The Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on June 26 adopted an action-oriented strategic business plan for the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport and amended the Air Service Board bylaws to formalize membership from key local partners.

Roxanne (airport staff) summarized priorities from a condensed action plan pulled from a longer strategic document: grow aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue, lower airlines’ cost-per-enplanement (CPE), and bolster marketing and partnerships with local institutions. Roxanne said the airport has seven people on the T-hangar waiting list and is actively pursuing opportunities to leverage airport land and facilities—examples include issuing an RFP for use of the currently vacant customs facility and exploring solar and battery-storage options.

Marketing director Chris said the airport now targets potential travelers digitally within a roughly 45-mile catchment area and coordinates with local partners including Ithaca College, Cornell University, Tompkins Cortland community college (TC3), BOCES, Visit Ithaca, and regional tourism planners. Chris said the airport is exploring internships with BOCES and outreach to Washington, D.C., markets tied to a small-community air service development grant; staff expect a new third flight to Washington in the fall if contracts finalize as anticipated.

Roxanne said airport metrics are improving: the airport’s cost per enplanement was about "$32" for 2025 and the Dulles flight’s April load factor was about "80%" for its first month of operation. Committee members noted that other regional airports subsidize operations from general funds to reduce airlines’ costs and make routes more attractive; Roxanne and board members said they are pursuing revenue options instead of relying on sustained general-fund subsidies.

The committee approved the plan (moved by Mike, seconded by Greg) and approved bylaw wording updates for the Air Service Board (moved by Greg, seconded by Randy). Both measures passed in committee and will proceed as directed.

Committee members also discussed ancillary ideas such as using airport land for a warehouse or consolidating intercity bus service at the airport to create a transportation hub; staff said these concepts are part of ongoing conversations but no formal proposals were adopted at the meeting.