Regional Airport Authority 08.18.2026

The City of Merced Regional Airport Authority met on August 19, 2026. The main business item was a proposed four-tier terminal advertising fee schedule for the new airport terminal. The schedule provides for 48-month agreements, a 24-month minimum, 5% annual fee increases, and advertiser-paid production costs; it is intended to attract institutional and smaller event advertisers while keeping advertising revenue in-house to help offset airport operating costs and reduce reliance on the city’s General Fund. After discussion, the Authority approved a motion to recommend the schedule to the City Council as presented by staff. No contract award or vendor selection was reported.

The airport manager also reported on the new terminal, TSA checkpoint relocation and approved airport security plan, and Contour Airlines’ first month of service, including July load and reliability figures. Authority members and Contour discussed airline marketing performance and possible local advertising channels, including radio, newspapers, and social media; these were suggestions for the airline to consider, not purchasing decisions. The meeting also noted the loss of UPS air-cargo service as the carrier shifts that operation to trucks.