Merced Regional Airport Authority Meeting - August 18, 2026
Merced Regional Airport Authority Meeting - August 18, 2026
The meeting of the Merced Regional Airport Authority on August 18, 2026, focused on the approval of a new advertising fee schedule for the terminal, updates on the new terminal and jet service, and performance reports from Contour Airlines. The board also welcomed new member Amos Montford.
Consent Calendar
- No consent calendar items were presented; the meeting proceeded directly to the discussion of Item F regarding the advertising fee schedule.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were received; no speaker cards were submitted.
Discussion Items
- Advertising Fee Schedule: Staff presented a proposed four-tier advertising fee schedule for the new terminal, designed to generate revenue and reduce dependence on the general fund. The schedule includes a 48-month program with 5% annual escalation, 24-month minimum terms, and advertiser-paid production. Tiers range from institutional anchors (e.g., UC Merced, Merced College) to short-term events. The board discussed the benefits of in-house advertising versus third-party, and the need to maintain aesthetic standards. A motion to recommend approval to the City Council as recommended by staff was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
- Airport Manager's Report: Rhett reported on major milestones: the new terminal opening, TSA checkpoint relocation, transition to 30-seat jet service by Contour Airlines, and the launch of the FlyMerced.com website. He highlighted early performance: July load factor of 58%, 100% completion factor, 88% on-time departures, and 94% A14 reliability. Total passengers for July were 1,626 (852 enplanements, 774 deplanements). Projected annual enplanements exceed 10,200. The new Airport Security Program (ASP) was approved by TSA.
- Landing Report: The landing report for May, June, and July showed a significant increase in passenger numbers due to the upgraded aircraft. July saw 1,626 total passengers, up from previous months. Cargo service from Reading Air (UPS) has ended, but the loss is minimal for the airport's growth.
- Quarterly Marketing Report (Contour Airlines): Andrew, Vice President of Contour Airlines, presented via video. He reported 636,000 impressions across Meta and Google, with 11,000 clicks. Meta ads (Facebook/Instagram) outperformed Google. He noted the success of the low-fare $79 one-way ad. Load factor for July was 58%, with weekend routes performing well (87% to LAX, 93% to Las Vegas). The board suggested using local radio stations (e.g., Hot 104.7, 95.1, 97.9) and the Merced County Times, as well as influencer partnerships. Andrew will bring the marketing director to the next meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to Approve Advertising Fee Schedule: The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed advertising fee schedule to the Merced City Council as recommended by staff. (Motion by Delvina Johnson, seconded, passed.)
- Reports Received: The airport manager’s report, landing report, and Contour Airlines marketing report were accepted as information.
- Next Steps: Staff will continue marketing the advertising space; Contour Airlines will explore additional advertising channels and address the website listing issue (Merced not appearing in the drop-down list of airports). The next meeting is expected to include a deeper marketing presentation from Contour.
Meeting Transcript
Yes. At least 72 hours prior to each regular regional airport authority meeting. A complete agenda package is available.city of Mercedes.gov or the City Clerk's office at 678 West 18th Street, Mercedes, California. All public records in relation to an open session item that are distributed to a majority of the commission will be available for public inspection at the city clerk's office during regular business hours. Members of the audience who wish to address the regional airport authority are requested to complete a speaker card available at the podium against the back of the council chamber. Please submit the completed card to the regional airport authority clerk before the item is called, preferably before the meeting begins. Material may be emailed to Fly Merced Airport at City of Merced.gov no later than 1 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Please specify which portion of the agenda you're commenting on. For example, report item number or public comment. Your comments will be presented to the regional airport authority at the appropriate time. Any course for course burdens received after 1 p.m. will be distributed to the regional airport authority and retained for an official record. To view the video available, or listen to the city council meeting live, go to the city's website at www.city of Merced.gov, YouTube or Comcast Public Access Channel 96. Okay. Thank you, Karen. We uh called order and go right on into our fledge of allegiance. Join me. Karen will do uh roll call for us. Yes. Amos Monford, the fourth. Present. Chairman Scoble. Present. Seth Silva. Present. Cheryl Hirsch, excused. President. Shar. Shaheed? President. So Delvina Johnson, present. Okay. All right. Comments? Do we have any things sent in or we don't have any speaker cards at this time or anything sent in? Okay. All right. Uh do you want to read through the members of the public paragraph or we good? I think we're good. Okay. So while you just go on to the consent calendar. Yes. Okay. Yeah, why don't we just proceed right on item F. Okay. The subject here is the recommendation to the City Council regarding a proposed advertising fee schedule for the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport. And uh short brief. And I guess Rhett, are you gonna take us through that? Or do you want me to continue reading the whole initiative first?
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