Page 9 - World Trade Center - 2017

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Tom Cook Executive Director, DRBA
151 North DuPont Highway New Castle, DE 19720 302.571.6171 Airports@DRBA.net www.FlyILG.com
Q: The Wilmington Airport has a long and storied history and has gone through a few name changes in the last couple of decades. Do you anticipate any further re-branding in the near future?
A: Airports are truly a reflection of the communities they serve, both economically and geographically. We think the name Wilmington has the most impact among our customers. And we think we’ll stick with the name Wilmington Airport.
Q: The most recent Delaware statewide impact study shows total economic impact from the airport at over $240 million annually. Is this strictly from airport operations, or does it include impact from the operations of your tenants like Atlantic Aviation and Dassault Falcon Jet?
A: The total economic impact is a reflection of all revenue-related activities at the airport, including operations. For example, Wilmington airport has
its own specialized services. So, the total impact is measured by the number of direct jobs as well as the induced spending associated with the various tenant
business activities. Overall, the airport is a significant economic hub that fuels the local economy.
Q: Wilmington Airport has many private aircraft charter and maintenance-repair-overhaul (MRO) service providers. Are you seeking more?
A: Great question. The airport is home to many companies offering both direct and third party flight sales and services: in addition to the large, visible ones, a list of growing, up-and-coming companies like Advanced Wilmington and the Dumont Group of Companies, all of which offer specialized aircraft maintenance and flight support services. Our immediate interest is in growing these companies organically. Their success is our success.
Q: After a short run at Wilmington Airport, Frontier Airlines decided to end all scheduled service
to Delaware. Are you in the process of seeking another commercial, passenger airline for service in and out of the airport?
A: First, it is important to note that we are grateful to have had Frontier Airlines air service to eight non-stop destinations in 2013 and 2014, during which the airport served well over 200,000 passengers! Those 22 months of service confirmed the flying public’s preference for small, convenient, and --most of all -- low cost airports with attractive low fares. We are always talking to airlines whose business goals and bottom line could be enhanced by adding Wilmington to their route map. We are confident that service will return to Delaware soon.
Q: You are currently in the midst of some serious improvements on the landside portion of the airport. What will be the benefit of all this work when completed?
A: You are correct to call these improvements
serious. The goal in the end is always about enhancing customer service whether that be for our corporate or airline customers, or simply those whose business occasionally calls for use of the airport. Either way, improving parking is a critical function that will make the airport experience better when scheduled air service returns. And, behind the terminal we are improving the apron and taxiway system to help serve all classes of modern commercial and non-commercial aircraft.
Q: Has the Wilmington airport invested in any technology or capital improvements recently
that would allow it to better compete and would facilitate providing state-of-the-art service to the northern Delaware corporate travel community and possibly improve the Airport’s ability to attract more business?
A: We are keenly focused on our competitive position versus other airports both large and small. We want to be the airport of choice for most users, and we also want to keep the consumer spending dollar in Delaware. In order to do that, we must
be cost-conscious with respect to our fees and charges passed on to the users. In all cases, we
take maximum advantage of federal grant-in-aid programs available for most high dollar capital investments. We are in the midst of a number of projects which will enhance the airport’s usability, but also not add to our expense base. Our airport also boasts an FAA-staffed air traffic control facility, an all-weather precision instrument approach, and nearly an airport-wide WiFi availability. Together, we believe these features make our airport the best equipped and balanced airport in the region for all types of aviation businesses.