At a Salinas Airport Commission meeting, airport staff reported a new three-year military hot-fueling contract that begins in April 2026, a $7.5 million state grant to study three airspace corridors among four regional airports, planned fence and security upgrades, and several operational gains including higher fuel sales and new flight-school activity.

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously with four members voting "aye" and two absent. The meeting included a general managers report covering contracts, grant applications, air-show results and safety concerns about unauthorized vehicle access at private gates.

The commission heard that Ryan Gogger secured a three-year contract for "hot fueling" service starting April 2026. Hot fueling allows aircraft to refuel with engines running and taxiing blades engaged; staff said the service reduces aircraft downtime and supports military refueling operations. "It's just a really good service," said Bob, general manager, describing the contract as a significant win for airport operations.

Staff reported a notable increase in fuel sales and aircraft operations compared with much of 2024, with a 75% jump in fuel sales and in overnight aircraft operations during a recent car-week period. The report said new on-site businesses and training — including SOAR Aviation in the terminal and flight instruction by Eric Teetershave added flight students and helped grow activity.

The airport recap of a recent air show noted that the Blue Angels and a planned F-16 Viper demo were unable to perform because of a federal government shutdown, but organizers still held static military displays and added demonstration flights from electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) companies Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation. Staff said those eVTOL flights were among the first world appearances of those aircraft at an air show in Salinas.

On regional airspace planning, staff described a state award of $7,500,000 to fund an airspace study linking Salinas with Hollister, Marina and Watsonville. The grant is intended to study three airspace corridors for eVTOL operations and vertiport approaches; Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is listed as the fiduciary. Staff said the program is still being defined and that Salinas hopes to serve as the lead airport for the project.

Security and asset protection were raised as immediate priorities. Staff outlined a phased fence-replacement project that will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for funding; staff said they expect a possible 90/10 federal match but that the airport may self-fund work if necessary. Separately, staff reported a planned security-system upgrade with an estimated cost of about $750,000 to start around November.

Commissioners and attendees raised concerns about "piggybacking" at private gates, where drivers tailgate authorized vehicles to gain entry. Commissioners discussed options including fines, revocation of access cards and physical fixes such as bollards; staff said they would investigate and reach out to affected tenants, including Advanced Tech and others with private gates.

Staff also described a pavement condition index study to clarify which runways and surfaces heavier military transports (C-130s, C-17s) may safely use. The airport hopes the pavement study will reduce ambiguity for military pilots and encourage more heavy-aircraft operations and fuel purchases.

Other items in the general managers report included a roughly $25,000 patio refresh near the terminal and improvements to signage and event infrastructure. The commission set its next regular meeting for Nov. 20, 2025 and discussed whether to hold a December meeting.

Votes at a glance
The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. Chairperson Bigham, Commissioner Contreras, Commissioner MacGregor and Commissioner Schumacher voted "aye." Commissioners Sonia and Bennett were absent.

Ending
Commissioners agreed to follow up on gate-access enforcement options and to report monthly on progress for the fence grant application, security upgrade timeline and the MBEP-led airspace study.