[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6608504,"mediaKeyId","2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb","parentId",2939182,"title","Board hears strong enplanement, parking and load-factor figures as staff monitor industry trends","audioSeconds",2439,"startMs",78000,"endMs",2517000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb&start=78&end=2517","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb/thumbnail_78000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6608504/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Board-hears-strong-enplanement-parking-and-load-factor-figures-as-staff-monitor-industry-trends","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608504-1a71aeb075329132f5f174ae245c4cd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167042&Signature=WCqLuHszmZ5~OoVYHAGTN1p3UqJOWcMqk35NAbhLNx-FJ-~6BzaQkWuuH1OmflEgOkCBSts6MqphTNtKcmrhsq0hFlopRpiISDgiFNxCam6tyU9dStci9C3Plb7nVaAjOTl9P2WcP2xZ-n5fAdVxs5NTol8TKinWdqYGCA475yQLhWCBxpN03LeHqfRyrtOUgvdv7omWL7gyfp1vTBTShTJgYRBH5in~4N2uXKv~F0gmyT70yExzuCQhNA68~LBEmiD2Jtb4ZebMo7eg68SYotljRkZOK2fss4s4rMYydnBQhKbX45os2H35LgOMfk~lFZwXnyUXL9X8n2tehhspPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","Airport staff presented monthly performance statistics showing year-to-date enplanements up about 13% compared with the prior year and noted improved parking revenue and load factors.

Don and staff discussed key metrics: staff reported the first quarter was \"up 13% over last year\" on enplanements; average load factor across flights was reported at about 76–79 percent. Parking revenue for March was described as \"about, almost 25 better than March of last year and almost 12% better than the first quarter of last year.\" Rental car results were mixed but Hertz showed significant gains, with staff noting Hertz’s first full month was March 2024 and that Hertz’s numbers were up \"over 500% from last year.\" Staff cautioned the figures are snapshots and said they are monitoring national airline industry adjustments, noting that Delta had revised its 2025 estimates and staff would continue to watch market changes.

Board members asked for additional comparative numbers (for example 2024 vs. 2023) and staff agreed to distribute more detailed year-to-year comparisons. One board member commented that the airport boarding area was designed for 60 passengers while the Embraer 170/175 aircraft seat 76, illustrating why passengers may feel cramped.

No formal action was taken on the statistics; staff said updated charts and numeric comparisons would be provided to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - Airport Development Board Meeting - Apr 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Airport staff reported year-to-date enplanements up about 13% over last year, a 76–79% load factor average, parking revenue up ~25% for March year-over-year and other positive trends while noting national airline forecast adjustments.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6608509,"Airport staff report ramp, fiber, car-rental and maintenance updates; one ARFF truck engine to be rebuilt",332,740000,1072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb&start=740&end=1072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb/thumbnail_740000.jpg","/articles/6608509/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Airport-staff-report-ramp-fiber-car-rental-and-maintenance-updates-one-ARFF-truck-engine-to-be-rebuilt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608509-bed05b0e65d881bd80f19b5399ce0c40/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167042&Signature=DvawwcT0rpus3qqkWXUlRgN1JPD61xhiIFQVTNlJyegpZc9W7gpwSe2PYnffSMkHMXnl5vyMYtMadKIZtBBjtyuoJNkFkF1Z65~2bWI0A4-d46iVdiloailmJ3x0e7mB4BAef7GkFaGPwCVsJihAqWMbhu7lOe4oRoJUSwF-VVgah7ibuRhOOCjU5R1AWZ1vmGLHYcUTExHYQSAxIXslQ8j7216o2SUw8SJRGWhnh6j8msRFZaXeAXyIYTV6nliNZqJRwDHwDFbTjss95vZjV9X6afC5o7DRYE4DBkbrGNtr3TfQ8v21v6O7Tb3e8XBpl63C5y5MH0Kodr28a3cnFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Airport staff reported progress and delays on multiple projects and maintenance items during the meeting.

