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Airport staff outlines RFP plan to court United service to Denver; local match still required
Summary
Airport staff said staff expects to issue an RFP in late August to seek airline service and that a $750,000 local grant plus a state minimum annual guarantee could support a United Denver route, but local and regional matching funds would still be needed.
Airport staff reported to the Airport Advisory Commission that they are preparing a request for proposals (RFP) with a consultant to seek new commercial air service, and that outreach to United Airlines has reached a “better than 50%” probability for a Denver route if the airport can secure the required financial package.
Bobby, who led the discussion, said the airport already holds a $750,000 grant that could be used toward attracting service and that the state’s minimum annual guarantee program could provide roughly $3.5 million per year to support the route for two years if the airport obtains an airline commitment and a local match. Bobby said the airport would need to identify an additional $750,000 in local or regional contributions to meet the package.
Staff said they will mobilize regional partners — including Artesia and Ruidoso (Lincoln County) — to seek contributions rather than relying solely on the city. Bobby said he and consultant Gary Foss are preparing the RFP and expect the draft to be ready in late August.
The commission also heard background on recent air-service activity: a SkyWest operation out of Carlsbad is running a 30‑seat Embraer service to Dallas under a charter/scheduled‑charter authorization, and the airport’s prior discussions with American have highlighted schedule and pricing limitations.
Why it matters: Securing a nonstop United Denver route would add a major regional connection for passengers and could attract federal and state support, but it hinges on aligning airline commitment, an RFP response, the existing $750,000 grant and additional local/regional contributions.
Direction: staff will finalize the RFP and present it to the state along with any carrier commitment letters and grant paperwork; commissioners encouraged outreach to neighboring communities for matching funds.
No formal votes or funding commitments were made at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with RFP timelines and any confirmed letters of support.
