[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6157951,"mediaKeyId","5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2","parentId",5462497,"title","Airfield safety and emergency preparedness: certification, inspections and drone policy reviewed","audioSeconds",370,"startMs",11356000,"endMs",11726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2&start=11356&end=11726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2/thumbnail_11356000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6157951/Airfield-safety-and-emergency-preparedness-certification-inspections-and-drone-policy-reviewed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157951-6528810506bd0c0b6f771ad4e0254de2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097423&Signature=EbLofbPoeIqJTc-xXX9tRfpGS5fGDjvYdJvVzG6jKZOJe~y2gCcK5PU3V1Dr8U1kUWOxChR8NRd~TBLCiRNRbFtKM0CEjZycitohxbpYYj5YKz5Y6Z8fPWgbt~VYiM2jmuHyynXhuYRLBhSZxjhNbKH3aKH2B-3BS5mU4q21WPmtoLzY9Y0DM13QwixDL8q5LHC8VBtnnmJT1PtYwT5z8e5WyeCkOJF3x8B9uHdOvIswzWL4vgif~qnwgVPFO4lm2vtpFC1Wl8BiAKBSBGr1zR6MdFPAhg422Ax0VdyHJn1xFBXbfILqGK1yABcH8i~e0Q1IFigPwLKHPXU-Pp-NZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Guam Legislature","date","2025-07-24T14:44:01.847Z","article","GIAA’s air terminal manager told the Legislature on July 24 that the airport is undergoing a multiday FAA Part 139 certification inspection and that self‑inspection practices across airfield lighting, pavement and rescue equipment showed strong compliance.

Airfield and certification: Air terminal manager Juan Rages said GIAA’s annual FAA inspection covers more than 125 items and thousands of records; his staff include nine trained self‑inspectors who perform daily checks of movement areas and airfield lighting. Rages said the recent inspection found no unlit lighting fixtures, a result he attributed to rigorous self‑inspection and maintenance.

Emergency exercises and military operations: The authority described its full‑scale exercise program (required every 36 months) and credited recent multi‑agency tabletop exercises for identifying coordination gaps; the airport hosted a November 2023 full‑scale exercise that exercised hijack and crash scenarios and included medevac helicopter coordination. Rages said coordination with military exercises (eg, reform pack) had been planned to avoid disruption of commercial flights; sorties during the current military exercise were scheduled to avoid night operations and continue mainly in daytime windows.

Drones and tech stops: Rages described the airport’s approach to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Authorized drone operations require FAA registration of the device, a certified pilot, and a certificate of authorization coordinated through the tower and flight standards; unauthorized drones trigger a law‑enforcement response. The airport also serves as a technical stop for a range of aircraft (fuel, crew rest and minor maintenance), averaging about a dozen tech stops monthly, Rages said.

Infrastructure resilience and public safety: Senators asked about sidewalk and pedestrian safety adjacent to the terminal; GIAA said it is coordinating with public works and transit agencies to identify interim and longer‑term solutions for sidewalks and passenger access.

Ending: The airport will provide the committee with inspection findings and the schedule for upcoming full‑scale exercises, and continues coordination with FAA on safety and airfield projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oversight Hearing - Senator Jesse A. Lujan - July 24, 2025 2pm PT.1","oneSentenceSummary","GIAA told the Legislature July 24 that the airport passed a multi‑day FAA certification inspection with no lighting findings, continues to exercise full‑scale emergency response plans and has a published process for authorized drone operations near the airfield.","taxTitle","General Government Operations and Appropriations\t, Legislative, Guam","taxId",18139,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6157955,"GIAA details new TSA worker‑screening rules, canine program and cybersecurity steps",249,9490000,9739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2&start=9490&end=9739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2/thumbnail_9490000.jpg","/articles/6157955/GIAA-details-new-TSA-workerscreening-rules-canine-program-and-cybersecurity-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157955-7ef7258a847af25a55049eacc7ffcf68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097423&Signature=Fi1FRw20bQcplun7GfBukJoXIcT75yFa6au-HMGYI-4MVYiWRYge2-oPSRNd2BM9099jEbLsSKtWzn7RjlxmCOEyAZS6xdRUSxkdFXNlRG-SNSQnz9VyHdX2MSnKiHYf9C9lJxZF-ug-MHZPwr8Z~gWuuEJxT-GCgstulQ5YXBq1fFoP0ybJGsh-T~DZTlkZu6jJif1puALKwplVNtxKADodVdwRKzsZv9xiqmXaruiuD743aTNUOEFpb0vZItib7o5amsAAD4A3FPYL7RQeb0UtTGuwKYGlf7cZ8vdczv9q4Zhox-sbVfr3apCZCS6gfymJPc~u8D392UC0MKpyoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Airport police and GIAA staff told the oversight committee on July 24 that the airport has implemented recent Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates for aviation worker screening and is upgrading security technology while pursuing partial federal support for canine teams.

