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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-15-HFAC-minHanscom Field Advisory Commission Minutes — March 15, 2011 Prepared by Massport Staff 1. Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Jeanne Krieger. Approximately 38 attendees, including HFAC members, Massport and FAA staff, Streamline representatives, aviation business representatives, aides to US Representatives Tsongas and Markey, and area residents, and civic organization representatives introduced themselves and their respective organization affiliation (if any). 2. The 2010 State of Hanscom Presentation: Barbara Patzner, Director of Hanscom Field, presented the 2010 State of Hanscom. In response to questions, B. Patzner noted that: • Recent survey work on Hanscom Drive was not done by Massport. Massport's demolition of three abandoned structures was not done for planned development, but for safety and security. 3. Streamline Presentation: Mark Cestari, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Streamline Air, LLC, a division of Charter Air Transport, briefed the attendees on Streamline's plans to operate two daily flights to Trenton, NJ beginning on April 4, 2011. Mr. Cestari described the business model and presented an overview of the company and projections. Mr. Cestari stated that Streamline is not a low -cost carrier. Streamline is marketing to the business community. The service will provide a convenient alternative to flying out of a maj or airport or taking a rail service by reducing a five hour trip to the New Jersey /Pennsylvania area to approximately two hours. He noted that the airline industry is shedding smaller aircraft, particularly the legacy carriers. As a result, many cities have lost commercial air service. Streamline wants to provide service to those communities. Streamline will fly 30 -seat, fuel efficient, quiet aircraft that are scaled properly for this market. Streamline will base its operation at Mercer County Airport in Trenton, NJ. Bedford will be one of their routes from Trenton. In response to questions, M.Cestari noted: • Trenton will be the hub of operations for Streamline. Trenton was chosen for its location, weather and infrastructure. • Streamline is the indirect air carrier that will sell the tickets and market the route. Charter Air Transport is the direct air carrier that will operate the aircraft. Charter Air Transport is based out of Cleveland. They have extensive charter operations experience and a perfect safety record. • The main difference between a scheduled charter and a scheduled carrier is DOT certification and guidelines. Variables include size of aircraft and passenger capacity. Charters, unlike a scheduled air carrier, are required to maintain an escrow account equal to three months operating funds. Charter operators undergo a rigorous test to demonstrate fiscal competence. Charter Air Transport has grown 20 -30% in the last few years. • Streamline passengers can utilize the services of the three existing car rental agencies based at the Hanscom Field Civil Air Terminal. • Tickets will be sold on -line directly through their website. • Streamline researched historical data at Hanscom, and outreached to local businesses and local chambers of commerce to determine how many flights per day to operate. They investigated potential service options with twenty other cities, including Worcester. Management decided that the operation needed to be at an airport that was close to an urban population area, convenient to major highways, and had suitable roadway access. They also determined there is no quicker and business friendly alternative to connecting Boston to Philadelphia or Boston to the south New Jersey regions under 4 -5 hours by any mode of transportation. Mr. Cestari noted that this is mainly a business to business model and it will be priced accordingly at approximately $250 one -way. The break -even estimates will fluctuate due to actual operating costs, including fuel. The DOT certification does not limit the number of flights per day, but further federal review would be required to increase the aircraft size. Mr. Cestari stated that there are no current plans to operate larger aircraft. The Streamline business model is geared toward the present economy and the use of fuel efficient aircraft, like the Embraer 120 turbo prop. • The aircraft has a crew of two pilots and one flight attendant. Mike Braun, a Lexington resident, was hired as the City Manager for Streamline. He has vast experience in this industry and has worked at Hanscom in a variety of positions for other companies. Streamline will also employee at least one part time ground crew assistant. • In addition to the direct economic benefits, there are significant indirect benefits to local businesses such as the car rental companies, hotels and restaurants. Mr. Cestari stated that his company will bring business to the area, supporting its economy. • The aircraft will be on the ground at Hanscom for a short time in the morning and afternoon. Scheduled maintenance will be performed in Cleveland. Streamline will use the local Fixed Based Operators (FBO) for ground support services and maintenance, if needed. Passengers will be serviced in the Civil Air Terminal. • Mr. Cestari stated that Streamline and its management team are sensitive to the community's concerns and intend to be part of the community. The management team understands the historical relevance of the area and, is confident that this operation, at Hanscom Field, can co -exist with the residential community. Streamline's management truly believes this planned service will enhance the quality of life for many business personnel in the region. In response to questions, Massport noted: • Massport noted that