Airport staff to issue RFP for business plan, will evaluate rates, parking, concessions and rental‑car fees

Airport staff reported that the terminal and airport revenue model has not been comprehensively updated since February 2012 and that the city is preparing a request for proposals for a business plan to reassess rates and charges. Jim (airport staff) said the study will examine landing fees, fuel fees, office rents, parking, concession strategy, rental‑car customer facility charges and pickup/drop‑off fees for ride‑share services.

Staff described a two‑part revenue role: transit receives operating grants (FTA) that subsidize operations while airport grants (FAA and MoDOT) largely support capital projects such as runways and a Terminal Loop Road. The airport’s FY2026 revenue projection increased from roughly $5.9 million in FY2025 to $8.3 million in FY2026 because of anticipated capital grants (for example a Terminal Loop Road) and marketing grants (staff cited a prior $520,000 MoDOT grant). Jim said the RFP should be issued in about two to three weeks and that the resulting rate model would be a long‑term tool; existing leases in effect will not be retroactively changed but new leases and future development (new hangars, additional flight training operations) could yield additional revenue.

Staff also noted prospective private tenants: MACC (identified by name in the session) is negotiating office leases and plans to introduce flight‑training operations that could add 2–4 aircraft; each operation (landing/takeoff) and fuel sale generates airport revenue. The airport manager said staff aim to implement updated rates shortly after the start of the fiscal year and emphasize non‑aeronautical revenue sources to reduce reliance on transfers and subsidies.

No formal action was taken. Staff will proceed with the RFP and return with a recommended rate model and implementation timeline.