Chief Vincent Napati said Guam is among the early implementers in the Pacific of TSA National Amendment 23‑02 and related guidance on aviation worker screening. The program expands checks of airport workforce access to secure areas and is unfunded by TSA, the chief said; the authority must staff and equip the additional screening functions. Napati said the airport is procuring an advanced, hand‑held explosive detector and that the TSA canine teams — which require recurring federal certification and training — cost roughly $50,000 per handler team annually.

Cybersecurity and incident response: Deputy Executive Manager Ricky Hernandez and GIAA staff described a TSA emergency amendment (March 2023) that requires identification of critical IT/OT systems, a cybersecurity implementation plan and annual assessments. GIAA reported tabletop exercises with federal partners and a November 2024 CISA vulnerability assessment. Hernandez said GIAA has brought in Idaho National Laboratory trainers and is hiring a dedicated cybersecurity specialist.

AI and administrative efficiency: Airport Police said they are piloting an AI‑assisted police report tool that transcribes officers’ field audio and drafts structured report text to reduce paperwork and speed responses; officers retain final editorial control.

Canine and interdiction results: Napati said airport canine teams have been federally certified and credited the program with multiple narcotics interdictions; he said airport handlers have detected roughly 39 pounds of methamphetamine across about a dozen incidents to date.

Ending: GIAA said it will continue to pursue partial federal funding for canine operations and will provide the committee with implementation milestones for worker screening, cybersecurity staffing, and funding requests.","GIAA and airport police described implementation of TSA aviation worker‑screening amendments, canine explosive/narcotics teams, and a new cybersecurity program and tabletop exercises during a July 24 oversight hearing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6157960,"Airlines add seats to Guam this summer; GIAA and GVB in talks over 30% vs. 50% incentive dispute",1077,6696000,7773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2&start=6696&end=7773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2/thumbnail_6696000.jpg","/articles/6157960/Airlines-add-seats-to-Guam-this-summer-GIAA-and-GVB-in-talks-over-30-vs-50-incentive-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157960-29e74375b30df92f2fdd8ef8a106aa07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097423&Signature=RsPR2pxMC8ab0X-KpVWRp-bzk0sXwb0daYgjSxtGZusIk4AtPXe2af7EKIsbmSu7Ppkm1BLywczg3FhgQtDIXdt2Hzzk7CFJforNqYHZMnN6odgQJc0bQbhF3PyuaNACz0ZVX-f2Fg2vfwG4d4aXCRjnUs~6rK6BLVx4~wlvbola1Vkt~uFUnc6YFy1bZNymm4RG7u6Nywrw0YfpdiuhNEnKtKhsSAYoNmfUNr~zGrK1qFvHiUTMioUELyg9U7zziEbgi2C24tTrs2Hu6nuucqVFt2-bryLtfUwa4mAKGcf~vxh23eJN--lBZsNP3A45nAgxzXhyDvX3Wm6sU-Xi3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GIAA and airline officials told lawmakers July 24 that seat capacity into Guam increased sharply from May through August 2025, driven largely by Korean carriers adding second daily flights and seasonal service.

Deputy Executive Manager Ricky Hernandez presented seat data showing overall monthly seat capacity rising about 40% from May to August; he said Korean Airlines, Jin Air, Jeju Air and T'way had added frequencies in summer 2025. Hernandez said Korean Airlines added a second daily Incheon flight effective July 1 and other carriers planned third daily flights or seasonal services later in the year.

Airline incentives and a dispute: Jin Air and the Korea Guam Travel Association submitted written appeals after GIAA applied a 30% airport‑usage discount to some expanded services while the authority’s air service incentive program allows “up to 50%” for new service. Jin Air’s letter said a 50% discount had been verbally promised during recent meetings with GIAA and the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB); GIAA acknowledged the letters and said it is working with GVB to find a path to fulfill expectations where possible.

GIAA said the airport can discount fees but cannot provide direct cash subsidies; the FAA requires non‑discriminatory treatment and that airports avoid revenue diversion. GIAA and GVB are discussing a shared-risk incentive structure (a guaranteed breakeven load factor) in which risk would be shared between carriers and destination partners rather than a single party bearing the whole subsidy.

