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Maryland Aviation Commission
The 1994 General Assembly passed Senate Bill 294 (Chapter 457, Acts 1994) creating the Maryland Aviation Commission, effective October 1, 1994. The Commission is the successor to the BWI Airport Commission, a Gubernatorial advisory panel created in September 1993 by Executive Order.
The Maryland Aviation Commission consists of nine voting members. Eight of the members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) serving as Chairman and ninth voting member, and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development serving as a nonvoting ex officio member. The Commission's duties include:
- Establishment of policies to improve and promote Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) - as an airport of service to the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan area;
- Approval of regulations for the operation of state-owned airports prior to adoption by the Executive Director, Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA);
- Direction to the MAA in developing and implementing airport management policy for all state-owned airports;
- Approval of major capital projects at state-owned airports as defined in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Transportation Article, §2-103.1(a)(4);
- Consideration of information and advice from air carriers, airport concessionaires, the airport support services industry and citizen advisory groups in carrying out the provisions of law relating to the Maryland Aviation Commission; and
- Determination of qualifications, appointment and compensation for the twelve senior management personnel positions and provide advice to the Chairman on the appointment or removal of the Executive Director.
Message From the Chairman
On September 27th, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and Lt. Governor Michael S. Steele officially unveiled the new name and logo for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). In many ways, this designation represents a new identity for the Airport, as the multi-year improvement and expansion program moves closer to completion. BWI is a strategic asset to our State and to the region's long-term economic development. At the new BWI, and throughout all levels of Statewide aviation, the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) remains committed to our customers.
At Martin State Airport (MTN), the MAA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed the Environmental Assessment process for proposed improvements at the airport. This process will guide development at MTN for the next five years. A number of important capital improvements will be constructed during this time period, including new hangars and a new air traffic control tower. Corporate aircraft traffic continues to rise at MTN, and the airport achieved another record year of fuel sales. For Fiscal Year 2005, the MTN Fixed Base Operator sold over 1.7 million gallons of aviation fuel. Demand for corporate aircraft hangar space at MTN remains robust.
Airports are important to the continued economic prosperity of the State of Maryland and its communities. The MAA Office of Regional Aviation Assistance continues to foster and develop aviation in the State by helping to provide airport infrastructure to meet a wide variety of corporate, general aviation, and recreational needs. For example, in Fiscal Year 2005, the MAA provided $4.69 million in State grants for airport improvements Statewide. To date in Fiscal Year 2006, these important grants total $4.71 million. In an important Statewide air service development, the U.S. Department of Transportation has selected Air Midwest/U.S. Airways Express to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Hagerstown, which will consist of three nonstop round trip flights a day to Pittsburgh, thereby providing important passenger connecting opportunities.
In recent years, BWI has completed a number of significant improvement projects that are designed to meet near-term needs and to accommodate long-term development as the major international gateway for Maryland and the National Capital region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlighted recent Airport improvements by acknowledging that BWI received over $22 million in total federal Airport Improvement Program funds in 2005. This level of federal investment is more than any prior year for BWI.
The major highlight of BWI's overall Airport expansion program opened in May. The new, modern Concourse A/B is the single largest development project in the Airport's history. This passenger terminal facility meets the needs of BWI's largest airline partner, Southwest Airlines. Concourse A/B demonstrates the airline's commitment to continue to grow their business at BWI. The new facility includes several new aircraft gates, a large baggage claim area, expansive ticket counter space, and significantly increased food and shopping opportunities. Concourse A/B will be one of the most important economic engines for our State in the years to come.
The new BWI concessions program, developed and managed by BAA Maryland, meets the needs of today's travelers and improves the passenger experience. BAA Maryland unveiled a number of exciting new food and retail concessions offerings in conjunction with the new Concourse A/B project. The new concessions in Concourse A/B include well-known international brand names and important local enterprises that showcase the region. Initial results have been very positive, as sales figures have increased significantly. With the operations of Concourse A/B well established, BAA Maryland is now updating the concessions offerings for the remainder of the BWI terminal.
The MAA continues to emphasize safety and security. In January 2005, the federal Transportation Security Administration named BWI a "model airport" to test new security technologies and procedures. During the September Airport Council International-North America (ACI-NA) 14th Annual Conference and Exhibition held in Toronto, BWI was recognized with the 2005 Excellence in Airport Security Award. The award acknowledged BWI's efforts to employ new technological innovations in airport security. At that same conference, BWI was presented three awards for its excellence in airport marketing and advertising.
Finally, the MAA and the Maryland Department of Transportation thank Paul J. Wiedefeld for his leadership over the past three years. He successfully guided the MAA through an important and complex time of growth. The Maryland Aviation Commission, as per their governance authority, played a major role in interviewing and evaluating candidates and in selecting the new Executive Director. The State of Maryland is now fortunate to welcome Tim Campbell as the new MAA Executive Director. Tim is a 31-year veteran of the aviation industry with extensive airport management experience. He is a tremendous addition to Maryland's aviation system. Tim's strong commitment ensures that the Maryland aviation system will continue to be the "Easy Come, Easy Go" gateway to the world. With his leadership, the MAA will meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors to Maryland and the entire National Capital region.
