Comair, Inc., operates at Billings Logan International Airport as a Delta Air Lines, Inc. affiliate.  Due to the recent merger of Northwest with Delta, carrier arrangements at the Airport have changed effective July 1.  To ensure that specific operating requirements will continue to be met, a standard Scheduled Airline Operating Permit between the City of Billings and Comair 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 have been no operational activities for three months or either party chooses to cancel the Permit with 30 days written notice.

A copy of the Operating Permit is available for review in the City Clerk's office.

The Council may: 

• Approve the Operating Permit,
• Not approve the Operating Permit, or
• Request staff to renegotiate some part of the Operating Permit.

Under the new Operating Permit, Comair would not lease any new space in the Terminal Building, but would operate from space currently leased by the airline affiliate contracting its services.  Comair will basically be treated as just another Delta or Northwest operation, and all the common space rentals and landing fees generated by Comair are paid by the airline company for which Comair is working.

Staff recommends that Council approve and the Mayor execute the Scheduled Airline Operating Permit with Comair, Inc.