TWA was born through mergers over 70 years ago and ended this year in similar fashion.  In 1930 a government sanctioned amalgamation of Kansas City-based Transcontinental Air Transport, Western Air Express and Trans Western Airlines created what we knew as TWA.  On April 9, 2001 American Airlines completed its acquisition of TWA, thus ending more than 70 years of aviation history.

The acquisition marked the beginning of an exciting journey—the joining of two great airlines, both known as pioneers in the aviation industry, both committed to exemplary service and continuous innovation. This acquisition of TWA’s assets by American Airlines resulted in the creation of American’s newest subsidiary—TWA Airlines LLC.

For the time being, it appears as if it will be “business as usual” for travelers in Central Iowa. “Des Moines benefited from nonstop jet service to St. Louis prior to the acquisition and we have been assured by airline officials that we will continue to benefit from nonstop jet service to St. Louis”, said William Flannery, Airport Director.  “What we won’t know for awhile is how the acquisition may impact schedules, frequency, and pricing”, noted Flannery.

According to American President Don Carty, much work remains in the coming months in order to fully integrate TWA Airlines LLC into American Airlines—assimilating aircraft, training employees and much more.  “The result will be an airline that is second to none—providing our customers a wider network of destinations, the safest and most comfortable fleet, and the services of top-notch employees. We won’t get there overnight, but we’re committed to making this the most successful transition ever”, said Carty.

Spring FOD Walk A Success  

By Kristopher M. Klop

On April 13, 2001 the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) FOD TEAM conducted the first Runway 13-31 FOD Walk. FOD or Foreign Object Debris is any item on an aircraft movement surface that could damage an aircraft.  Some examples are tools, rags, trash, nuts, and bolts. Each year, FOD costs the aviation industry an estimated four billion dollars. The importance of FOD prevention is best evidenced by the recent Concorde tragedy.

Through coordination with the local F.A.A. Air Traffic Control Tower, runway 13-31 was closed for the event and did not affect normal airport operations. 

Airport tenants and agencies who participated included:  UPS, American Airlines, US Airways Express, America West Express, Mesa Airlines, Air Midwest, FAA-AFS, Comair, United States Postal Service, Swissport, Signature Flight Support, Iowa Air National Guard, Gate Gourmet, and Airport Terminal Services.  Approximately seventy persons walked the runway.The group started the walk on the terminal ramp,  following taxiway “B” to Runway 13 and ended the walk some 6,500 feet down the runway at the threshold of runway 31, crossing the active runway 5/23 in the process.

Companies such as NASA, Piper, Fairchild  Dornier Corp. Saab, Bell Helicoptor, Saberliner Corp., Boeing, Airbus Industrie, Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Comair, Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Lear- jet, Sikorsky, Rolls Royce, General Electric, Grumann, and Mooney realized the importance of FOD awareness and contributed items such as hats, shirts, stickers, posters, pins, and other items to give out at the event.  These premiums were awarded to the persons who collected the most debris during the walk.

Various airlines sent corporate personnel to observe the event and coordinate this FOD awareness tactic with other airports their airlines serve.

Following the event, the participants were treated to snacks and water donated by Gate Gourmet.

The event was a great success, bringing the local aviation community together with a common cause, and strengthened the local awareness of FOD prevention at Des Moines International Airport.

The DSM FOD TEAM owes a debt of gratitude to the companies and individuals who helped address a problem that effects each and every one of us.

Midwest Express Ranks #1 In National Survey   

Midwest Express Airlines, one of the newest additions to the family of airlines in Des Moines, has been named the #1 Domestic Airline in the 2001 Zagat Airline Survey.

The Zagat Survey includes responses from 31,500 frequent flyers, including 1,300 travel professionals, and surveyors rating airlines separately for their comfort, service and food on Zagat’s signature 30-point scale. Midwest Express was voted best in each of the three categories.The airline’s overall score – 27 – earned it the number one ranking among domestic carriers, followed by JetBlue and Alaska Airlines. Midwest Express also ranked #1 in the last Zagat Airline Survey in 1998, but this time its overall score improved two points.

“This award is the result of our employees’ commitment to providing our customers outstanding service,” said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. “We’re extremely honored to again be recognized by frequent flyers and travel professionals as the best domestic airline – not only by voting for us in the Zagat Airline Survey, but also by selecting Midwest Express for their travel needs.”

Midwest Express Airlines offers nonstop jet service from Des Moines to Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and the airline’s hub in Milwaukee using both DC 9s and regional jets.(

Federal Inspection Services At DSM:       By Rachel Stanhope      A U.S. Customs Office has been located at the Des Moines International Airport for approximately 20 years.  Jerry Soard, the current Port Director, has served DSM since December of 1999.  Jerry said that he has seen an increase of work in both importation and exportations in the short time he has been here.  He attributes this to better marketing.  He is getting the word out about Customs services, letting people know that he is here, and the type of services he provides.  Jerry recommends that you call him in advance, since he is a one-man shop, and he promises he will return all messages.

Only ten percent of his work is with aircraft at the Des Moines International Airport.  And of those  the majority is private aircraft that come from all over the world.  Jerry averages about 15 to 20 private aircraft a month. One thing that he looks for now is evidence of someone possibly bringing in Foot and Mouth Disease, and or Mad Cow Disease. He checks to see if they are coming in from anywhere in the British Isles, and if they are he will find out if they were on a farm while they were there.  He will also check their shoes and clothes for any dirt, and if any is found they will have to be disinfected before entering the country.

Most of the customs that Jerry deals with is cargo coming off of either trucks or trains that is held at different bonding warehouses throughout the Des Moines area.  A bonding warehouse is a facility that has been granted permission from U.S. Customs to hold goods that are in bond, where duty has not yet been collected. 

Jerry believes that his office at the Des Moines International Airport has the potential for growth, and hopes to hire a couple more people.  He is expecting part of this growth to come from the possible future growth of cargo facilities at the airport and the extra cargo they will be bringing in.  He would also like to see the airport open up a bonding warehouse.  He advises that this will be a benefit to not only the airport and himself but to the community they both serve.