August 23, 2017 – Bruce Carter of the Quad City International Airport in Moline (MLI) provided a status overview of the services being offered, new items of interest, and potential revenue increasing methods.  Currently, MLI offers service for three of the top four largest airlines; including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.  Allegiant Airlines is also on the list of service providers and has become a popular airline for many to utilize.  In December 2017, service to Punta Gorda, Florida will be offered once again via Allegiant Airlines.  Mr. Carter explained that ridership has decreased since 2011, when AirTran (now a part of Southwest Airlines) discontinued service from MLI.  However, from 2015 to 2016, ridership only decreased by 0.9%.  MLI still strives to see that percentage increase.

In the past five years, MLI has received approximately $17.3 million dollars in funding through various grants.  Federal grants for MLI are 90% federal funding, matched with 5% state funding and 5% local funding.  Representatives at MLI are exploring opportunities to acquire further revenue.  Land acquisition and taxing alternatives are just a few potential opportunities.

Recently, a parking lot survey was conducted and revealed that approximately 69% of the cars in the parking lot belonged to an Iowa license plate, 25% to an Illinois license plate, and 6% to another state’s license plate.  As a result, collaboration of taxing across Iowa and Illinois state boundaries is being further researched, particularly since the Quad City International Airport is a regional amenity.

Mr. Carter stated that a strategic planning meeting will be held in late September or early October to discuss potential opportunities.

Fiscal Year 2017-18 projects include improvements in airport security, construction of a new northwest service road, reconstruction of a taxiway, and rehabilitation of the airfield electrical system.  MLI also has five parcels of land available for lease.