HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-24 Airport Committee Minutes �
AIRPORT CONIlVIITTEE MEETING
CITY HALL—THIlZD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM �
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1999 @ 4 PM
Present: Gerry Palmer, Chair
Daniel Tremble
John Rohman
Ed Barrett, City Manager
Bob Ziegelaar, Airport Director
John Plummer, CVB
Items were taken up as per published agenda.
#1 Airline Leases- Airport Director Bob Ziegelaar presented the Airport Committee
with a copy of the proposed lease contracts with the airlines operating from the Airport's
ternunal. He explained that the agreements would be for 3 years. The Airport is seeking
rent increases of 2-3% per year. Councilor Rohman asked how the Airport's landing fees
�- compare with other airports and if they are ever negotiated. Mr. Ziegelaar replied that �
Bangor's rates are typically lower than at other comparable airports and generally below
average to encourage airlines to consider using Bangor. The rates are not negotiated as
they are published and cannot be seen as discriminatory. Councilor stated that he had �
heard comments locally about the airport's charges being too high. Mr. Ziegelaar
responded that such information is wholly erroneous and seemed to have originated with
laid off airline employees. He further stated that none of the airlines had even raised that
issue and that Bangor tends to be average when compared to similar airports. In addition
Bangor does not pro-rate the cost of the vacant areas in the terminal, so as not to
discourage the existing carriers.
#2 Airport Marketing Issues- The Airport Director provided the Committee with an
update concerning the Airport's marketing efforts. He presented the Committee with a
sample marketing presentation and document for prospective carriers. He explained how
the recent research regarding the airport's market had been incorporated to strengthen the
latest materials. He mentioned JetBlue, Airtran and PanAm as specific targets for new
service proposals. In addition he highlighted the proposal for services to Chicago and
Washington, DC and discussed the potential for US Airways services to Philadelphia.
Councilor Rohman asked that the Airport prepare a list of the logical prospects with notes
as to the status, which the Airport Director agreed to make available. He also remarked
that the transit facilities at Cincinnati, for Comair, are far superior to the facilities in
Boston, for Business Express and further expressed the desire to seek improvements for
� � the Boston facility. John Plummer remarked that the feed back received by the CVBN is
very positive regarding Comair.
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Mr. Ziegelaar briefed the Committee about a recent meeting in Boston regarding the
economic development activities in the greater Boston, Providence and Manchester area.
Biotech has clearly been identified as the next growth sector and much of the collective
efforts is being focused on that industry. He also described recent efforts to work with
the 7ackson Lab and tie in with new initiatives contemplated by the Governor of Maine.
He further stated that he sees clear opportunities for the city of Bangor along similar
lines.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.
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