11th Annual Plane Pull Event Highlights Festival  

Dulles, Virginia, September 24, 2003 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in cooperation with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) today announced two Public Workshops on the second phase of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for adding two new runways at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The workshops are designed to gather public comments on the preliminary runway alternatives, as well as on the results of FAA's analysis on the existing social, natural and physical environment in the IAD Study Area.

The nation's three major financial rating agencies recently assigned new ratings to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Fitch, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's each rated the Authority in conjunction with the issuance of $431.7 million 2003 Airport System Revenue Bonds Series 2003, which closed on October 1st of this year.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will hold its Annual Business Opportunity Seminar for Local Disadvantaged Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses on Thursday, November 20, 2003. The Airports Authority operates Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports. The Seminar will be held from Noon until 5:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, located at 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia.

At their meeting today the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors re-elected Norman M. Glasgow, Jr. Chairman of the Board and elected Mame Reiley Vice Chairman and Gregory Wolfe was also re-elected as Secretary to the Board.

Thanksgiving Travel Airport Tips Travelers coming to Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports this Thanksgiving should be prepared for security procedures and arrive early for their flight. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is offering travel advice to area travelers.

Nearly 100 years ago, the first human took to the skies in a heavier-than-air aircraft, and since then, hundreds of millions have followed over the years. Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports have helped travelers reach the skies for more than 60 years when National Airport opened in 1941, followed by Dulles International in 1962.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has earned the 2004 Terminal with the Most Unique Services award from the Airport Revenue News (ARN) magazine as a result of its annual Best Concessions Poll. Reagan National Airport won first place in the category dealing with the most unique services. "We are honored to receive this award;" said James E. Bennett, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, "we put a great deal of effort into designing food and retail programs for our airports that meet the needs of travelers."

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is expecting a busy summer season to start with spring travel in April. The Airports Authority is offering advice to area travelers coming to Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports.

Today the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors approved the selection of Margaret E. McKeough as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Airports Authority.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is pleased to announce a special Art Walk at Reagan National Airport on Saturday, May 1. The tours of the art at the Airport will begin in Terminal B at the Information Desk. Tours will be conducted by the Airport Docents from 11:00 A.M. through 2:00 P.M. for both groups and individuals.

Works of art by students in District of Columbia Public Schools are on exhibit at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport through May 31st. The theme, "Presenting Stories and Concepts in Art," is reflected in the works of students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The exhibition is located on the lower (baggage claim) level of Terminals B & C.