By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Guam International Airport Authority is celebrating its 31st anniversary as an autonomous agency of the government of Guam.
On Jan. 20, 1976, Public Law 13-57 created GIAA. This statute was authored by then-Sen. Frank F. Blas, Guam’s former lieutenant governor and now chairman of the airport’s board of directors.
To commemorate this, acting Gov. Mike Cruz has proclaimed the week of Jan. 19-26 as Airport Week to honor the airport’s achievements through the years.
“It’s your caliber of service and professionalism that truly makes the airport shine. You are all valuable assets to this administration and I am proud to serve our people with all of you,” Cruz told airport employees at the proclamation ceremony at the Governor’s Complex.
In addition to improving its financial condition to turn a profit, the airport is undergoing more than $150 million in expansion projects.
According to GIAA, the runway expansion will provide new opportunities for direct trans-Pacific flights to the U.S. mainland as the airport’s passenger capacity increases.
Last year alone, more than 2.9 million passengers went through the airport’s terminals.
Other improvements include the renovation of the airport’s Tiyan properties into an industrial center, and providing a home for new commercial opportunities that will result from the cargo exemption on regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“It is impressive just thinking how young this agency is and how far it has come in so short a time. The employees have worked so hard to make sure the first thing our visitors feel and the last thing they remember is the warmth of our Hafa Adai spirit,” Cruz said.