HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-15 Airport Committee Minutes
City of Bangor Airport Committee
rd
City Council Chambers 3 Floor
November 15, 2016
Meeting Minutes
The following City Councilors were in attendance: Councilors David Nealley, Sarah Nichols and
Daniel Tremble. Also in attendance were City Manager Cathy Conlow, Airport Director Tony
Caruso and Marketing Manager Risteen Bahr.
Agenda and Discussion:
1. Airport statistics – September & October
Director Caruso reported that September final Operational numbers were up 19% over
September 2015 year-to-date, driven primarily by military and corporate General Aviation
international flights. Fuel Sales remained strong due to a very strong increase in military
fuelings. October Operations show a 9% month year-over-year growth, again driven by the
same segments as in September. Fuel sales had another strong month. We are now nearly
double what we sold year-to-date last year.
Marketing Director Bahr reported we had 47,626 passengers in October, the highest total for
this month in 10 years. This is the fourth month in a row with record traffic. October’s monthly
passenger total was 11.1% higher than last year. Year-to-Date passenger totals are 3% higher
than last year. We continue to hope that we will break the 500,000 mark for the year or at
least exceed our current annual high of 489,977.
Councilor Nealley commented that our Load Factors look good. Marketing Director Bahr
replied that we have good statistics to show the airlines. We’ll have appointments with airlines
at a conference in February to share our story.
Councilor Tremble asked when the City took over fuel sales. Airport Director Caruso reported
that it was approximately 1979 when Trans East went through bankruptcy. The City took it over
on a temporary basis with Exxon part of the equation at that point. Then we made the
arrangement permanent with Exxon as our partner. In 2009, Exxon made the strategic decision
to exit the state and to also exit the aviation fuel business. Irving Oil has been our partner since
then. Fuel is trucked from their facility in Bucksport.
Councilor Tremble then asked how much this adds to the airport. Airport Director Caruso
replied that it is difficult to quantify. There was an initial savings due to elimination of some
fees. It also enables us to be more strategic in what shows we go to in order to promote the
services we offer.
2. Airport’s FAA approved 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan 2016-2021
Airport Director Caruso presented the current 5-year Capital Improvement Plan we have been
working on with the FAA and the Maine DOT for the Committee’s review. Airport Improvement
Projects (AIP) are funded 90% from the federal government, 5% from the state and 5% from the
airport. Airports need to have FAA-approved plans to qualify for AIP funding so it is in our best
interest to work with the FAA to develop plans going forward.
The Plan lists projects we are currently working on, our priorities for the next 5 years and
identified future needs. We are nearing completion of a current project adding a new jet
bridge and Gate 3 passenger boarding area to meet increased demand. Another approved
project is converting our taxiway lights to LED lights.
We have two major projects for which we are requesting funds. The first is a three-year project
to rehabilitation Taxiway Alpha which runs parallel to the runway. We will have approximately
$4 million in discretionary funds available for this project. These funds are excess funds from
other projects that have come in under budget. The second project is to work on the taxiway
near the Lifeflight area.
The final project on the future needs list is to start the sequence again of resurfacing the
runway. We have it scheduled to start in 2024.
Councilor Nealley asked if funding for projects through 2018 has been approved. Airport
Director Caruso replied that there is a possibility it could change depending on the federal
government. We can also change the priorities. Resurfacing the runway is our biggest issue.
We need to get 20 years out of each section and we are fast approaching that timeframe.
Councilor Nealley asked if the $4 million is accumulated based on current formula. Is there a
potential the formula can be changed or we could lose those funds? Airport Director Caruso
responded that the money is committed to us barring any change with the federal government,
not only with the FAA but with other agencies. We need to be mindful of potential changes so
we can be prepared going forward.
Meeting Adjourned.