RESEARCH DIVISION
TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY & UTILITIES SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
June 5, 2017
City Council Chamber
Ground Floor, City
Hall
Immediately following the 2:00 Committee meeting.
Attendance: Council Members: Al Ferraro (Chair), Doyle Carter (Vice Chair), Anna Lopez Brosche, John Crescimbeni, Reggie Gaffney, Reggie Brown; Council Member Anderson was excused; Assistant General Counsel Paige Johnston; Kim Taylor, Council Auditor’s Office; Jordan Elsbury, Administration; John Jackson, Council Research Division; Legislative Assistant Adri Maguire Segui.
The Chairman called the special committee meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.
The focus of the Special Meeting was a presentation on the Jacksonville Aviation Authority airport system.
Michael Stewart, JAA’s Director of External Affairs, introduced Tony Cugno, JAA’s Chief Operating Officer, who made the PowerPoint presentation.
In his overview, Mr. Cugno explained that the Jacksonville Port Authority was created when consolidated government was approved in 1968. The Aviation Authority became an independent authority in 2001. The JAA operates Jacksonville International Airport, Cecil Airport, JAXEX (Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport) and Herlong Recreational Airport.
JAA’s business objective is to operate and maintain a financially self-sustaining airport system and is a catalyst for economic growth for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
JAA’s total capital assets are $544 million.
In citing some vital statistics, Mr. Cugno explained that the airlines book 9,600 outbound seats daily from JIA. The JIA terminal complex is 635,000 square feet or 14.5 acres under roof. The economic impact of the airport system is 23,040 employees with a total payroll of $690,290,500.00.
Mr. Cugno recounted how Cecil Airport opened in 1943 by the United States Navy. During the Cold War, Cecil had a key role, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Cecil was transferred to JaxPort in 1999. Cecil has 6,901 acres and a 12,500 foot runway. Today, Cecil employs 5,437.
JAXEX was opened by the Navy during World War II. It is where the Navy’s Blue Angels were created. Today, the airport has flight schools and is the reliever for Jax International. The airport is a hub for corporate aircraft activity. 1,191 are employed at JAXEX at Craig.
Herlong Recreational Airport was also opened by the United States Navy. There is considerable recreational flight activity at the airport. 212 are employed at the airport.
As far as industry trends, Jax International anticipates airline consolidation. The airport has a stable portfolio of air service with four large legacy airlines and several smaller discount carriers.
Mr. Cugno fielded questions.
There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 3:58 P.M.
John J. Jackson, Council Research Division (904) 630-1729
06.09.17
Posted: 4:00 P.M.