CLEVELAND, May 2, 2012 – The unseasonably mild winter combined with strategic operational changes saves Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) a total of $2 million during the 2011-2012 Snow Season.
CLE saved $1.8 million by using significantly less airfield deicing chemicals for runway snow and ice removal operations during the 2011-2012 Snow Season, compared to the 2010-2011 season. Last season, CLE used an additional 180,000 gallons of potassium acetate and an additional 1,200 tons of sodium formate to keep the airfield clear of snow and ice. This season’s warmer than usual weather resulted in less snowfall; 69.3 inches fell in 2010-2011 versus 38.9 inches in 2011-2012, also saving the Airport $275,000 in overtime expenditures.
“We are more than pleased to save $2 million for the Cleveland Airport System, thanks to Mother Nature and the smart tactics of our operations staff,” says Airport Director Ricky Smith.
New operational changes played a significant role in the savings this year with the implementation of a more efficient snow and ice removal process. The onset of twice daily snow team operations calls between all affected parties allowed easily modified shifts and staffing changes. In addition, the Runway Snow Removal Team broke its runway clearance record by utilizing a one-pass clearance procedure for the first time this season.
Ground maintenance will be the focus for the now underway Summer Season until Snow Season 2012-2013 begins December 1, 2012