I must acknowledge the continued hard work and dedication of MAA employees, along with the important support and counsel of the Maryland Aviation Commission. The MAA and the State of Maryland are working to provide the most efficient, user-friendly aviation facilities in the nation for passengers, airlines, general aviation users and shippers alike.
Robert L. Flanagan
Chairman
Maryland Aviation Commission
Overview of Airport Activities for 2005 *
The State of Maryland, through the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), owns and operates two airports, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Martin State Airport (MTN).
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Based on the most recent economic data available, BWI supported 104,758 total jobs in 2002. During that same period the overall airport activity produced an estimated $781 million in tax revenue for State and Local Governments and $208.5 million in Federal tax revenue. Further, BWI produced $2.9 billion of personal wages and was responsible for $5.69 billion in business revenue for the State in 2002.
Capital Projects
MAA continued to achieve significant progress in 2005 with the completion of further phases of the BWI Expansion Program. In May 2005, the new 11-gate, $221 million Concourse A/B was opened for use by Southwest Airlines. The expansive new ticketing concourse and food/retail concessions areas in the main terminal portion of facility along with expanded baggage claim and security screening have greatly improved passenger convenience and airline operations efficiency. The final phase of the project, the 4-gate connector to existing Concourse B, will be opened in early 2006, providing Southwest Airlines a total of 26 gates. Complementing the new Concourse project was the completion of the $60 million project to upgrade the corresponding airfield taxiways and aircraft parking aprons to better facilitate aircraft movements and parking.
Another part of the BWI Expansion Program is the continued progress of the $182 million Terminal Roadway Widening and Skywalks project. In conjunction with the opening of the new Concourse A/B, the third Skywalk from the Hourly Garage to the new terminal was opened. This last skywalk complements the previously opened Skywalks at Concourses B and D, further reducing traffic congestion on the terminal roadway and enhancing pedestrian safety. The roadway widening is more than half complete with completion scheduled for Fall 2006. Coinciding with the roadway work is the upgrading of the interior of the main terminal ticketing concourse including new front window wall, hard surface flooring, and elevators/escalators, also targeted for completion on Fall 2006. Work is now focused on the central terminal area, including the pedestrian tunnel between the Hourly Garage and the Terminal.
The $20 million rehabilitation of the aircraft ramp and taxilane between Concourses B and C started in June 2005. This work involves reconstruction of the aircraft parking ramp adjacent to gates closer to the terminal that were not previously upgraded by the extensions of Concourses B and C in the late 1990's. This ramp and taxilane work will also improve drainage and upgrade deicing fluid collection. The project is the first of two other projects scheduled over the next three years to upgrade the pavement and ramps between Concourses D and E in 2006/2007, and Concourse C and D in 2007/2008. This ramp/taxi-lane work currently in design is also being coordinated with additional airfield work involving the rehabilitation of various taxiways throughout the airfield. The $15 million taxiway project will upgrade pavement surfaces as well as upgrade airfield lighting in selected locations. Overall, these airfield improvements are critical to maintain safe and efficient airfield operations.
The System Preservation Program at BWI has made great strides in 2005. In 2004, the MAA completed a Utility Reliability Study identifying immediate and long-term improvements for the most critical of over 35 different airfield, terminal and landside utility systems at BWI. The highest priority systems included airfield lighting, sanitary sewer, fire protection, electrical distribution, water/gas systems, and other utility systems. A number of the identified needs have progressed through design or into construction in 2005, specifically airfield lighting upgrades, sanitary sewer upgrades, fire protection control valves/sprinkler valves, and replacement of water mains and valves. The Phase II Study of the remaining systems is now complete with projects being scheduled for upgrades. These studies have proven to be a useful tool in identifying and programming projects based on current and anticipated need. A comparable effort is targeted for MTN in 2006/2007.
In addition to the above utility systems, other representative System Preservation projects completed in 2005 include the $4 million renovation of the 5,600 space Hourly Parking Garage now connected to the terminal by the new Skywalks. This project involved cleaning all interior surfaces, restriping of parking spaces and walkways, and upgrades to lighting. These improvements complement the upgraded elevator vestibules and sixth level enclosed pedestrian walkways also in the Hourly Garage, providing a terminal-like atmosphere for patrons while still in the garage. Inside the terminal, a new $3 million Multi-Use Flight & Baggage Information Display System was installed in the ticketing concourse and the Orientation Lobby on the sixth level of the Hourly Garage. The new system provides new monitors, updated graphics and more readable information in new, more accessible locations. The second phase of the project is being procured in 2005 with a start in early 2006. This project will place new monitors on the concourses and in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility.
Although not visible to the public, MAA has been actively involved with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines in the continuing upgrade of the baggage screening systems at BWI. Most significant is the initiation of design for the installation of a fully in-line baggage screening system between Concourses D and E. This approximately $35 million project will provide the latest technology in baggage screening similar to that provided in the new Concourse A/B facility. The project is scheduled to start construction in 2006 and be completed by 2007. Complementing this project is the continuing upgrades on improving the reliability and capacity of the existing baggage screening systems for each of the airlines. Certain upgrades began in 2005 with the remaining to be concluded in 2006.
