SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- The manager of the Burlington International Airport, who oversaw dramatic growth during his 21 years at the facility, is retiring.
J.J. Hamilton, 64, will retire as soon as a replacement can be found and beyond if necessary.
During Hamilton's 16 years as manager, the airport's revenue rose about 600 percent. The airport is now one of the fastest growing in the country with two discount airlines and competitive fares.
The city has advertised the job and hopes to have a new director in place by the end of July, Mayor Peter Clavelle said.
Clavelle praised the airport's growth during Hamilton's tenure.
''The airport's increasingly functioning as an economic engine, attracting new jobs and businesses to the region,'' he said. ''J.J. certainly deserves much of the credit for managing the Burlington International Airport, addressing both the challenges and opportunities before us.''
During Hamilton's reign, Burlington International went from a modest operation with about $2 million a year in revenue, to a regional draw boasting 10 gates, a 1,651-space garage and $12 million in revenues.
''The airport has come a long way,'' Hamilton said. ''There are airports like Burlington that would give their eye teeth to have the service we have.''
Airport Commissioner Robert Miller said he felt the city wasn't offering a high enough salary to attract the best replacement for Hamilton. The job is advertised at a salary of between $78,556 and $87,431.
Hamilton's annual salary is $85,885.
Hamilton came to Burlington International from the Vermont Air National Guard. Before that he spent nine years in the Navy.
Ted Child, owner of Child Travel Services in Colchester, said the airport was remarkable for an area with a population the size of Burlington and surrounding areas.
Child credited People Express, a low cost-airline that arrived in 1982 -- and then left in 1987 -- with jump starting the airport's growth. Passenger traffic swelled with the airline and got travelers in the habit of using Burlington's tiny airport, Child said.
