Natalie Baker

The agenda focuses on operational and administrative updates, including the Executive Director's review of infrastructure projects, business development, and financial status. Key business items include approving revised 2026 organizational priorities, an agreement for property and boiler insurance, and amendments to professional services work orders for Taxiway Alpha reconstruction and general federal compliance updates. Additionally, the meeting will cover correspondence regarding a new commercial vehicle program and fuel discount benefits for airport tenants.

Key discussions included an update on air service performance, noting year-to-date enplanements are up 6% compared to 2024, alongside updates on airline acquisitions such as Allegiant's planned acquisition of Sun Country. Operational updates covered the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) progress, including the RFQ for subcontractors and pending guaranteed maximum price submission, and the submission of an airport terminal grant application to the FAA. Business development progress involved ongoing work on an RFP for future development projects. Financial topics included drafting a response to the city regarding stormwater system benefits and working on a joint powers agreement concerning paid leave. Marketing updates focused on advocating for the tower project during legislative sessions and presenting the Commercial Lane Vehicle Policy, which included an ordinance for board approval with associated enforcement timelines. Legislative discussions centered on seeking $4 million in state grant funding for the ATCT. New business resolutions approved included the 2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the creation of a Task Force on Development and Planning, the approval of the ten-year Joint Use Agreement with the Minnesota Air National Guard, amendments to the advertising agreement with Giants Ridge, and the approval of the Commercial Vehicle Ordinance and Policy, along with updated rates and charges to support the new policy.

The meeting focused on the Duluth International Airport's Air Service Update. Key discussion points included year-to-date (YTD) enplanement comparisons against 2019 figures, showing a decrease of 32%, and November enplanements down 29% compared to November 2019. Airline performance metrics for November were reviewed, noting Delta (DL) passengers were up 4% (vs. Nov 19) while United (UA) passengers were down 59% (vs. Nov 19). Load factor analysis was provided for specific routes (MSP, ORD, RSW, PHX). November seat capacity data indicated that MSP remains dominant (92% of seats). Local notes detailed upcoming frequency changes for United (starting Jan 3, 2022) and Delta (starting Jan 11, 2022), and plans to request a Sun Country Airlines (SY) extension from the U.S. DOT. Air cargo, fuel sales, rental car receipts, parking lot receipts, and restaurant receipts were also reviewed, generally showing year-over-year declines compared to 2019 figures.

The agenda for the Duluth Airport Authority meeting included an Executive Director's Review covering air service statistics, updates on the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) replacement project, the LifeLink III Project, and the Development RFP. Financial items involved reviewing cash disbursements and monthly reports for December 2025 and January 2026. New Business featured several resolutions: approving an amendment to the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the ATCT construction with H+U Construction, awarding a utility relocation contract for the ATCT, approving a Construction Administration and Observation Agreement for the ATCT with EXP, authorizing a transfer of Sky Harbor Airport funding to Austin Municipal Airport, and approving Transportation Network Company Operating Agreements with both Lyft, Inc. and Rasier, LLC. The board also addressed the Commercial Vehicle Ordinance and Policy, including updated rates and charges to support the new policy.

The primary purpose of this special board meeting was to consider and approve a resolution concerning a capital improvement project. The resolution focused on approving the encumbrance of estimated airport operating funds, amounting to $595,770, to serve as the required local matching funds for a projected $2,383,078 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This grant funding is intended to support the construction of a new taxilane and the rehabilitation of Hangar 104 bays. The meeting agenda also noted correspondence, specifically a letter of support from Cirrus Aircraft regarding the DAA's commitment of matching funds.