Click here to subscribe today or Login.
PITTSTON TWP. — A new cellphone lot, a new website design and, yes, a new record for passenger activity were the highlights of Thursday’s meeting of the Bi-County Airport Board.
Eric McKitish, the airport’s director of marketing and communications, said the cellphone lot is a place where people can wait before picking up passengers. The cellphone lot opened Thursday for use. The lot features space for about 35 vehicles and is less than a one-minute drive to the terminal building.
“The purpose of this lot is to reduce congestion by preventing cars from continuously circling the airport, or trying to wait in front of the terminal,” McKitish said. “Visitors can park free of charge while waiting to pick up their guests.”
McKitish said all drivers are required to remain with their vehicles while in the lot. He said visitors can have their party call their cellphone to let them know they are ready to be picked up at the terminal.
The new cellphone lot is located near the entrance of the airport, off Old Navy Way Road.
“This is a great idea,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley. “It’s another improvement in service here at the airport.”
Carl Beardsley, airport executive director, agreed, adding that the cellphone lot “goes a long way” in alleviating congestion near the terminal and in overall safety.
The board also listened to a report from Brock Siegel, chief executive officer of Omnitized, a social media marketing services company. Siegel said his company expanded the airport’s social media reach with creation of high-quality content, daily posting activity and increasing engagement of followers.
Siegel gave a presentation that impressed the board members, with Luzerne County Manager David Pedri commenting that travelers will now have an easier time accessing the airport’s websites and listing of service.
Luzerne County Councilman Tim McGinley, board chairman, said Siegel and his company “did an excellent job” in improving the airport’s online presence.
One of the areas that was improved on the website dealt with parking at the airport and the availability of parking spaces for travelers.
On the website, it states the airport offers both long- and short-term parking options. Both the garage and parking lots are located close to the terminal building with about 1,300 available spaces.
Siegel explained that the online system operates in real time.
“If a vehicle pulls into the garage, or a lot, a space is immediately noted on the website,” Siegel said. “The same happens when a vehicle exits the parking facilities.”
In other business, the board:
• Approved an agreement between the airport and Engie Co. which will allow Engie to perform a no-cost energy audit and make energy conservation recommendations in accordance with PA State Guaranteed Energy Savings Act.
• Approved an airline operating agreement consultant contract with Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell of Washington.
Before recommending the firm, Beardsley said a request for proposal was released and three companies responded. The responders included the following organizations: Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell; Flaster & Greenburg of Philadelphia; and Unison Consulting of Chicago.
Beardsley said all three were interviewed and considered. As a result of their experience, value and understanding of modern issues facing airport/airline negotiations, Beardsley said Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell was recommended.
“This organization will work with the airport to update policies, rules, regulations and finance calculations found in the Airline Operating Agreement,” Beardsley said.
Passenger activity
Beardsley reported that passenger enplanements for the month of August 2019 increased 5.8% to 27,006 from 25,522 in August 2018. He said the increase is mainly attributed to United’s hub switch to Dulles International Airport in Washington from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Enplanements for August 2019 compared to enplanements for August 2017 increased by 3,115, or 13 percent, compared to August 2017 — mainly attributed to American’s new service to Chicago O’Hare.
Beardsley said in August 2019, 20 departing flights were cancelled; 18 for air traffic/weather and 2 for mechanical. Also, 16 arriving flights were canceled: all for air traffic/weather.