Two other System Preservation projects started in 2005, and important to the operation of BWI, are the installation of the $9 million 800-megahertz radio system and the purchase of $7 million in high-speed snow removal equipment. The new radio system will significantly improve communications within the BWI complex as well as enhance interoperability with BWI's mutual aid partners. The first phase of this project will be operable in 2006. The high-speed snow equipment is an outcome of the new Snow Plan adopted by MAA and the airlines in 2005. The new Snow Plan utilizes various types of high-speed equipment, which will decrease the total number of snow-related flight delays for the airlines.
Planning projects have also progressed in 2005. At BWI, continued scoping and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ongoing for the BWI Master Plan. This comprehensive analysis of BWI facilities and infrastructure will determine the appropriate improvements to support air travel at BWI over the next 25 years. Preliminary planning and environmental analysis for the BWI People Mover System has progressed with a draft report completed in 2005. Environmental analysis is also ongoing for the runway safety area improvements, which are necessary to comply with FAA standards and to provide a safer operating area at the end of the runways.
Martin State Airport
MTN, located in Eastern Baltimore County, is a general aviation facility that augments the airfield capacity of BWI. MTN handles many general aviation activities (corporate, air charter, etc.), which otherwise would be forced to operate at BWI, thereby decreasing BWI's capacity to handle scheduled air carrier operations. Accordingly, MTN has been designated a "reliever airport" by the FAA and, as such, is eligible for federal funding assistance for certain capital projects. Additionally, MTN is the home base for the marine unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, two squadrons of the Maryland Air National Guard, the Aviation Division of the Maryland State Police, the Baltimore City Police Aviation Unit, the Baltimore County Marine Police/Aviation unit and many of Maryland's leading corporations' aircraft. Flight activity for FY 2005 at MTN resulted in 93,000 aircraft operations.
Capital Projects
MTN has seen significant progress in various projects involving a new community hangar, air traffic control tower, and aircraft ramp upgrades. Critical to the initiation of these projects was the approval by the FAA in July 2005 of the Environmental Assessment for MTN, which included key projects in the midfield complex and terminal area. During 2005, design was completed for the $7 million Community Hangar project with construction scheduled to begin in early 2006. The project includes construction of a 20,000 square foot hangar and offices plus an associated aircraft ramp which will be occupied by Black & Decker Corporation aircraft. Also in this vicinity will be the new $6 million air traffic control tower to replace the pre- 1950's tower located atop the terminal building. Now progressing in design, the tower and a required $5 million taxiway extension are scheduled to start construction in 2006 with completion in 2008. These two projects plus the $5 million aircraft ramp rehabilitation and other system preservation projects will provide needed facilities to meet the continued demand for hangar, ramp, fueling and maintenance facilities at this airport.
Actions Taken by the Maryland Aviation Commission
- The Commission reviewed and approved the addition of two new major capital projects to the Final FY 2005-2010 Consolidated Transportation Program:
- Concourse B/C Fully Integrated Baggage Screening System (FIBSS) and Baggage Claim Expansion at BWI (design only) - This project will develop a design for converting the existing baggage screening to in-line baggage handling systems with a fully integrated baggage security system.
- Martin Midfield Complex Aircraft Hangar with Ramp (D&E) - This project provides for the construction of one 20,000 square-foot aircraft hangar located at Martin State Airport. Currently, there are no accommodations at Martin State Airport for heated storage of large airplanes. Based on current demand as well as the expected growth in traffic, including corporate jets, additional hangar space is required to meet demand.
- The Commission was regularly briefed on the status of the $1.8 billion BWI improvement and expansion program.
- Commissioners approved an amendment to the Code of Maryland Regulations 11.03.01 to increase the annual courtesy/commercial vehicle permit fee at BWI from $75.00 to $100.00 and eliminate the $750.00 cap for fleets of ten or more vehicles to recover costs associated with commercial activities at BWI.
- The Commission approved an amendment to the Code of Maryland Regulations 11.03.01.04E to decrease the speed limits on all airport roadways, aprons, and hangar areas to ensure that vehicular, aircraft and pedestrian traffic are able to move efficiently and safely on the Airport Operations Area (AOA), while minimizing the risks of accidents and incidents. Speed limits on the outer and inner roadways, ramp roadways, aprons and hangar areas within the AOA were reduced by 5 miles per hour. Speed limits on connecting roadways is set at 10 miles per hour.
- Commission members were appointed by the Chairman to serve on the Transportation Secretary's BWI Governance Working Group.
- The Commission was regularly briefed on air service trends and air service marketing efforts.
- The Commission was regularly briefed on various airport security issues including the increased and successful collaboration between MAA, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the TSA.
- In accordance with Section 5-201.1 of the Transportation Article, the Commission played a major role in interviewing and evaluating candidates and in selecting the new Executive Director.
*Commission activities are for Calendar Year 2003 except as noted. Fiscal Year (FY) data is based on FY 2002 - July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002.
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