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Salinas Airport reports stronger Jet A revenue; FAA review, eVTOL study, hydrogen MOU and May fly‑in discussed
Summary
Airport staff reviewed fuel revenue and operational activity, updated the commission on an FAA airport management plan review, described an eVTOL request-for-information response and a memorandum of understanding with a hydrogen company, and outlined plans for a May 3 fly‑in event.
Airport staff reported increased Jet A revenue for the month and reviewed ongoing operational items while updating the Salinas Airport Commission on several development and outreach efforts, including an FAA review of the airport management plan, a response to an advanced air mobility request for information, a memorandum of understanding with a hydrogen company, and plans for a May 3 fly‑in event.
In the commission meeting transcript, staff pointed to a line item described as "$12,000.56" in revenue for the airport and discussed how fuel accounting appears in the enterprise fund. The speaker said some Jet A purchase lines for the month returned zero because no Jet A purchases were recorded for those entries; the transcript does not provide a complete month-by-month fuel sales ledger.
Staff told commissioners the airport management plan (AMP) was submitted to the FAA district office in September and that the office has extended its review period due to staffing issues. Staff said they expected to receive comments back in May and would work with consultant Kaufman & Associates on any necessary changes.
On advanced air mobility, staff said the airport submitted a request for information (RFI) to the Federal Aviation Administration in January on eVTOL and related operations. The presenter said the FAA-hosted study could name a host city and that the State of Texas is a strong candidate; staff stressed that selection is not final and said Salinas had submitted its name for consideration.
The transcript records discussion of interest from a hydrogen company identified in the meeting as "Xerox," described as seeking to test hydrogen offloading and eventual dispensing at the airport. Staff said city staff including City Manager Renee and others worked with the airport attorney to draft an MOU that the speaker characterized as involving "about $600,000 plus" for improvements; the transcript wording about the dollar figure was not fully clear. No binding contract or funding appropriation for hydrogen infrastructure was approved during the meeting.
Commissioners also discussed a planned fly‑in event on May 3. Staff described logistical plans including using the Flower Gate 1 hangar, seating, and an expectation of roughly 200 attendees and 30–40 visiting aircraft, plus a small number of food vendors and display aircraft. The transcript records staff saying the airport has an eager tenant and is in permitting and planning phases for the event.
Commissioners asked for additional operational data. One commissioner requested a pie chart or breakdown of fuel flowage by category (military vs. based aircraft vs. transient/private) and by Jet A usage (military, private, or commercial); staff said they would check with FBO and operations staff about producing that data. Commissioners noted recent military training traffic and discussed relationships with FBOs and pilots that have contributed to increased transient activity.
No new contracts, appropriations or final agreements were approved for the FAA AMP, eVTOL RFI outcomes, hydrogen infrastructure, or the fly‑in at this meeting. Staff were directed to continue work and report back to the commission with additional details.
Ending: The commission scheduled its next meeting for March 27, 2025; staff will follow up on the AMP review, fuel data breakdowns and any MOU developments.
