(Middletown, PA – April 29, 2015)  The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) reported today that 290,780 total passengers used Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) during the first quarter of 2015—an increase of zero point four percent when compared to the first three months of 2014.

“Increased traffic to Florida on Allegiant combined with more passengers choosing Delta, Air Canada and American allowed the airport to keep pace with early 2014 traffic,” said Tim Edwards, SARAA executive director.  “As Frontier exits the market beginning in May, traffic will decline compared to 2014 levels.  Frontier’s market exit is due to a significant corporate strategy shift by the airline’s new ownership group.  The airline’s new strategy focuses service in major metropolitan markets vs. medium-sized markets like Harrisburg.”

Board authorizes staff to complete agreements for property development

The SARAA Board today approved a Letter of Intent with AvFlight Harrisburg and authorized staff to continue with final negotiations on a long-term ground lease for a new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at HIA.  The potential FBO would be built on a portion of the old terminal site.  “AvFlight is interested in expanding its operation at HIA to better serve corporate and general aviation users,” said Edwards.  “We look forward to finalizing an agreement as an expanded FBO fits nicely into HIA’s Master Plan development initiative.”

The Board also authorized staff to negotiate and execute an operating and lease agreement for an aviation maintenance and flight school business at Gettysburg Regional Airport.  Edwards stated, “Establishing an aviation business to serve Gettysburg customers has been a goal of the Authority for several years.”

SARAA welcomes Marta Rifin to Board

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse has appointed Marta Rifin to the SARAA Board of Directors representing the City of Harrisburg.    Ms. Rifin is the Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Harrisburg and fills the seat vacated by Judy Schimmel’s retirement.

SARAA receives unmodified financial audit   

BKD, LLP of Indianapolis today presented the SARAA Board with an unmodified financial audit for fiscal year 2014.  The independent auditors report determined there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses related to SARAA’s internal controls for financial reporting and compliance with major federal awards programs.  “Maintaining compliance with federal, state, local and industry rules and regulations is one of SARAA top priorities,” said Edwards.

The next SARAA Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 27^th, at 8:00 am, in the David C. McIntosh Boardroom on the third floor of the HIA terminal building.

###

Five airlines serve Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) offering about 70 flights daily to 10 non-stop destinations.  The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) owns HIA, Capital City Airport in New Cumberland and both Franklin County and Gettysburg Regional Airports.  Incorporated in 1997, SARAA is a multi-municipal authority whose mission is to serve the region by providing high quality, efficient airports and promoting regional economic development.  Combined these four facilities handle about 90,000 aircraft operations and generate a total economic output of more than $990 million annually.