Winter operations are rarely won or lost during a storm. They are built months earlier through preparation, disciplined maintenance, and clear operational thinking.
Fortbrand recently had the opportunity to spend time onsite at Norfolk International Airport, working alongside the Operations, Maintenance, and Fleet teams to review winter readiness, discuss future growth considerations, and collaborate on best practices for cold-weather performance. The visit was hosted by the Norfolk team, and from the start, it was clear that this is an operation built on pride, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Norfolk has grown into a complex, high-demand airport serving nearly five million passengers annually. That growth is reflected not only in infrastructure and traffic levels, but in how seriously the team approaches winter operations. From the condition of the fleet to how systems and processes are evaluated, the airport’s winter readiness is being managed with intention rather than in reaction.
Fleet Readiness and a Culture of Maintenance
One of the strongest takeaways from the visit was the overall condition of the fleet and the standard of care behind it. Equipment inspections and walk-throughs quickly showed that reliability, safety, and readiness are not abstract goals; they are embedded into daily execution.
Strong winter performance starts with disciplined maintenance long before the first storm arrives. The Norfolk team has clearly built a foundation that supports consistent execution under pressure, and that kind of preparation becomes a competitive advantage when conditions deteriorate
A Consultative Approach to Support
This visit was not about selling or leasing equipment. Norfolk invited Fortbrand onsite based on a long-standing relationship and trust built over time. The focus of the day was listening, observing, sharing experiences, and helping evaluate options as the operation continues to grow.
That consultative mindset is central to how Fortbrand believes airports should be supported, especially as winter operations intersect with evolving infrastructure, leadership transitions, and increasing passenger volumes.
As shared during the visit, the most productive conversations often happen when learning flows in both directions. That perspective shaped the entire day.
Multi-Tasking Equipment and Winter Strategy
During the visit, Fortbrand delivered a presentation centered on multi-tasking equipment strategies, exploring how airports can expand capabilities, reduce operational bottlenecks, and improve response times when staffing is tight or multiple priorities hit simultaneously.
Discussions included specialty equipment such as cold air blowers, how they fit within a broader winter program, and how airports evaluate tools that support faster recovery or improved efficiency under specific conditions. The goal was not to prescribe solutions, but to help frame how different tools can support operational resilience.
FAA Considerations and Emergency Management Thinking
A key portion of the day was spent in a classroom setting with operations staff reviewing FAA rules and regulations as they apply to winter operations. What stood out was how the Norfolk team approached these discussions, not as compliance exercises, but as operational frameworks.
Winter operations at Norfolk are viewed through the lens of emergency management. One outcome of the discussion was a recommendation to apply the Incident Command System to winter operations, creating clearer roles, decision paths, and alignment when conditions escalate.
Airfield Walkthrough and Planning for Growth
Following the presentations, the visit concluded with an airfield inspection and a deeper operational walkthrough. This portion of the day focused on how current success intersects with future growth.
With terminal expansion and evolving ramp operations, discussions centered on potential future updates to the Snow and Ice Control Plan. Not because anything is broken, but because strong plans should evolve as operating environments change.
Topics included snow-melting opportunities, taxi route geometry, potential relocation of the deicing pad, gate deicing considerations, equipment staging, and snow-pile management. The emphasis throughout was on options, identifying what may need to change, what can remain stable, and where small adjustments can protect performance as the airport continues to expand.
Looking Ahead
Norfolk is actively navigating growth and leadership evolution, including planning for future leadership roles in airfield operations and maintenance. That level of investment reflects a commitment to long-term operational excellence rather than short-term coverage.
Fortbrand left the visit aligned on the next step, continued communication, and an open-door partnership. Whether through training, winter planning support, or operational consultation, Fortbrand remains available as a partner focused on helping teams succeed.
You can view the full visit recap and insights here:
We appreciate the Norfolk team for their time, openness, and professionalism, and we look forward to supporting the operation as it continues to grow.
