Daytona Beach International Airport named top commercial service airport in state by FDOT

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Posted On: August 13, 2024

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) was named Florida's 2024 Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The award was announced at the FDOT Annual Aviation Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference, being held this week. The county-managed airport also won this award in 2021.

"DAB won this award twice in three years, that speaks volumes to the professionalism of our team and the respect by industry peers" said Cyrus Callum, Aviation and Economic Resources Director for the County of Volusia.

The award is selective to airports that have proven exceptional aviation safety, completed aesthetic improvements, and shown innovative management solutions throughout the year.

"This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our team to provide the highest levels of safety and customer service for our passengers, community and airline partners," said Airport Director Karen Feaster.

Feaster added, "With new customer service initiatives, ongoing safety and security enhancements, and the introduction of Avelo Airlines' new air service, 2023 was a year full of opportunities. We look forward to continuing to deliver an exceptional travel experience."

During the awards presentation, FDOT applauded DAB for a list of accomplishments including:

• Safety:
  • The airport partners with the Volusia Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services, which includes 24-hour coverage with a K9 team-the airport has four K9 teams.
  • DAB is instrumental in supporting the future of aviation. The airport consistently ranks in the top three busiest airports in Florida for total operations with up to 1,700 operations a day. Much of the volume is from flight training by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other training facilities.
  • The airport also supports the aviation industry by participating in the county's Adopt-a-School, providing mini jet engine models to local schools with STEM programs.
  • Airport staff are founding members of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Women's Circle and board members of the Tony Jannus Society. Both partnerships allow our team to promote careers in aviation.
• Customer Experience
  • The airport partnered with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Transportation in the Blue Lightning Initiative; the airport also became a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
  • Staff is continually adding new programs to enhance the passenger experience, including complimentary postcards (with postage) for passengers to mail from the concourse; plush k9s in the likeness of our four K9s stationed at DAB, that our deputies give out to promote positive outreach between law enforcement and the traveling public; a TSA mail-back program where passengers have the option of placing a prohibited object (such as a pocket knife or wine key) in a self-addressed and postage-paid envelope; our DAB library offers free digital downloads of books, music, movies and more through a partnership with the Volusia County Library; and, the Adopt -a-School program, where the airport provides model jet engines to local elementary schools with STEM programs.
    
• Aesthetics
  • Travelers are treated to a cultural experience throughout the terminal with the Art in Public Places program. The airport's 2021 renovation included a new art gallery that highlights Florida artists. In 2022, staff produced a full color brochure that highlights each piece and artist, allowing passengers and visitors to take the gallery with them. The art information is also available online.
• Airport Management
  • The airport successfully recruited Avelo Airlines, which will begin service June 22; and, American Airlines renewed near-daily, seasonal flights to Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington, D.C.
  • Five members of the leadership team are A.A.E. certified.

"A positive customer experience is at the heart of our business, and we are thankful for the continued community support for our local airport," said Feaster.

For more information, contact Joanne Magley, director of air service, marketing and customer experience, at 386-248-8037.