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Board flags sharp drop in jet fuel after county's carrier recommendation as DOT decision nears
Summary
Airport staff reported a steep year-to-date reduction in jet-A purchases beginning in March that coincides with the county's recommendation in the carrier selection process; staff urged faster DOT action to reduce booking uncertainty and preserve carrier relations.
The airport director reported a large year-to-date decline in jet fuel purchases beginning in March and said the timing coincides with the county's public recommendation in the essential air carrier selection. The director said the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) still must make the formal carrier decision and the agency's 90-day review window ends this week.
"It seemed like there was a pretty big drop or a pretty big change after the county's decision," the airport director said, noting that operations have not dipped as sharply as fuel purchases. A board presenter added that the carrier in question has cut its fuel purchases by roughly 69% year to date compared with the prior year.
Board members said they are monitoring service reliability and cancellations. One board member urged staff to track on-time performance and passenger impacts; staff agreed to compile additional delay and cancellation data for the board. The director said staff are keeping open the possibility of maintaining relationships with multiple carriers and want DOT to finalize its selection quickly because travelers are beginning to book flights for October.
Board members also discussed communications with pilots and the public if carrier changes alter flight schedules or service levels. The board encouraged clear NOTAMs and timely social-media notices once DOT announces a selection.
