More passengers and cost savings mean the operators of Southwest Florida International will return nearly $3 million in revenue-sharing and refunds to participating airlines, while keeping $4.3 million for the airport’s general fund.
That’s among the good news the Airports Special Management Committee got at its meeting this afternoon. The committee consists of local business people who advise Lee County commissioners on airport policy matters.
The airport served about 7.6 million passengers in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, for a 5 percent, year-over-year increase. Additional passengers generally brings more spending at airport concessions, helping to keep charges to airlines down.
Cost savings in airport utilities, fuel for its vehicle fleet and property and liability insurance also helped the financial picture.
Airport managers estimate rates and charges for such things as air gate use and landings before the beginning of each fiscal year, as called for in Southwest Florida International’s use and lease agreement.
After the year is over, the rates and charges must be recalculated using actual revenues received and expenditures paid out. Next, the airport settles up with the airlines.
In other business, the airports committee recommended O-A-K Florida over two contenders for the job of construction manager/general contractor for the repaving of the two runways and associated taxiways at Page Field general aviation airport in Fort Myers.
Both matters will go to Lee County commissioners when they meet as the port authority board on Jan. 13.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20131119/NEWS01/131119019/Airport-looks-back-strong-fiscal-year-nearly-3-million-returning-airlines