Sea-Tac Airport Passes Annual FAA Airport Certification Inspection with Zero Discrepancies for the Sixth Time in 10 Years

Inspection Includes Third Runway for the First Time

For the sixth time in 10 years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport received a discrepancy-free report card from its annual Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Certification Inspection. This year's four-day, comprehensive review included Sea-Tac's new third runway as an element of the inspection for the first time. The FAA's review is a rigorous inspection covering all components of an airport's ability to provide a safe operating facility for airline and passenger customers.

"We're all proud of Sea-Tac's staff and their consistent safety record," said Port Commission President Bill Bryant.

"Sea-Tac handles over 30 million passengers every year and our staff works very hard every single day to ensure the safety of our airline partners and passengers," said Aviation Managing Director Mark Reis. "In the post-inspection briefing, the FAA reported that we continue to be a 'leading edge airport' when it comes to safety."

The inspection focused on employee training, training documentation, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), aircraft fueling procedures and fuel truck safety, safety during construction, wildlife control, low visibility procedures, the Airport Emergency Plan, and a thorough airfield evaluation.

Special recognition was given to Sea-Tac's strength in safety related areas, data collection within the nationally-recognized wildlife program, third runway construction and activation, and a training documentation system that has set the standard for other airports.

The FAA conducts a "Part 139" inspection of all commercial service airports in the United State on an annual basis. Successful certification is required to continue operations. "Part 139" refers to the Federal Aviation Regulation that establishes airport certification standards and requirements.

About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, KSEA) is ranked as the 18th largest U.S. airport, serving more than 31.2 million passengers in 2008. With a regional economic impact of more than $13.2 billion in business revenue, Sea-Tac generates more than 161,000 jobs (89,902 direct jobs) representing more than $2.2 billion in direct earnings and $412.4 million in state and local taxes. Forty-one airlines serve 76 non-stop domestic destinations and 22 international cities.