ACAA Snow Fighters Again Recognized with Industry Honors

Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) snow fighters are once again being lauded for their work in keeping the region’s airports safe and operational in the face of harsh winter weather.

Allegheny County Airport (AGC) has earned one of aviation’s top winter operations honors for the second consecutive year, capturing the prestigious Balchen/Post Award in the General Aviation – Medium Airport category, reaffirming its status as a national leader in airfield safety.

Pittsburgh International Airport, which won the award last year in the Medium Commercial Airport category, was runner-up in the same category for this snow season.

The Balchen/Post Award is presented annually by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NEC/AAAE). It recognizes airport snow and ice control teams that demonstrate exceptional performance in keeping runways safe and operational during severe winter weather.

ACAA’s back-to-back honors place both airports’ snow fighting team among an elite group nationwide known for consistent excellence in some of aviation’s most demanding conditions.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of our snow crews who work around the clock to keep the airfield safe,” said Francie Kaye, Manager, General Aviation Operations at Allegheny County Airport.

Specifically, for AGC, the Balchen/Post Award committee recognized their exceptional commitment to winter operations excellence through planning, preparedness, performance and resilience during a demanding 2026 season.

The 2026 winter season presented significant challenges, including Winter Storm Fern, which brought 12 inches of snow at AGC over 24 hours, with peak snowfall rates of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour. Despite the severity of the storm and sustained winter weather activity throughout the season, AGC maintained continuous operations and did not close the airfield.

According to Greg Martire, General Aviation Duty Manager at AGC, the airport’s ability to remain open during both storms was the direct result of deliberate, year-round preparation and hands-on training designed for exactly these moments. So when Winter Storm Fern brought heavy snowfall and challenging conditions, the team didn’t have to react. They were ready. That preparation translated into swift coordination, confident decision-making, and safe, continuous operations that kept the airfield open when it mattered most.

The ability to keep AGC open and available is especially vital. With nearly one in five flights supporting critical medical missions, maintaining uninterrupted access during severe winter weather is essential to life-saving operations. AGC’s ability to sustain safe operations through Winter Storm Fern without closure demonstrates operational excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

For Santino Dalessandro, Auto Mechanic Foreman at AGC, his team knows the importance of keeping the airport operational.

“We are very aware that many flights are medical related,” Santino said. “You don’t know the reason for the flights. But as a parent, knowing it could be for someone’s child adds extra motivation to keep AGC operational.”

Kaye also credits the milestone to a combination of experienced personnel, strategic investment and a mission-driven approach to operations. Recent upgrades to snow removal equipment and de-icing capabilities have allowed crews to clear surfaces more efficiently and maintain continuous operations even during major winter storms.

Also setting the standard are PIT’s snow fighters, who once again were among the tops in the industry. After winning last year’s award, PIT finished as runner-up in the Medium Commercial Airport category.

This recognition confirms PIT’s status as an industry leader in snow removal.

Specifically, it demonstrates consistent excellence in snow and ice control operations with superior performance, safety, and professionalism during winter weather events.

Throughout the aviation industry, PIT is known as a reliable refuge for aircraft rerouted amid severe weather across the eastern United States. It stands out among other regional diversion options for its incredible track record (the airport hasn’t closed in over 30 years) and its operational-readiness standards.

PIT once again lived up to its reputation in January. During a near-record-breaking snowfall that brought about 18 inches in 30 hours, crews at PIT kept the runways clear and facilities and roads open. Teams continued to maintain the airport property and runways for an additional 24 hours as high winds made blowing snow an issue.

The airport maintained three operational runways throughout the storm, even as snow forced many airports across the country to close. Teams also provided smooth operations inside the terminal.

The Balchen/Post Award is an annual recognition presented by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives at the International Aviation Snow Symposium (IASS) and is one of the most prestigious honors in aviation safety.

The award honors individuals and teams responsible for maintaining safe, operational runways during winter conditions at commercial, general aviation, and military airports throughout North America. Winners are selected by votes from airline representatives, pilots and FAA tower personnel, ensuring industry-wide recognition of excellence.