The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is producing a video series titled “Meet the Fleet,” which provides viewers behind-the-scenes information about various types of aircraft at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The series features commentary from pilots, identifying characteristics, common routes flown and up-close footage of the aircraft.

The first video features the Canadair Regional Jet 900 aircraft, which is currently the most frequently flown aircraft at MSP.

The second video highlights the Airbus A220 (pictured). As the newest commercial aircraft serving MSP, the A220 has many innovative features that increase passenger comfort while also reducing the environmental impact that can stem from commercial aviation.

Take a gander and let us know what you think in the comments section on YouTube!

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an especially trying time for MSP International and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the leadership of Atif Saeed -- the MAC's Chief Financial Officer -- during the crisis recently caught the eye of the Business Journal in the Twin Cities.

Saeed had been in his new job as CFO for only five months when the pandemic triggered the biggest financial crisis in aviation history.

Saeed was named as a "2021 CFO of the Year" by the Twin Cities-based Business Journal newspaper. He was honored in the newspaper's government category.

In addition to developing key rent-relief packages for airlines and airport tenants, Saeed also helped the MAC:

• Maintain a six-month operating reserve.
• Keep airline cost per boarding passenger among the lowest third of large hub airports, which helps attract airlines that create competition and lower fares.
• Maintain financial resources for the MAC to operate and meet its debt service obligations.

Congratulations, Atif! Thanks for all you do for the MAC. 

Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) staff was present to speak with attendees about the MAC and its role in Minnesota's aviation industry, as well as provide some fun with a Paint-the-Plow activity, a prize wheel and a static equipment display.

The MSP Airport Police Department and Airport Fire Department were also on hand, allowing kids to try on gear and inspect the inside of a police car and fire truck.

For information about next year's event, visit this website.

Lake Elmo Airport, located in the east metro area of the Twin Cities, is in the midst of airfield upgrades meant to address end-of-life infrastructure issues, enhance safety and improve facilities.

This year's construction included runway and earthwork grading, and placement of aggregate base in the runway and taxiway pavement sections.

Remaining work as part of this second phase is anticipated to be completed soon and includes drain tile installation, aggregate base testing, and paving of the bituminous base lift on all taxiways.

Final grading and paving is expected to begin in the spring of 2022.

For more details, see the current Construction Update on the Lake Elmo Airport Construction website.

As we enjoy a late blast of summer-like weather, the appetite for air travel remains and we want to know what you're thinking as we move into autumn.

MSP Airport is soliciting input from would-be travelers via a survey that gauges attitudes about and interest in air travel. The answers help shape the MSP travel experience as the COVID-19 era continues to weaken.

Even if you’ve already taken the survey, please feel free to take it again, as your thoughts and answers may have changed over time.

Survey takers have shown interest in MSP's safety initiatives, such as the increased presence of hand sanitizer dispensers, the face mask requirement and the airport’s efforts to increase physical distancing. All of those efforts are part of the airport's Travel Confidently program.

Thank you for your continued interest in helping us make air travel as safe and comfortable as possible.