Executive Director, Director of Engineering, Airport Board Members Joined Casey to Detail Safety, Economic Impact of Upgrades
Avoca, PA- With winter weather approaching, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite the repair of the Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP). Casey was joined by the airport’s Executive Director, Director of Engineering and members of the Bi-County Airport Board. The MALSR is an important safety feature at the airport and helps pilots land aircrafts safety, especially during inclement weather.
“We must make sure that the MALSR system is repaired so that the airport can continue spurring economic growth in the region,” said Senator Casey. “If the system isn’t repaired soon, many carriers may choose to cancel flights to the airport, which will harm the regional economy. I urge the FAA to prioritize funding for this system, so the airport can continue to grow and create jobs.”
The text of Senator Casey’s letter calling on the FAA to update the MALSR can be found below:
Michael P. Huerta
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
Dear Administrator Huerta,
I write today to urge you to prioritize the allocation of Airport Improvement Program discretionary funds for the repair of the Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP). The MALSR is vital to the continued success and viability of the airport.
The MALSR is an important safety feature at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport and provides pilots with a visual reference while they are landing. Since northeastern Pennsylvania routinely experiences severe weather, the MALSR is crucial to allowing aircrafts to land safely during inclement weather when pilot visibility is not ideal. It is important that the FAA allocate funding for the repairs prior to winter. If not, many carriers may choose to cancel flights to the airport which will harm the regional economy.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I stand ready to assist you to resolve this issue, so that the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport can continue to provide reliable affordable flights in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senate
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