Kevin Rehmann, a spokesman for the transportation authority, said several firms attended a pre-bid meeting Thursday to discuss the management contract and take a tour of the airport. Bids are due Aug. 21, with the new contract starting Jan. 1, 2015.
The Virginia-based AvPORTS Management LLC is Atlantic City International’s current operator, but its five-year contract expired in 2013 and it has been serving under a one-year extension since then, according to the company’s website.
Rehmann said AvPORTS officials picked up the bid package, but it is not clear whether the company plans to submit a formal proposal in hopes of winning a new five-year deal. The transportation authority, which owns the airport, did not immediately disclose how much it has paid AvPORTS under its old contract.
The airport’s management contract calls for the daily operation, maintenance and cleaning of the passenger terminal and other facilities. One major responsibility handled by the operator is to keep the airport’s roadways, sidewalks and “aircraft movement areas” clear of snow, the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s contract proposal says.
The operator’s duties will be separate from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the transportation giant that was brought in last year to attract new airline service to the Atlantic City market. However, the bid proposal says that the new operator will support the Port Authority’s recruitment of new airlines and would also help to develop air-cargo facilities.
Atlantic City International’s growth strategy has focused primarily on attracting more airline service, but a new element is emerging — packages, as well as passengers.
UPS, FedEx, DHL and other air-freight companies don’t fly to Atlantic City at this time. Airport supporters say that cargo operators may be just as prized as passenger airlines because of the jobs and economic development they could bring to the region.
Source: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com
The first United Airlines flight Atlantic City International Airport arrives, Tuesday April 1, 2014, in Egg Harbor Township.
Photo by Michael Ein/The Press of Atlantic City
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