On the aircraft ramp project, Don said the work is underway but cannot proceed until Atmos relocates a gas line and contractors relocate FAA fiber lines to the control tower antenna; Atmos and FAA coordination and easement language delayed initial dirt work. Don said \"the real relocation can't happen until the gas line is relocated\" and that Atmos has begun bidding to contractors. He also said crews encountered rock during fiber excavation consistent with the geotechnical report.

On the car-rental quick-turn facility, Don said the airport has an agreement with Jacob Martin to finish the design but noted the project is on hold until the airport collects sufficient funds to build it; Don said the design will be completed to roughly 95% and shelved until bidding is appropriate.

Under outstanding maintenance, Don reported some sensors failed the state inspection and replacement work was underway. He also described a mechanical failure on Rescue 2 (an aircraft rescue firefighting truck, model year 2002) whose engine suffered a cracked block during travel; the truck was towed and staff will order a rebuilt engine at an estimated cost of about $50,000. Don said funding for a replacement truck is identified in the FY25 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant but lead times for new truck delivery are about 18–24 months; staff previously moved funds from an FY22 grant into FY25 due to uncertainty about foam specification changes by FAA and EPA regarding PFAS-containing firefighting foams.

Don said the airport must keep equipment operational in the interim while awaiting grant and procurement processes and that staff are working through FAA procedures for foam and truck specifications. Staffing updates included a vacancy for an operations officer (aircraft rescue firefighter) that staff hope to fill in coming weeks.

No formal action was taken on these items during the meeting; staff provided updates and described dependencies on Atmos, FAA and federal grant processes.","Staff updated the board on the aircraft ramp project (gas-line and FAA fiber relocations), car-rental quick-turn facility design, and maintenance issues including a failed engine on Rescue 2 requiring a rebuilt engine costing about $50,000; staff outlined grant arrangements to replace a firefighting truck under the Airport Improvement Program.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6608514,"Board approves $122,300 amendment to airport access road design contract; HUD grant to fund work",269,2597000,2866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb&start=2597&end=2866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","/articles/6608514/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Board-approves-122300-amendment-to-airport-access-road-design-contract-HUD-grant-to-fund-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608514-12972beb1b8cf402bfc1e6389af6e995/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167042&Signature=erKN1bNQdfw1JSD5q4RMknud9BCN8nvW7THTVKfix01NCZ-dmjeFfqxNfhpNZZ3nzRzaMA4wY5uXp4LnDGCVqXxVhSwPnLQ6io7myYsu6JmBct7T~fpWPz74741ihJ3mMLxB0aZfkdTtJkhycBRzHaHE8lZF67~0q~RGCqKTkbzQkTCBFKnyee8A297wHG0-NKWbS~3YOQFo9XMBgHiKPfNzxrflAvu9z51ZO4Quz7i5FySTRJpRPliITvxcrk25MzDy9nN7EQgPMw4rN-MxSP2SelDwlyXcJmJGem1JB87HUC37Jki6xe1hDPCHTv9Fzc0JPja0jMf8xpgWcMZb3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Regional Airport Board voted to approve an amendment to the access road design and construction management task order with Inprotec/Hibbs & Todd, increasing the contract by $122,300 to cover additional scope including turn lanes, design for a traffic signal at FM 18/Highway 36 and gateway signage.

Don described the change in scope: staff requested the consultant add design for turn lanes and a traffic signal and assistance with airport gateway signage and wayfinding because staff expect the new road to become a primary entrance. Don said the amended total would be $332,300 (original task order $210,000 plus the $122,300 amendment) and noted the amount is \"still less than 5% of the total expected cost of this project.\" He recommended approval and said the additional design is still within typical design/CM fee ranges.

Board member Gray stated he needed to abstain from the item. A motion to approve the $122,300 amendment was made, seconded by Steve, and the chair called the question; the motion carried. Don said the amendment would allow the project to include signage and a gateway treatment and expedite a traffic signal rather than waiting for TxDOT traffic counts to justify one.

Don also said the access-road project is linked to a HUD grant; he reported the city recently received HUD’s determination and that the interim city attorney and interim city manager signed the grant agreement and it had been sent to HUD for review. He said an executed grant agreement is expected in the next few weeks, after which staff can bid the project when final design is complete.

