RWY 10/28 is now OPEN!!!!
In case you missed it we have re-opened RWY 10/28. The contractors still have painting and surveying to complete so you can expect closures for all surfaces at some point to accommodate those activities.
Aviation Summit
A few excerpts from Mike Boyd’s presentation
Airlines
There are not many left. Delta for instance is operated by at least four different certificated airlines.
It is possible to fly from North Carolina to California on a United ticket without every flying on a actual United plane with a United crew.
Airlines are not growing with more airplanes or seats.
Air travel will become more expensive.
Importance of Midland Air Service
Whether Mr. Chiang can get here from Kaohsiung to do a site visit.
That means the scope of national and international access is the real measure of air service.
It’s not just about cheap fares to Disneyland but how to get people to Midland that can create jobs.
Where does Midland Stand
We generate nearly 940,000 passengers annually.
We have no one dominate airline.
Midland generates nearly $153 Million to the airlines.
Great international access.
Future plans are maintaining and expanding existing incumbents.
Only possible additional access would be to Phoenix via US Airways. Would be more likely if American and US Airways merge.
Denver has been very successful. #2 connecting market from Midland is Casper. Load factors indicate potential for larger aircraft and additional frequency.
Albuquerque and Austin do not have enough traffic to justify restoration.
Remaining markets are all very strong.
Phoenix via US Airways is a possibility along with Phoenix via Southwest.
Executive Hangar update 5/16/12
Taxiway Echo has been re-opened. Taxiway Tango has been closed west of the control tower. Phase 2 will begin tomorrow. This phase should be completed in 60 days according to the contractor and engineer.
MEETING NOTICE: Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) June 27th 10:00AM
Wednesday, June 27th at 10:00AM on the third floor of the Terminal Building the FAA will be having a RSAT meeting for Midland International Airport. Please visit the FAA Runway Safety webpage for more information.
May Airport Board Meeting 5/15/12
Enplanements
During the month of April we saw another strong month for enplanements which were up on average 2.6%. The fiscal year numbers are even better, we are currently around 4% higher than last year at the same time.
Enplanements for the past nine years compared to the current fiscal year.
Construction
Taxiways
The propane burner used to melt the signs.
This is a sign for Runway 34L-16R after it has been applied.
Executive Hangars
The yellow section shows the pavement that will be included in Phase 2
The newly paved section of pavement.
Old East Hangar
Disaster Exercise
The FAA required drill exercising the airport and surrounding communities response to an aircraft disaster is scheduled for June 16th. Volunteers are still needed and anyone interested can visit www.surveymonkey.com/maf-exercise.
First Class has arrived
First Class service has begun
United Airlines started first class service to Midland May 1st. This is the first time Midland has had regularly scheduled first class service since the new terminal opened it’s doors. See our previous post for more information about the service. Here are a few photos from that first flight.
Here is the plane exiting Runway 16R beneath a traditional water arch.
The new type of aircraft. A CRJ-700 sitting at Jetway #2
The interior of the CRJ-700. Notice the first class seats in the foreground. There are a total of six of them.
We look forward to the success of this flight. If the flight and service are popular hopefully we can get this aircraft and service on more flights.