Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears operations report, terminal/taxiway updates and passenger deplaning incident
Summary
Staff reported a 9% decline in enplanements and a 22% decline in cargo compared with the prior year, described terminal rehabilitation planning and completed taxiway work, and recounted an Allegiant/American deplaning incident that left passengers — including wheelchair users — delayed and prompted staff to require airlines to plan for backups.
Board members received multiple operational updates from airport staff, including passenger and cargo data, construction progress, foreign‑trade activity, and a passenger safety/service incident.
Staff said enplanements declined about 9% compared with the prior year (reported figures in the transcript: about 136,000 enplanements versus about 150,000 previously) and cargo tonnage was down roughly 22%. Fuel‑flow revenue and gallons decreased, with fuel flow revenue cited in the presentation at $788,000 for the reported period. Staff attributed declines to broader economic conditions and seasonal variations.
On construction, staff said pricing for the terminal rehabilitation project had been received and the department was evaluating bids and meeting with the contractor soon. Taxiways J1 and J2 are complete and have been in operation since shortly before Christmas. Staff introduced Oscar Martel, a new hire who will oversee terminal construction and demolition projects.
A board member who had been on an Allegiant flight described a diversion that led to two aircraft occupying the same gate area and to use of portable stairs for deplaning; the member recounted the attendant’s announcement that portable stairs would be used and that the crew was unsure how to deplane passengers in wheelchairs without assistance. Staff said airline operators are responsible for deplaning and ground equipment and that airport staff had met with airline representatives to require a backup plan and ensure ground‑support equipment availability going forward.
Staff also reported expansion in foreign‑trade activity: the transcript recorded growth from 59 operators/70 sites to 60 operators/71 sites with additional applications in process. The board was notified of upcoming demolition work (Bartlett/Hillside buildings) with a recent letter of award and purchase order issued.
No formal action was taken on these operational reports; they were informational and several items (construction, FTZ prospects) were identified for follow‑up.
