ANC receives prestigious US recognition for snow clearing

May 7, 2020

Snow removal crews at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) received the Balchen/Post Award, honourable mention, for excellence in the performance of airport snow and ice control from the American Association of Airport Executives for the 2019-2020 snow season. A selection committee of industry experts selected ANC as a top airport from amongst all large, snowbelt airports in North America.

“This award is a reflection of the dedication and determination of the team of more than 100 airfield maintenance, equipment maintenance, airfield electricians, and operations employees,” said Jim Szczesniak, airport manager. “Our airline customers expect ANC to keep the airfield safe during the most challenging of conditions. The ANC snow crews met the challenge and this award recognizes them as among the world’s elite snow fighters.”

ANC received 88.6 inches (225 cm) of snow this season, an above normal year.

“I am proud of the effort and perseverance that the men and women of Airfield Maintenance show day in and day out as they work all winter long around the clock to maintain a safe and efficient operation,” said Zaramie Lindseth, airfield maintenance manager. “It’s because of them that ANC has never closed due to snow.”

The prestigious Balchen/Post Award is awarded by the American Association of Airport Executives to recognise airport snow crews for their dedication and determination to keep the airport open and operating safely during the winter months.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.