it is honoring a commitment (stated in a May 2010 letter addressed to Rep. Kaufman from Massport CEO Thomas Kinton) that it is not promoting or investing in infrastructure at Hanscom Field for commercial and cargo operations. These types of services are being actively marketed for Worcester. • Massport stated that they are charged with managing and operating airports. Massport could be in violation of federal grant assurances if they restricted operations at Hanscom without cause. • Massport commented that other charter companies can, and do, operate at Hanscom without permission from Massport. Because this charter service plans to process its customers at the Civil Air Terminal rather than through an FBO, Massport requested that Streamline present its operational plan to the community prior to beginning service in April. • Massport staff commented that vehicle traffic estimates on Route 2A and Hanscom Drive are available in Massport's Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR). Hanscom area vehicle traffic is dominated by local businesses, residents and the Air Force Base. Approximately 4% of the traffic is from Hanscom Airfield. • Massport stated that surface de -icing operations are performed by Massport. FBO's perform aircraft deicing. • Massport commented that the sound exposure level of the Embraer 120 is relatively low (81.9 based on Massport's EXP and FAA values). Comments from Congresswoman Tsongas" office: • Jane Adams from Congresswoman Tsongas' office read a letter sent to Secretary Mullan requesting that Massport postpone finalizing any contracts at Hanscom until the Obama Administration makes a decision on reactivating the 2001 - Federal Interagency Working Group for the protection of natural resources (MMNHP). Comments from MMNHP: • Nancy Nelson of the Minute Man National Historic Park commented that the Park is a top tourist destination in Massachusetts and that over 1 million people visit the Park annually. It's clear that there are differences in opinion, but Massport has made an effort to minimize air traffic over the park with the recent touch & go program. She noted that the cumulative effects of recent hotel, housing, and office park developments also threaten the Park. 4. Monthly Noise Report/ Hanscom Projects: Sharon Williams presented the January noise report and in response to questions noted: • Massport is working with consultants to develop software that will collect aircraft operating data from NOMS (noise and operations monitoring system) rather than FAA flight strips. This new system will allow Massport to produce EXP calculations in a timelier manner. Dorothy Steele presented the capital projects report and in response to questions noted: • Massport plans to report passenger and flight information from Streamline to HFAC; as we do with Linear Air in the monthly HFAC/Noise report. • Linear Air is also a Part 135 carrier and operates out of the two FBO's at Hanscom. • Massport has not had discussions with scheduled commercial or cargo operators. Massport has had discussions with a charter operator; Streamline Air, LLC. • Massport will be issuing an RFP for development of approximately 7 acres of land on Hartwell Road for office, industrial, residential or sport related facilities. Although Massport is exempt from local zoning, it has a history of taking local zoning into consideration when initiating an RFP and /or working with developers of Massport owned properties. • The proposed air and space museum would be located on a parcel of land on the right - hand side off Hanscom Drive as you enter the airport's boundary. The museum group is in the early stages of planning and fundraising. 5. HFAC Membership /Nominating Committee: J. Krieger informed the group that she will present the proposed HFAC membership slate to the four town's Boards of Selectman for approval. Attendees: Please see the attached sign in sheet. HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION DATE: March 15, 2011 HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES CATEGORY Contiguous Towns (4) Bedford Bedford Alt. Concord Concord Alt. Lexington Lexington Alt. Lincoln Lincoln Alt. Local Citizen Groups (4) So. Lex No. Lex Save Our Heritage Lex Town Meeting Area Wide Organizations (2) LWV LWV Alt. Other Area Towns (2) Carlisle Waltham Waltham Alt. Businesses Basing Acft at Hanscom (2) Brown Aviation Lease Raytheon Aviation /Aviation Related Businesses (2) Jet Aviation Signature Flight Support Signature Alt. Business Aviation Organization (2) M BAA NBAA (Alt. Org.) General Aviation Organization (2) Hanscom Pilots Association Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc. Advisory Members Massport Massport Massport Massport Massport HAFB FAA FAA Alt. MMNHP * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * Pending nomination review ** New Members 1-) AA 1 2 3 4 5 6 00i9 G°St' 7 "e VA, e(Si� s 10 NAME Mike Rosenberg Mark Siegenthaler Elise Woodward Carmin Reiss Jeanne Krieger Michael Barrett Sara Mattes * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Margaret Coppe Graydon Wheaton Kati Winchell * Andy Friedlich Dee Ortner * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Steve Lerner Rep. Tom Stanley Michael Squillante Jason Griswold Michael Burke * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Frank Diglio Zach Neds Jim Phelps John Williams Ken Heider * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Thomas Hirsch Ford Von Weise * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Sharon Williams ** Barbara Patzner Cedric Daniel Dorothy Steele Tom Ennis Doug Booth Andy Applegate ** Nancy Nelson * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** N0�'tC�� Cah�Cnl�% R 0 IN ATTENDANCE 1 r' 6Ml[Q91,0-v 6o's. Pp. 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