Swift Air, LLC provides commercial charter service for group and special events.  At the Airport, Swift Air typically operates occasional charter casino flights to and from Wendover, Nevada.  To ensure that specific operating requirements will continue to be met, a standard Air Transportation Company Operating Permit between the City of Billings and Swift Air, LLC is required.  The Operating Permit ensures that the airline follows certain operating parameters and procedures, including providing proof that the proper insurance coverage is in place.  The Permit is automatically renewable for one-year periods, unless there has been no operational activity for three months or either party chooses to cancel the Permit with 30 days written notice.

↵City Council may:

• Approve the Operating Permit with Swift Air, LLC; or
• Disapprove the Operating Permit with Swift Air, LLC.

Under the new Operating Permit, Swift Air, LLC would not lease any new space in the Terminal Building, but would operate from space currently leased by one of the other airlines, under an agreement with that airline.  Currently, United Airlines handles the flights for Swift Air, LLC.  Additionally, Swift Air, LLC will be required to report its enplanements, deplanements, landed weight for each of its flights, and pay any landing fees associated with those flights.  Each flight will generate approximately $800 in landing fees.

Staff recommends that City Council approve and the Mayor execute the Air Transportation Company Operating Permit with Swift Air, LLC.