LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Grass Airport has been presented with the Airport Safety Mark of Distinction Award by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Awarded at the FAA Southern Region 2011 Airport Safety and Certification Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on January 24, the airport received this honor for construction of its new general aviation runway and associated taxiways and for the development of an airport operations department.

The FAA developed this award to promote safety among the FAA Southern Region certificated airports and to recognize actions and efforts involving an airport that deserves praise for its demonstrated effect on the advancement of safety.

“It is a tremendous honor for our airport to receive such a distinguished award,” said Eric Frankl, executive director at Blue Grass Airport.  “I am proud of our operations and public safety staff as well as our maintenance staff for all of their hard work in making a number of changes over the past year.  Providing a safe airfield environment for our airlines and passengers is our first priority.”

In August 2010, the airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new general aviation runway, Runway 9-27.  This 4,000 foot runway is used by private and corporate general aviation aircraft and enhances safety during crosswind conditions.  General aviation activity accounts for approximately 65% of the total operations at Blue Grass Airport.

In addition to the new runway, Blue Grass Airport has created a strong operations team over the past year that coordinates all safety and operational activities with external agencies.  This includes working with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, airlines, general aviation, tenants and other organizations.  

“We are thankful for the partnership we have with the FAA, and we will continue to work together to ensure we are providing a safe and convenient airport,” Frankl added.  

Blue Grass Airport, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is served by seven major airlines providing convenient non-stop service to 15 major hub cities and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

SOURCE Blue Grass Airport