JRA concerns addressed, officials say

Several concerns the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority had with air service provider Great Lakes Aviation and its predecessor, Delta Air Lines, have been addressed.

“I think the worst is behind us. I can say that with confidence,” said Jim Boyd, chairman of the JRAA, at the group’s meeting Wednesday.

Airport Manager Matt Leitner reported Delta Vacations departing from Jamestown are once again available, and the airlines are continuing to work to make Delta’s SkyMiles reward program available for Jamestown-Minneapolis flights.

“They’ve run into some integration issues, some compatibility issues. They’re definitely making some progress,” Leitner said.

Great Lakes has brought in a computer for the terminal, which is compatible with every airline in the world, so that passengers can print tickets right at the airport for free.

Additionally, Great Lakes’ reliability and timeliness have continued to improve, Leitner said.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Boyd said.

Boardings are up at JRA, with 175 in June and 218 in July. Should trends continue, August boardings will exceed July’s, Leitner said.

In other news Wednesday, the JRAA:

* examined a preliminary budget for 2013, and then sent it back to the JRAA’s budget committee for clarification and changes.

* received a report on financial statements from Schauer & Associates, which found no material instances of noncompliance or deficiencies in internal control over compliance.

* was thanked by members of the Jamestown Drag Racing Association for allowing the group’s annual drag races to take place at the airport.

In turn, the JRAA thanked the JDRA for managing the event well and cleaning up thoroughly afterward.

* authorized applying for state-apportioned federal funds for its wetlands mitigation project, which will eliminate wetlands near the airport and restore them elsewhere, as required by law.

Wetlands mitigation is meant to reduce the likelihood of bird strikes, which can endanger airplanes.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453 or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, airport