PITTSTON TWP. — Eric McKitish, Director of Marketing & Air Service at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, on Thursday reported that passenger enplanements continue to be on the rise.
McKitish said for the month of July 2024, enplanements increased 32% to 20,706 from 15,686 in the month of July 2023.
In July 2024, McKitish said 5 departing flights were canceled — all for the weather — accounting for 517 (2.1%) out of 24,691 departure seats.
Also, 5 arriving flights were canceled, also due to weather.
Chris Dalessandro, the airport’s Director of Finance, requested the Airport Board authorize the airport to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified certified public accounting firms to perform the annual audit of financial statements of AVP for fiscal years Dec. 31, 2024 through December 31, 2026. The board unanimously approved the motion.
The board also approved soliciting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Marketing and Communications consultant.
Dalessandro also reported that for the month of July 2024, airport operations had income totaling $67,020, compared to a loss of $2,248 in July 2023, a difference of $69,268.
Dalessandro reported that year to date, the airport’s profit is $23,643, compared to a loss in July 2023 of $609,789 — a difference of $633,432.
The board presented and approved invoices received since the last meeting for supplies and services totaling $1,896,777.54. These included major construction project costs of $1,150,969.47.63.
The board approved the appointment of William Aruscavage Jr., Pittston, to the position of ARFF Supervisor, effective upon confirmation of airport clearances, which includes a physical.
The board also voted to accept the resignation of Brendan Tomeo, Wilkes-Barre, effective Aug. 23, 2024.
Stephen Mykulyn, P.E., the airport’s Director of Engineering, updated the board on several ongoing projects.
Mykulyn recommends that the board approve a change order increasing the contract with Rise Construction Enterprises, for $10,504.07 from $792,000.00 to $802,504.07, subject to the solicitor’s concurrence.
Mykulyn said the change order reflects the addition of soffit panels over the hangar door to the scope of the Hangar Building procurement, which were not part of the original bid but were necessary to close the building envelope.
Other updates were given for the following projects:
• Taxiway B extension (Runway 4 Approach End).
• Rehabilitate access road (Terminal Drive).
• GA hangar (Emergency Medical Response Facility).
• Terminal expansion – COVID Mitigation.
• HVAC System Replacement — Joseph M. McDade Terminal Building.