Washington Dulles International Airport was recognized for its efforts in maintaining a safe and operational airport during the recent winter. The airport was the recipient of the 2003 Balchen/Post Award of Outstanding Achievement in Airport Snow and Ice Control at the 37th Annual International Aviation Snow Symposium on May 7th in Buffalo, N.Y.

All categories of airports - commercial, general aviation and military - throughout the United States and Canada compete for this award. Dulles was the winner of the Large Commercial Airport category with John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Boston Logan International Airport receiving honorable mention.

"This award demonstrates the dedication of our snow crews and outstanding efficiency of our operation," said James E. Bennett, President/CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. "During this very harsh winter season, our snow teams worked non-stop to battle the weather and continue safe and efficient operations at Dulles Airport. For the nomination of this award to come from the airport users and the aviation community is an added honor."

Dulles Airport received over 51 inches of snow and ice during the 2002-2003-winter season. The largest snow event was the 25 inches that fell between February 14-19.

The airports submit applications for this prestigious award on behalf of their employees' efforts to keep the airport operationally safe throughout the season. Recommendations for the award come from users of airports, including: airlines, airline pilots, general aviation community, corporate pilots, the military and even non-airport staff such as hotel owners, parking lot and ground transportation operators, and chambers of commerce.

The judging takes into consideration: degree of preparation for snow removal; effectiveness of the program; timeliness and accuracy of communications during the storm and post-storm clean-up and critique.

This is the first time the Airports Authority has won this award.