American Aero FTW Supports Crew, Passengers Of American Airlines MD-80 Diverted From DFW To Meacham International Airport
FORT WORTH, Texas (July 6, 2015) – An American Airlines MD-80 flight on its way from Salt Lake City to Dallas/Fort Worth had to make an unscheduled landing at Meacham International Airport on June 26, due to heavy rain at DFW.Line crewmembers from American Aero FTW, a fixed-base operator (FBO) at Meacham, greeted the plane on the taxiway, guided the pilot to a parking spot and assisted in securing the plane, which was carrying 119 passengers and five crewmembers. Once on the ramp, American Aero crewmembers helped deplane and find ground transportation for 35 passengers who decided to end their flight at Meacham instead of going on to DFW.
“This was a highly unusual event for this airport, but we are fully equipped to handle the needs of any aircraft, including an MD-80,” said American Aero General Manager Riggs Brown. “That night, our crew responded quickly and efficiently and made it a top priority to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers of this flight and attend to their needs.”
As Meacham celebrates its 90th anniversary later this month, events like this demonstrate the significant role the airport can play as a safety divert for larger, commercial aircraft when needed, Brown said. The airport is large enough and is equipped with the proper facilities to accept an airliner, for issues such as weather, low fuel and maintenance.
Meacham is also home to a historic hangar that was the original headquarters and office building of American Airways Southern Division, which later became American Airlines. American Aero restored the 1933 hangar in 2014, and it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In March, the airport began a major renovation effort of the Meacham International Terminal building, which is set for completion in the spring of 2016. American Aero will be the primary tenant in the new building and operates the majority of open ramp space at the airport.
About American Aero FTW
American Aero FTW, located at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, is a fixed-base operator (FBO) focused on the refueling, ground handling, and storing of business and private aviation aircraft. Founded in 2012, the executive private aviation terminal offers extensive crew and passenger amenities and is dedicated to providing premier services to the private aviation industry. More information can be found at www.AmericanAeroFTW.com.
