2005 was a "great year" for the Bismarck Municipal Airport, manager Greg Haug said.
The most noticeable change was the opening of the new terminal in May. The $15 million building features cutting-edge technology in security and baggage handling. It also incorporates the historic look of an airplane hangar with styling features derived from the very prairie it sprang from. Another $10 million was spent on parking lots, airway ramps and landscaping.
Recently, a third jetway or passenger board bridge was added, at a cost of $370,000. The jetway is located on the east side of the building toward the south end. It will serve Northwest Airlines, which has been using the bridge on the building's north side.
Haug feels the new ramp will give a boost to the cafeteria and gift shop, which are located nearer the new jetway and are more convenient for travelers to visit.
Haug is finalizing plans and specifications to complete the airport administration offices, which will be located over the ticket counters. The project is expected to be completed by late spring or early summer, with Haug and his staff moving from their offices in the general aviation building to their new headquarters by the end of summer.
The city flight line and fueling operations will stay at the general aviation building, along with the offices of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. The future of the building likely will be determined by the city commission, which is considering getting out of the fueling operations. Haug is working up a proposal request to see what entities might be interested in taking over the city's fueling interest.
"Depending on the outcome for the request for proposals, we'll know more what the general aviation building's use of the vacant space will be," Haug said.
The newly created Point2Point Airways will be using the general aviation building to pick up and drop off its passengers. Haug isn't sure what to expect from the new regional airline, being sponsored by the city.
Bismarck Tribune
Bismarck Municipal Airport (KBIS)
The most noticeable change was the opening of the new terminal in May. The $15 million building features cutting-edge technology in security and baggage handling. It also incorporates the historic look of an airplane hangar with styling features derived from the very prairie it sprang from. Another $10 million was spent on parking lots, airway ramps and landscaping.
Recently, a third jetway or passenger board bridge was added, at a cost of $370,000. The jetway is located on the east side of the building toward the south end. It will serve Northwest Airlines, which has been using the bridge on the building's north side.
Haug feels the new ramp will give a boost to the cafeteria and gift shop, which are located nearer the new jetway and are more convenient for travelers to visit.
Haug is finalizing plans and specifications to complete the airport administration offices, which will be located over the ticket counters. The project is expected to be completed by late spring or early summer, with Haug and his staff moving from their offices in the general aviation building to their new headquarters by the end of summer.
The city flight line and fueling operations will stay at the general aviation building, along with the offices of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. The future of the building likely will be determined by the city commission, which is considering getting out of the fueling operations. Haug is working up a proposal request to see what entities might be interested in taking over the city's fueling interest.
"Depending on the outcome for the request for proposals, we'll know more what the general aviation building's use of the vacant space will be," Haug said.
The newly created Point2Point Airways will be using the general aviation building to pick up and drop off its passengers. Haug isn't sure what to expect from the new regional airline, being sponsored by the city.
Bismarck Tribune
Bismarck Municipal Airport (KBIS)
