Staff to start negotiations for next airline-use agreement; staff suggests 5-year target term

Staff told the committee the current airline-use agreement had been extended through calendar year 2027 and that negotiations for the successor agreement will begin in mid-December, with a committee presentation planned for November. Robert said he would not recommend an agreement longer than seven years and expects a five-year term is more likely to be acceptable to parties.

"I would expect us to be in the 5 year time frame," Robert said, noting airlines dislike very short cadences and staff will present negotiation points in November. The committee agreed to a preparatory primer for new committee members at the November meeting so members understand negotiation approach and key terms before formal talks begin.

Why it matters: the airline-use agreement frames rates and charges for carriers and influences airport revenues and capital commitments; staff framing of term length and negotiation timing signals planning assumptions for the 2028 operating year.