HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-12 Airport Committee Minutes
Meeting Agenda
City of Bangor Airport Committee Meeting
City Manager’s Office
rd
3 Floor
May 12, 2010 4:00
The following City councilors were in attendance: Gerry Palmer, Pat Blanchette, and Hal Wheeler. The
following City staff was also in attendance, Rebecca Hupp. Councilor Palmer opened the meeting.
Agenda:
1. Update on implementation of new fuel supply model.
Airport Director Rebecca Hupp explained that the Airport’s contract with ExxonMobil as the exclusive
fuel supplier ended and the Airport implemented an “open access” fuel supply model... The Airport
entered into an agreement with Irving Oil to be the Airport’s designated fuel supplier for the transit
business and with Western petroleum, a distributor for ExxonMobil, to supply fuel for the Fixed Base
Operation.
The Airport will update the Committee on our experience to date including equipment maintenance,
joint marketing initiatives, as well as expense and revenue projections.
Discussion/Questions:
2. Update on application for waiver to allow flights to Cuba to transit BGR.
One of Bangor’s key business segments is serving as a scheduled transatlantic fuel stop for international
flights from Europe enroute to destinations in the US and Caribbean. The United States prohibition
against travel to Cuba and restrictions on goods and services entering that country, limits our ability to
attract carriers fly to multiple destinations, if one of those destinations is Cuba.
In light of recent and ongoing developments in United States trade policy with Cuba, in 2008, and again
in late 2009, Bangor International Airport, requested a specific license pursuant to the licensing
authority of the Department of Treasury to permit an agreement between Bangor International and an
air carrier under which Bangor International could provide refueling and the Caribbean, including Cuba.
The Airport argued that the proposed service would be in the public interest because it: (1) will provide
needed revenue and an economic stimulus for the economically challenged area of Central Maine; (2)
will not create any incremental financial benefit for Cuba or Cuban nationals but will permit the U.S. to
regulate flights to Cuba that would otherwise transit through Canada and will be consistent with the
Administration’s developing trade position regarding Cuba; (3) is unique to Bangor due to its geography
and will not establish any precedent with respect to other airports; (4) is consistent with U.S. aviation
Treaty obligations; and (5) will enhance the safety and security of United States citizens, by shifting
flights from Canadian airports.
All three members of our Congressional Delegation supported our efforts with letters and phone calls to
the appropriate people. Despite our joint efforts, our application and request for a waiver was not
approved. We will continue to work on this issue and pursue other alternatives when possible.
Discussion/Questions:
3. Airport Marketing and Public Relations Update.
Airport staff has been working on a number of marketing and public relations initiatives and will brief
the Committee on the following items at the next Airport Committee Meeting:
A. Airline Industry Overview, forecast and merger updates
B. Air Service Development Initiatives
C. Air Cargo Statistics
D. Trade Show and Business Development Activities
E. Passenger Statistics for April, providing the information is available
Staff will be in attendance at the Committee meeting to discuss these items in greater detail and answer
any questions. I look forward to meeting with you then.
4. Executive Session- 1 MRSA section 405 6 C-
Potential Lease Amendment Negotiations with the Four Points Sheraton Hotel
4A. Action on Executive Session
Discussions/Questions:
The meeting adjourned.