Robin Watkins

Key discussions centered on the Airport Management Report, which included updates on the new budget look ahead tracker, financials, passenger trends, and new air service announcements (Jet Blue to Fort Lauderdale, Allegiant seasonal flights to Fort Lauderdale, and Breeze to Raleigh). The Board unanimously approved the 2026 SRAA Board and Committee Calendar. Resolutions were unanimously approved for accepting New York State Aviation Capital Grant Program funds for snow control center construction and south deicing pad rehabilitation, amending the title and establishing the workday for the Project Control Analyst position, authorizing the acquisition of real property from public corporations, and approving a collective bargaining agreement with building trades councils and local unions. The meeting concluded with the introduction of a new board member, Michael Mirizio.

The agenda for the meeting included a Roll Call, the approval of the Consent Agenda (which included minutes from the December 5, 2025 meeting), the Airport Management Report featuring year-end numbers and a preview of the SYR Annual Report, and a discussion on the subsidiary update. Committee reports were presented from HR, Finance, Governance, and Audit Committees. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session, followed by adjournment. Actions taken during the meeting included the approval of the 2026 SRAA Board and Committee Calendar, acceptance of funds and agreement for the New York State Aviation Capital Grant Program for snow control center construction and deicing pad rehabilitation, and an amendment establishing the Standard Workday for the Project Control Analyst position. Subsequent to the Executive Session, resolutions were approved authorizing the acquisition of real property from public corporations and authorizing a collective bargaining agreement.

The meeting agenda for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority included the review and potential approval of a Consent Agenda, which featured the minutes from the September 19, 2025, regular board meeting and an updated procedure for Public Access to Records. Key discussions and resolutions involved approving the Calendar Year End 2026 Committee Calendar, accepting funds and entering into an agreement for the New York State Aviation Capital Grant Program for snow control center construction and deicing pad rehabilitation, and amending the title and establishing the standard workday for the Project Control Analyst position. The session also allocated time for Executive Session to discuss real property acquisition from public corporations and authorizing a collective bargaining agreement between SRAA and the central and northern NY building trades council.

The meeting included airport updates, such as operating expenses, revenues, and enplanement numbers. There was a discussion regarding the new parking system, Designa, and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC). An update was provided on the ACI ASQ program survey. The board approved the Fiscal Year 2025 SRAA Board and Committee Schedule and the creation of the position of Airport Police Administrative Lieutenant. The committee reports included updates on Human Resource Committee activities and a review of the models and impact of large, upcoming projects. An executive session was held to discuss matters pertaining to the proposed lease of real property and the financial and employment history of particular persons or corporations.

The meeting included a finance update, which indicated steady budget performance for landed weights and higher-than-budgeted enplanement numbers. Passenger activity has increased revenues for concessions and parking. Expenses are ahead due to delayed construction activities, which will move into the next fiscal year. The departure of Southwest Airlines was discussed, with other airlines absorbing their markets and new airline Sun Country arriving in June. The airport is working with airline partners on performance expectations, to be included in the upcoming renewal of the Airline Use and Lease Agreement changes. An executive session was held to discuss matters pertaining to the financial and employment history of particular persons or corporations. The airport is projecting a 2% passenger increase year over year, with more seats in the market despite Southwest's departure. Multiple capital expense projects are needed to rehabilitate the airport. The updated budget numbers will be reviewed and voted on at the June 28th board meeting. Current and future project plans and challenges, including electrification needs, were briefed.