The board approved the amendment during open session; the project will proceed under the amended task order and be funded in part by the HUD grant once the agreement is executed.","The board approved an amendment adding $122,300 to the contract with Inprotec/Hibbs & Todd to expand the scope of the airport access road design to include turn lanes, a future traffic signal and gateway signage; the work is covered by a HUD grant and the amended task order was approved by vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6608518,"Airport staff roll out ABI Next website, marketing materials ahead of May 3 bond election",271,1409000,1680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb&start=1409&end=1680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939182-21f4b305d5e9db53dcfa4fc612d537cb/thumbnail_1409000.jpg","/articles/6608518/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Airport-staff-roll-out-ABI-Next-website-marketing-materials-ahead-of-May-3-bond-election","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608518-36d5ab813aba66935deaa6dcc749c6ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167042&Signature=UdTZ9I5yaCJOWJLWpMIPO-KhLgqXQRu3z9JE4vR8Jud8f0~9UtdBqZhhDJqAxpnJZwfRK1P-5d~XX8seLz5pBmcFu~oC~WTnmVNEL2bpqs8LoJkgHN2OKkOG9rZXXacfJoKuDkNZn0YABlR-Zl1mjmMdVVUL~Z~fqXHCY3eAtcCvUEyph9U3OatU7g~V2QIOvkrllk4lazNTAezvDPxqha2fHWhnmrMW4hcb-PjaTyAMegfrFvb6dBJjEQFMDRlbGu79tlS32SxNyHJ2Wx3DtO6JT6H5nXwzcVxd0rihQCC2ZyJCx5huBkG9z8fEQhc9~iYIhWRgSUgTpCO2feBRdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Airport communications and operations staff on the Abilene Regional Airport Board agenda presented a public-facing website and marketing materials detailing the proposed terminal expansion — branded “ABI Next” — and explained how they are informing voters ahead of the bond election scheduled for May 3.

The marketing presentation, led by Elizabeth, included a live walkthrough of iflyabi.com/abnext and copies of a public flyer. Elizabeth said the site \"explains the purpose of the project and what will change about the terminal and the things that we're hoping to accomplish,\" and staff displayed renderings, an animation fly-through and a FAQ section. The materials outline project goals including easing boarding-area congestion, modernizing mechanical systems and replacing outdated equipment; the materials also state the tax impact to the average property owner: $13.43 annually on $100,000 of assessed value (about $1.12 per month).

Board members and staff emphasized that content on ABI Next and other communications was reviewed by the city attorney and limited to factual information because rules governing staff communications change once a bond election is called. Don noted staff must follow those restrictions and described the animation as \"a representation of what our concept should be, if this is built, per the concept.\" Elizabeth said the team created graphics for airport displays and social media, and set up an email (abinext@abilenetx.gov) for public questions.

The presentation also described complementary outreach: a targeted digital campaign, upcoming billboards and terminal-screen advertising; a Fly Local Pledge exhibit is being relocated inside the terminal to increase visibility. Elizabeth said marketing staff also plan to add an \"air service development\" information section and an ABI VIP section to the site so residents can view data and see how public use influences route development.

Board members and staff credited city communications and legal staff for help preparing factual materials. Don and Elizabeth said the website and collateral are intended to improve public understanding of the project and encourage informed feedback before the election.

The board did not take a formal vote on the materials during the meeting; the bond election remains scheduled for May 3 and staff said they planned to meet again after the election to review results.","Abilene Regional Airport staff presented the ABI Next website, marketing and outreach plan explaining the proposed terminal expansion, estimated tax impact and public engagement materials ahead of the May 3 bond election.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears strong enplanement, parking and load-factor figures as staff monitor industry trends

Airport staff report ramp, fiber, car-rental and maintenance updates; one ARFF truck engine to be rebuilt

Board approves $122,300 amendment to airport access road design contract; HUD grant to fund work

Airport staff roll out ABI Next website, marketing materials ahead of May 3 bond election