Committee reaction: Senators asked GIAA to document the basis for any discount levels and to coordinate a single point of contact with GVB and the governor’s office so messaging to carriers is clear. Senator requests included a formal accounting of what discounts cost the airport and how GVB’s proposed $11 million marketing request would be applied across markets.

Ending: GIAA agreed to provide the committee with the incentive program application, calculations of fiscal impact by scenario, and updates on the airport/GBV shared-risk talks. Senators asked for a joint meeting with GVB and the governor’s office to align public messaging and review funding requests.
","GIAA reported a roughly 40% increase in monthly seat capacity from May to August 2025 driven largely by Korean carriers. Airlines and the Guam Visitors Bureau seek larger airport-fee discounts; GIAA says board-approved incentives are \"up to 50%\" but some applications received 30%, prompting letters from carriers and tourism stakeholders.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6157965,"GIAA outlines $104 million in federal and airport-funded projects; apron, roof and ADA work lead list",256,4326000,4582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2&start=4326&end=4582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2/thumbnail_4326000.jpg","/articles/6157965/GIAA-outlines-104-million-in-federal-and-airport-funded-projects-apron-roof-and-ADA-work-lead-list","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157965-196c23aa2445975d26491ad3d570c9df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097423&Signature=FwFzYY~FmJ0cqd~QVTRRSqaNoRkcvx1fF7JF3Ib5NUqVvIQqIIXDZ3D0kdy~aM7fGYJPReufZNBTT3Hne~JajX35h6SF8F0K6kPnR9q~2XYkEvdLc~ZU3MTLCBnJs07CoTiaWeeVwHpH1o-mCq9YvRPgZpmGi6XglpkqMlvA0jw2udqNpIxhj3zmcWKPTRC0y3xhOPFllXPN8RnunfIXh9tcH4hdTxpaNWn-wczPmGVkSm~~tVa1oyrYQb~sTBYZHGP2g~svHMIjSZ7KXexwcFJX7Pj2n9Z1G48edg02GcOrYy0Idwig3EBDWIo5Vl9YA~PJTJeEtqnJlyQQ3nNeDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Guam International Airport Authority told senators July 24 that it has 18 active or near-term capital projects totaling about $104 million, of which approximately $89.7 million is expected from FAA programs and $14.3 million from airport funds.

Frank Santos, GIAA airport consultant, told the committee the largest project is apron rehabilitation (total roughly $46 million), currently about 27% complete; phase work includes gate-facing apron repairs and a second phase that fronts the old cargo building. Santos said phase scheduling can be adjusted to match grant allocations.

Other active projects listed at the hearing include roof replacement and hardening (with future brackets for solar panels), terminal flooring replacement (terrazzo project, phased with partial completion expected by mid‑2026), replacement of loading bridges and moving walks, ADA accessibility upgrades, fire alarm and suppression work funded in part through congressional earmarks, and an updated Part 150 noise study that would restart a sound‑proofing program for more than 200 homes once the noise compatibility program is approved by FAA.

Federal programs cited: Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlements, cargo entitlements, Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) and the competitive Airport Terminal Program (ATP). Santos described the mix of discretionary FAA funding, supplemental FAA grants, and two congressional earmarks the airport has received for life‑safety projects.

Schedule and procurement: Santos said work on the roof project is pending a final legal procurement review before a notice to proceed can be issued; loading-bridge replacement awards are in the legal-review phase; most projects require FAA review and approval of A&E scope and procurement steps. Senators asked about procurement protests; Santos said only one of the listed projects had attracted a formal protest.

Insurance and disaster repairs: Senators pressed whether typhoon damage versus system age explained some replacements. GIAA said a mix of storm damage (FEMA/insurance claims pending) and normal asset lifecycle wear requires replacements and hardening steps; airport staff said insurance adjustment paperwork is still being processed and some payments are expected from Manila-based insurers.

