Bangor panel eyes ways to lure travelers to BIA

BANGOR – Following announcements of airlines exiting and entering the Bangor market in the past few weeks, city officials met on Monday night to discuss how Bangor International Airport could become the preferred facility to travelers in the region.

Airport officials presented plans for new parking and summarized attempts to draw more airlines to Bangor during a meeting with the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

BIA Director Rebecca Hupp reported to the committee that she has met with officials from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and US Airways to discuss either entering or expanding their investments in the Bangor market.

Hupp said the five airlines expressed varying degrees of interest, but in the end, every company said it was concerned by Bangor’s small market size.

In her meeting with Delta, Hupp said she informed airline officials that the 19-seat turbo-prop planes that fly the Boston route are not popular, but was told the planes were part of the company strategy to help the airline emerge from bankruptcy.

Hupp also noted that American Airlines, Allegiant Air, AirTran and Northwest officials declined a meeting with the airport.

Included in Monday’s presentation was a construction plan for 94 additional airport parking spaces.

The airport put construction of a proposed $10.2 million parking garage on hold because of declining passenger rates, Hupp said. The parking lot expansion is expected to cost around $350,000.

Hupp said she hoped construction would begin in September and be completed by winter, since she anticipates Allegiant’s nonstop service to Orlando, Fla., will result in more long-term parking during the season.

“If we want to be a preferred choice we need to have a preferred facility,” said Councilor Gerry Palmer.

Several councilors said the airport could offer more. Councilor Patricia Blanchette asked Hupp if the airport had considered valet parking, a complimentary service that removes snow from parked vehicles or promotions to entice Canadian travelers.

Councilor Richard Stone added that the airport should investigate installing a covered walkway that leads air travelers from the parking lot to the terminal.

“We know we have to do something to be the bright light on the eastern seaboard,” said Blanchette. “We need to be offering amenities that other New England airports don’t offer.”