Indianapolis Airport Authority Board Meeting – February 20, 2026

The Indianapolis Airport Authority Board convened on February 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM to consider a consent agenda, multiple business items, and hear the executive director's report. The board approved all action items, including a consolidated bond ordinance, four new concessions agreements, foreign-trade zone operator agreements, two building/land leases, several capital project contracts, and delegations of authority. A community impact report video was presented, highlighting record passenger traffic and community investments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (January 16, 2026): Approved 7–1 (Eric Dozier voted no).
• Public Hearing – General Ordinance No. 01-2026 (Master Bond Ordinance): Adopted unanimously to consolidate and restate bond ordinances from 2014 and later, adding a reserve fund related to the hotel at the airport.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 04-2026 – Lease with Air Express International USA (DHL): Approved. DHL will add ~17,000 sq. ft. in the IMC interior shop, with a lease from March 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, at $154,917 annually (3% escalator from Jan 1, 2027). DHL installs security fence, roll-up door, and refrigeration; authority covers warehouse utilities and structural maintenance.
• Concessions Agreements with C/C Holdings: Approved four agreements to operate local brands: Lift Off (featuring Daredevil Brewing) in Concourse A, Java House Bistro in Concourse A, Shapiro’s in Concourse B (refreshed), and a rotating incubator space in Civic Plaza. C/C Holdings will invest at least $2.4 million; the incubator receives up to $500,000 rental credit for build-out. Concession fees: 11–12% of gross sales (incubator 6%). Ten-year term (Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 2037). Projected revenue to authority exceeds $6.6 million. Construction begins 2026; incubator and Shapiro's refresh complete 2027.
• FTZ Operator Agreement – Simba US LLC (Bloomington): Approved for a 28-acre site (1.2M sq. ft.) employing 1,400+ (400 more expected post-activation). Grantee fee $48,000/year.
• FTZ Operator Agreement – RAPTEC Transportation Systems (Plainfield): Approved for a 397,000 sq. ft. facility employing 58. Grantee fee $4,800/year.
• Land & Building Lease – Fly Safe LLC (Metropolitan Airport): Approved five-year term (March 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2031) with two five-year renewals. Annual rent $57,000 (increase of $31,000). Supports general aviation and corporate aircraft storage.
• Contract Award – 2026 Network Refresh Project ($1,998,393): Awarded to Network Solutions Inc. for replacing end-of-life network equipment, including design, configuration, equipment, and five-year support.
• Contract Award – Two 35-Foot Electric Buses & Infrastructure ($2,398,800): Awarded to GILLIG LLC. Extends existing fleet of eight buses; drive trains (Cummins) supported locally. Delivery expected 2027.
• Amendment No. 2 – Bags Handling System with BTC ($14,800,557.50): Approved for a highly complex baggage inspection system at IND. Independent fee evaluation conducted; 20% of fee goes to local consultants. Pursuing FAA grants for the project.
• Delegation of Authority – Economy Parking Lot Rehabilitation (Package 4): Approved for the executive director to award a construction contract (estimated range $1M–$5M). Urgent to meet construction window.
• Amendment No. 3 – Runway 5L/23R Rehabilitation with CHA Consulting ($153,894): Approved for a complete repaint/refresh of markings on the northern parallel runway.
• Amendment No. 1 – Taxiway Papa Reconstruction with Woollpert ($2,573,830.21): Approved. Project is 75% grant-funded; amendment covers construction administration for phase one and design for phase two, aligning with grant disbursements.

Executive Director’s Report & Community Impact Video

• Mario Rodriguez reported on talent development (Peterson Fellow, interns receiving impact awards), financial strength (reserves up 88% to ~$350 million, credit rating improved, debt coverage ratio from 1.58 to nearly 2.0), and local construction spending (90% local, $146 million). IND was named Best Airport in North America for the 14th time and easiest airport journey in North America.
• A video highlighted record passenger traffic (55 nonstop destinations, return of transatlantic service with Aer Lingus), community engagement (WNBA All-Star, WWE Royal Rumble), safety initiatives (APEX training, cardiac emergency response plan), and investment in local culture (new concessions, hotel groundbreaking).

Key Outcomes

• All eight business items (BP 2026-02-01 through 02-12) were approved unanimously, except the minutes (7–1).
• The consolidated bond ordinance was adopted without dissent.
• Delegation of authority for economy lot rehabilitation was granted to the executive director.
• Board congratulated member Damon Powers for receiving the G. May’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.
• The executive director’s written report and community impact video were accepted as information.