The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport has unveiled its proposed rates and charges for 2025, featuring rent increases for airport space while simultaneously reducing landing fees. This adjustment is grounded in a “compensatory” approach set by Pitkin County, where airport users are charged based on their usage of facilities and services.
The signatory landing fee is set to decrease by 10%, dropping from $7.75 in 2024 to $6.98 in 2025. Seasonal landing fees will also see a reduction from $10.85 to $9.77, and the general aviation landing fee will lower from $9.18 to $8.41. However, there will be no changes to the fees for locally based general aviation. The fuel flowage fee remains steady at $0.14 per gallon.
For airlines, terminal shared space rent will increase from $115.60 to $129.36 per square foot, with similar rent increases applicable across various terminal exclusive and preferential spaces.
The anticipated changes are informed by expected increases in passenger enplanements and airline landing weight, particularly as United Airlines begins to incorporate Embraer 175 aircraft into its fleet in 2025. Forecasts suggest an increase in total enplaned passengers, with numbers expected to rise from 335,115 in 2024 to 364,579 in the upcoming year, marking a 9% increase. Signatory enplaned passengers are projected to grow from 449,054 to 517,879, equating to a 15% increase.
The anticipated total landing weight for 2025 also reflects growth, increasing from 895,911 pounds in 2024 to 972,701 pounds. United Airlines will be transitioning most of its fleet to the E175, with a significant percentage of flights utilizing this aircraft during the year.
Funding dynamics have shifted for the airport, as all COVID-19 relief funding has been exhausted following its receipt between 2021 and 2024. In 2025, the airport will not receive any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding due to an unapproved Airport Layout Plan, which may impact infrastructural developments. Without this federal support, net operating revenue is predicted to decrease by 81%, a drop of $9.7 million.
Operating expenses are projected to rise by around $10 million, driven largely by runway maintenance costs. There is approximately $8.8 million allocated specifically for runway pavement upkeep, with maintenance scheduled for early May to early June 2025.
General aviation revenue is expected to surge to approximately $22.3 million in 2025, influenced by a new lease agreement with Atlantic Aviation. Overall revenues are estimated at $37 million, reflecting a 24% increase from 2024.
Following a work session with Pitkin County commissioners on these proposals, the first reading of the rates and charges is scheduled for November 6, with a second reading on November 20. The final rates will take effect on January 1, following the adoption of a resolution by the commissioners.