In the airport update to the Tourism Advisory Committee, staff reported changes to commercial service and several airfield capital initiatives.

Staff said SkyWest Airlines announced a third daily evening departure to Denver and adjusted the Los Angeles schedule, improving load factors: the LA flight was operating at a 72.7% load factor (up from 61.3%) and the Denver route, including the new frequency, was showing a 60.6% load factor in the first six weeks of operation. City staff described these early performance metrics as encouraging for business travel and regional connectivity.

On capital projects, staff reported council endorsement of a proposed Runway 21L‑3R shift at an earlier study session; the FAA is expected to provide final feedback on the submitted forecast and benefit‑cost analysis inputs in January 2026, after which the benefit‑cost analysis and environmental assessment work can proceed. Staff said a shifted and extended primary runway would improve operational capability for commercial service and US Forest Service firefighting aircraft.

Staff also announced the city received $3,500,000 in state funding to develop a new Northeast Ramp public aircraft parking area and associated pads for rotary‑wing operations and MRO uses, with Dibble Engineering selected for design work. The airport has submitted a terminal program grant application that could support a modest terminal expansion and, if awarded, result in about $3,800,000 in federal investment and permit installation of one passenger boarding bridge.

Next steps: staff will await FAA feedback on the runway study inputs, proceed with ramp design, and pursue grant awards for terminal work; project timelines will depend on federal and state approvals.