BANGOR – Bangor International Airport Director Rebecca Hupp has been named to the American Association of Airport Executives’ Energy-Air Service Task Force, which will hold its inaugural meeting today in Washington, D.C.

The task force was created to explore steps airports can take to address the rapidly changing air service landscape that is resulting from dramatically higher fuel prices.

The task force will work to develop industry consensus recommendations for a national energy policy and a potential national air service policy. More than 70 airport executives representing airports of all sizes from all parts of the country are involved with the task force.

“As fuel prices rise, the aviation industry is undergoing dramatic changes that greatly impact airport operations and communities nationwide,” AAAE President Chip Barclay said.

“By pulling together airport industry leaders from across the country to participate with this important task force, we intend to shine a light on the magnitude of the challenges and develop policy recommendations that will help airports and the aviation industry weather those challenges.”

Hupp agreed. “Convenient and affordable air service from Bangor is vital to our region,” she said, adding that “the dramatic increases in the price of jet fuel will present a significant challenge to our community in growing and maintaining service.”