Steven Connors

This Airport Master Plan Update aims to create a flexible 25-year development plan to maintain a safe, efficient, financially sound, and sustainable airport facility. The plan, guided by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority's (LNAA) 2017 Strategic Plan, focuses on key areas including air service, financial sustainability, customer experience, facilities, operational safety and security, and organizational governance. It outlines development needs to meet existing and future aviation demand, emphasizing compatibility with environmental, community, and transportation factors, alongside technical soundness and economic feasibility. Strategic goals include developing air cargo and general aviation facilities, generating non-aeronautical revenue, ensuring timely capital improvements, and demonstrating industry leadership.

This document provides an update on the existing conditions and inventory for Lehigh Valley International Airport. It details the current state of airfield facilities, including runways, taxiways, navigational aids (NAVAIDs), safety areas, and airspace classifications. Additionally, it inventories the terminal area, covering the passenger terminal complex, aircraft parking aprons, and signage/markings. The report serves as a foundational inventory, describing existing infrastructure and its compliance with FAA design standards, to inform future master planning and facility requirements.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority's strategic framework, contained within its 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets, defines a vision to be the best regional airport system in North America. Its mission focuses on customer-centric operations, safe and efficient facilities, innovative growth, and strong stakeholder partnerships to make the region a community of choice. Key strategic focus areas include Air Service, Financial Sustainability, Customer Experience, Facilities, Equipment and Infrastructure, Operational Safety and Security, and Organization Governance, Culture and People. The 2025 budget prioritizes competitive airline rates and significant infrastructure investments to support forecasted demand and adapt to the evolving industry landscape.

The board discussed airport traffic statistics and benchmarking, noting positive net income despite challenges such as weather events. The meeting included a review of budget variances, the acquisition of a property on East Race Street, and a discussion regarding the proposed responsible contractor policy. Specifically, members debated the appropriate threshold for contractor requirements and considered strategies to balance federal obligations with participation from small and disadvantaged business enterprises.

The board discussed and approved two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant agreements. The first grant is for a drainage and storm water management study at the Queen City Airport, required for future development projects. The second grant is for a comprehensive airport master plan study and obstruction study for the Lehigh Valley International Airport. Additionally, the board authorized the execution of these grant agreements on behalf of the airport authority.