In a thrilling behind-the-scenes adventure, students from Eastern High School's Logistics/Supply Chain Management pathway recently embarked on an exclusive tour of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). This eye-opening experience offered these future logistics leaders a unique glimpse into the intricate world of aviation and airport operations.

Logistics in Action

The day kicked off with an engaging presentation and Q&A session, setting the stage for an immersive learning experience. Students then boarded a bus for a guided tour of the airport facilities, led by Ed Halcomb, an Operations Specialist at SDF and Eastern Kentucky University graduate.

Jada Powell provided students with a comprehensive overview of airport logistics, while Darrell Watson, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, offered valuable industry perspectives. Watson encouraged students to "Always question the process," emphasizing how this approach drives efficiency and innovation in the field.

Airport Operations Unveiled

Ed Halcomb, who oversees critical airport functions such as inspections, wildlife relocation, and construction, shared insights into the diverse career opportunities within aviation. He emphasized that there's much more to the industry than just piloting, highlighting roles in operations, management, and logistics.

Students learned that SDF, officially named the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Authority, spans an impressive 1,500 acres and boasts three runways. The airport's significance in the logistics world was underscored by its ranking as the third busiest cargo airport in North America and the sixth busiest globally, largely due to the presence of UPS Worldport.

The tour highlighted UPS's substantial influence on SDF's operations. With 160 daily flights, increasing to a staggering 700 during the holiday season, UPS has driven a 1000% increase in flights since last month. This growth has attracted unique businesses to the area, including human tissue centers and veterinary lab testing facilities.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

Students were treated to views of various airport areas, including Atlantic Aviation, where elite travelers arrive; the Kentucky Air National Guard base; UPS facilities, which include the largest hangar in the US; the air traffic control tower; fire station and police facilities; and new construction areas.

The tour shed light on the diverse career paths available in aviation, from accounting to law enforcement. Students learned about the competitive salaries in the industry, with pilots starting at $250,000 and rampers at $21.50 per hour.

The group also gained insight into the unique challenges faced by airport operations. They learned about the significant task of rubber removal from runways since planes leave an average of five pounds of rubber on the runway with each landing. This buildup can create slippery conditions when wet and obscure runway markings, making it difficult for pilots to navigate safely. Wildlife management is another critical aspect as airports must ensure that birds and other animals do not pose hazards to aircraft. Additionally, environmental concerns were highlighted regarding glycol treatment, which must be carefully managed to protect local ecosystems.

A Lasting Impression

This invaluable experience, made possible by the SDF team and the Academies of Louisville, has undoubtedly inspired these sophomores as they consider their future careers in logistics and supply chain management. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, these students are now better equipped to soar into the future of logistics.