On March 29, Shelley LaRose-Arken, Commissioner, Long Island MacArthur Airport, spoke at the LIMBA (Long Island Metro Business Action) meeting to discuss the changes that are being made at the airport to attract more carriers and passengers.
She first addressed reports that profits at the airport fell from last year. What was not reported, she said, was that some of those profits were used to reinvest back into the airport; for example, of the $1.4 million in revenue for 2018, $340,000 went into design work for the rehabilitation of a terminal apron (ramp) for the west concourse. The apron design will be completed this year. As a result, the airport will become eligible to compete for $10 million in federal construction funding to complete the project.
Rob Schneider, Deputy Commissioner, Long Island MacArthur Airport, mentioned that the airport is looking to make improvements to the terminal apron, which has been in poor shape. Once it is constructed, he said, it will last for the next 20-plus years.
Last year, the federal government passed the 2018 Omnibus Act, which provided $1 billion in discretionary funding for secondary airports such as Long Island MacArthur. Omnibus funds are earmarked for airport infrastructure improvements at these critical airports. In an effort to compete for Omnibus funds, the Islip Town Board authorized the airport to bond for $6 million for design work and provide shovel-ready projects.
In 2016, the airport conducted a feasibility study for a customs facility. The study looked at a possible site near the railroad station — on the north side of the airport, as well as two locations in the central terminal building. The site on the north side of the airport generated little support from the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, airlines and other stakeholders. Additionally, the cost of $72 million for construction far exceeded the $12.5 million in grant funding available for the project.
The three major airlines at Long Island MacArthur Airport include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Ms. LaRose-Arken said each airline is working to grow its customer base. Southwest has made the airport its home for 20 years, American still provides nonstop service to Philadelphia and Frontier is in growth mode, as the carrier is looking to add more routes. This year, the airport started a recruitment effort to bring more carriers to the airport, capitalizing on shorter taxi times, customer experience, and lower overall costs.
Two topics discussed were the Ronkonkoma Hub and the East Side Access projects and their benefits to the airport. Ms. LaRose-Arken said the possibility of a new arena could attract more passengers, particularly those who may visit Long Island. Further, once the East Side Access project is complete, two-way service during peak periods will allow for more travelers access to the airport from the New York metropolitan area market.
The most popular plane being purchased by the airlines, Ms. LaRose-Arken and Mr. Schneider said, is the new Airbus 220. The plane is lightweight, can take up to 160 passengers, is more fuel-efficient and is able to take off on 7,000-foot runways. In addition, it can fly transcontinental and transatlantic flights from Long Island MacArthur.
Ms. LaRose-Arken concluded her presentation by listing a set of goals she is looking to accomplish by 2023. This includes adding a brand-new concourse to the airport, bringing in new carriers, making improvements to the terminal building, and increasing the yearly number of passengers from 1.6 million to 2 million.
Ms. LaRose-Arken has worked in the aviation industry for more than 30 years. She previously served as Manager of Republic Airport in Farmingdale and at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Westchester County Airport and Spirit of St. Louis Airport.
For more information, or for a list of upcoming events, call (631) 757-1698 or visit www.limba.net.
