This week's snowstorm didn't slow down action at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, in fact, the airport has stayed open through several storms this winter. Executive Director Christina Callahan says there were a few flights canceled, but only because of problems in destinations like New York, Chicago and Boston.
It's been a tough winter at the airport, Callahan admits, but adds the staff there is ready for the worst -- every year.
"Snow removal costs are one of our larger expenses when we look at our budget. And when you have a record of 192 inches in the late 90s and an average of what -- 130 inches of snow -- we are open 24/7," Callahan said.
The airport has 23 pieces of equipment available to clear runways between arrivals and departures.
"These are not the plows you see in your neighborhood. We use three different types of equipment, a different process depending on the type of precipitation," Callahan said. "To watch them in action is really amazing -- what they do."
The airfield maintenance division is in constant contact with the control tower. Hancock is a national leader in snow removal, recognized on several occasions with the industry's top award for snow removal.
