestigious award is to promote better snow and ice control in the industry and recognize airports for outstanding performance.
The 2024-2025 award was presented to members of the SRAA team at the International Aviation Snow Symposium in Buffalo, NY this morning. Despite the 115.4” of total seasonal snowfall (thus far) and 18 snowfall events with greater than two inches of snow, the SYR airfield was closed for less than three hours the entire season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our Airfield Maintenance and Airport Operations teams for their snow and ice control efforts here at SYR and it’s wonderful to see them recognized at the international level,” said SRAA Chief Operations Officer Aaron Harris. “The numbers don’t lie: less than three hours of airfield closure for an entire season, in our climate? They have proven they are the best of the best.”
To be considered for this award, an airport must display excellence in the following areas:
- Degree of in-depth preparedness, including a comprehensive snow and ice control plan, equipment readiness, personnel training, and overall safety awareness.
- Effectiveness of snow and ice control program, examining how well the program kept aeronautical areas safe and operational such as runways, taxiways, aprons, ramps, runway/taxiway lighting, and signs.
- Timeliness and accuracy of communications during the snow and ice control effort with the airlines, general aviation community, public, FAA, and other airport users.
- Post-storm activity including cleanup and critique.
Helpful links:
- Learn more about the history of the NEC AAAE Balchen/Post award on their website.
- Learn more about the 29 destinations served by nonstop flights from SYR on the airport’s Destinations Page.
About the SRAA
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serving Upstate New York, providing a safe, convenient, seamless passenger experience while enhancing economic opportunity, development, and growth in the region. Established on August 17, 2011, the SRAA officially took over operations of the airport from the City of Syracuse on March 1, 2014. The SRAA’s vision is for SYR to be recognized as a best-in-class airport elevating the customer experience and exceeding stakeholder expectations, while using innovative technology and optimizing the economic prosperity of the region we serve.
To receive a copy of this document translated into a language other than English, please use the Recite Me application on the syrairport.org website, or contact the Title VI Coordinator at CivilRights@syrairport.org, or 315-455-3626.