HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-13 Airport Committee Minutes
City of Bangor Airport Committee
rd
City Council Chambers 3 Floor
December 13, 2016
Meeting Minutes
The following City Councilors were in attendance: Committee Chairman Sean Faircloth,
Councilors Gibran Graham, 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. Maine Aero Services – lease amendment
Director Caruso explained that Maine Aero has been a good, longstanding tenant providing
small aircraft repair services. The new owner would like to adjust the rent payment schedule so
that equal amounts are paid each month. The previous owner had a schedule that had lower
rents in winter months; higher rents in summer months. Director Caruso recommended
Committee approval of the lease amendment.
Motion was made by Councilor Tremble, seconded by Councilor Nichols and approved without
objection.
2. Stellar Partners, Inc. – lease amendment
Director Caruso reported that Stellar Partners is another longstanding tenant operating a gift
shop at the Airport. They would like to extend their lease for an additional year. Director
Caruso recommended Committee approval of the lease amendment.
Councilor Graham asked why they only wanted a one-year extension. Director Caruso
explained that they want to be cautiousn. Their goal is to remain in Bangor; however, their
original revenue model was geared towards military traffic which has been reduced in recent
years.
Motion was made by Councilor Graham, seconded by Councilor Nichols and approved without
objection.
3. Airport statistics – November
Marketing Director Bahr reported we had 31,766 passengers in November, approximately 1,000
passengers less than our best year ever (2012). Year-to-Date passenger total is 464,003. We
are up 6.74% for the month and 3.3% for the year over last year. Our load factors are still
strong. American, at 46%, is the market share leader by airline, followed by Delta at 30% and
Allegiant at 21%.
Director Caruso reported that November final Operational numbers were up 4% for the month
and the year. Once again, results were driven primarily by military and corporate General
Aviation (GA) international flights. We saw a 19% spike in overall GA operations.
Fuel Sales remained strong again due to a very strong increase in military fuelings. Retail sales
(fuel sold directly to our customer) and into plane sales (through our agreement with Irving Oil)
are both trending positive.
Councilor Tremble asked how Airport parking is reported. Director Caruso indicated that
parking revenue is up compared to last year. After the end of the calendar year, we will
prepare a report for the committee. We will also invite Parke Clemons from our parking vendor
to speak to the committee.
City Manager Conlow asked what happens to United employees during the periods when
United isn’t flying. Director Caruso reported that some transition to Allegiant or Passenger
Services and some are college students who have gone back to school.
4. Airport Construction Update
a. Gate 3 expansion and new jet bridge installation project
Airport Director Caruso reported that we are nearing completion of the project to expand the
Gate 3 area and install the new jet bridge to the Peter R. D’Errico terminal. The jet bridge is
installed and we have started training airport staff on jetway operations. Passenger seating
should arrive shortly for the expanded gate area, then it will be opened for airline use.
Councilor Graham asked if this is a new passenger waiting area. Director Caruso explained that
the area was enclosed in 2008 and left unfinished. Opening up and finishing this area will
relieve domestic congestion that we’ve experienced during the past few summers.
Meeting Adjoined.