Ending: GIAA committed to providing the committee copies of congressional earmark requests and procurement schedules. Senators asked the authority to coordinate busier procurement periods to reduce operational impacts and promised to help secure federal assistance where possible.","GIAA presented 18 capital projects at a July 24 oversight hearing with total value ~ $104 million; FAA AIP grants cover most costs and the apron rehabilitation is the largest item under construction.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6157970,"Guam airport seeks repayment of $9.254 million in overdue aviation fuel tax; Moody’s flags outlook",1122,780000,1902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2&start=780&end=1902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5462497-04d9e4d8ca65e0883d670e2b77a876e2/thumbnail_780000.jpg","/articles/6157970/Guam-airport-seeks-repayment-of-9254-million-in-overdue-aviation-fuel-tax-Moodys-flags-outlook","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157970-3210915949f31de020979c6756883561/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097423&Signature=g34qv-DEQJj4xAcC0GRs8ufCHJe03Z2BvZj4EkUhQNZ7bI~CvrUWpAIat-yJcGOShpDTw3t1y-6NK7e6WqCOoN7jVTtidtGYhMKK8cGrxfrmkdEErQ84D-RPU49JO5mJFOOVpOCbT~dzEvo~ypY7PHNDO3v8Ifc5tnnuFtLPAOvEWIo24LYmxukU0iR4NhqN-vUZkFXq-d2yjE7w5YLPCJqX12PJklIV5pSYlCWxC~tCPmSbt5zn9uN-DIdf4y8pvBbK4sLaTQAbtS3FSxGiUWqs-QomiLnav7guYyfHHaTs5CfN3NOvB~XLDHBVCZX7YlOntCtqDvFyp0cNHqwfOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Guam International Airport Authority officials told the Legislature’s Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Customs, Utilities, Federal and Foreign Affairs on July 24 that the authority is owed $9,254,000 in back aviation fuel tax dating to 2018 and is asking the government to appropriate funds or enter a promissory arrangement to repay the amount.

The sum stems from Public Law 34-44 (2018), which increased the aviation fuel tax from 4¢ to 8¢ per gallon. Comptroller Daphne Shimizu told senators the additional 4¢ created what GIAA records as “AFT arrearages” for 2018–2023 and that those amounts are recorded as receivables on the airport’s books.

Why it matters: The receivable is material to the airport’s balance sheet and was discussed by credit analysts. Moody’s on July 7 affirmed GIAA’s Baa2 rating but revised the outlook from \"stable\" to \"negative.\" Comptroller Daphne Shimizu said the rating affirmation means no immediate change to debt-service payments; Deputy Executive Manager Ricky Hernandez told the committee that the outlook change reflected a combination of factors including passenger volumes and the broader economic environment, rather than the arrearage alone.

“We had almost 1,900,000 enplanements or enplaned passengers” in FY2019, Comptroller Shimizu said in the hearing, and passenger declines during COVID drove a sharp revenue shortfall that the airport partly covered by federal COVID relief and by restructuring debt. Shimizu described three ways the authority sustained cash flow during the downturn: expense reductions, federal COVID relief (CARES, CRRSA, ARP) totaling roughly $64 million, and bond transactions that shifted debt-service obligations.

Hernandez said the FAA approved a corrective action plan that allows either a lump-sum repayment without interest or a five‑year promissory note that would carry interest measured from Sept. 30, 2023. The airport staff estimated five‑year payments at roughly $2 million per year if a promissory plan is used; Hernandez said the actual interest rate would be tied to published U.S. Treasury rates as of the specified date.

Senators pressed whether the money was still in a government account and where it had been used. Shimizu said the funds were recorded in the government’s special revenue reports (Guam Highway Fund) and that she could not specify internal uses for those funds; she committed to providing a written summary to the committee. Former Congressman Michael St. Nicholas and several senators urged the committee to examine whether a section 30 (cover-over) argument or other federal remedies could change where funds should reside.

What was not decided: The Legislature did not vote during the hearing on appropriation or repayment terms. Committee members said they would consider the item in the upcoming budget process, but several senators said the $9.254 million is unlikely to be a high appropriation priority in the current budget cycle and asked executive branch budget officials for details on any proposed promissory arrangement.

Discussion highlights and next steps: GIAA said it will provide the committee with correspondence between the governor’s office and the FAA, the FAA corrective action plan, documentation of the $9,254,000 receivable, and a proposed repayment schedule. The committee signaled it will review those documents with the Department of Administration and the Bureau of Budget and Management Research ahead of budget adoption.

Ending: Airport officials emphasized that debt service remains the airport’s top priority, and committee leaders said they will continue to review whether repayment should be included in the FY2026 executive budget or handled via a promissory note subject to legislative appropriation.","Guam International Airport Authority officials told a legislative oversight hearing July 24 that $9,254,000 in aviation fuel tax owed since 2018 remains outstanding and has been recorded as a receivable. Moody’s affirmed the airport’s Baa2 rating but changed the outlook to negative, citing slower passenger recovery among other factors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Airfield safety and emergency preparedness: certification, inspections and drone policy reviewed

GIAA details new TSA worker‑screening rules, canine program and cybersecurity steps

Airlines add seats to Guam this summer; GIAA and GVB in talks over 30% vs. 50% incentive dispute

GIAA outlines $104 million in federal and airport-funded projects; apron, roof and ADA work lead list

Guam airport seeks repayment of $9.254 million in overdue aviation fuel tax; Moody’s flags outlook