Airport Commission | March 27, 2025 (new Manager resigns, new Strategic Plan now publicly available)

The meeting addresses the resignation of the new Airport Manager, Matthew Elia, and the selection of interim replacements. Also, see highlights of the Airport's new Strategic Plan, now publicly available.

Watch the meeting here. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome; see contact page.

Key Points

• Resignation: Matthew Elia resigned, effective June 12, 2025, but his last day in the office is April 25th. At the last meeting on March 13, 2025, ih, Matthew Elia was appointed as acting Airport Manager (March 14 - May 8) and subsequently promoted to Airport Manager (May 9 onwards). At that meeting, the discussion included the decision to not conduct an external search for a new manager, despite some commissioners' preferences for a wider search and candidate pool.
• Interim Replacements: The commission discusses and ultimately approves the appointment of Mike Nelson as a full-time interim assistant manager and Bud Brio as a part-time interim assistant manager. Mike Nelson's extensive experience in air traffic control and management at Boston Logan Airport makes him a suitable candidate. Bud Brio's prior experience as airport manager provides familiarity with the airport and staff.
• Time Sensitivity: The commission emphasizes the urgency in finding replacements due to upcoming FAA inspections (April 14-17) and the start of the busy season.
• Other Business: The meeting also includes approval of a recruitment services contract with ADK Consulting Inc. and travel approval for airport staff training.
• Collaboration: The commission members highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration during the transition period to ensure smooth airport operations.

Some Quotes

It is with mixed emotions that I shared that I’d be resigning from the airport.

We need to make sure that the FAA inspection coming up in April is under control.

I think what will change once we bring someone on a permanent basis is the culture.

This resignation brings unexpected management changes, but we will maintain operations without disruption.

There’s no chance for a delay in appointing someone; time is of the essence here.

Staff must know we care about their roles and ensure they have the support needed.

NEW AIRPORT STRATEGIC PLAN

The Airport Commission adopted a new Strategic Plan in March 2025. It commenced the planning process in the summer of 2024.

Neither the Commission nor the Airport posted the Plan before or after it was adopted. BarnstableWatch News appreciates that the Airport staff provided it upon request.

Some highlights

Identify new non-aviation revenue

Work with FAA Boston Consolidated TRACON to inform desire to use HYA for practice IFR approaches. (Editors note: This means requesting to use the Airport for practicing IFR approaches, which are flight procedures conducted in low visibility or weather conditions where pilots must rely on instruments instead of visual cues.)

Increase passenger traffic by expanding direct flight offerings. Success Criteria: Passenger traffic is increased by at least 50% over 2024

Evaluate infrastructure to support four season aviation. Solicit architectural /
engineering firm to assess present and future needs to develop terminal redesign options to include up to 3 jetways. Success Criteria: Funding proposal is submitted to town of Barnstable

Enhance programs for providing jet fuel

Avoid chemical impact on ground water and environment through use of
proper products

Solicit Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) for aviation maintenance training facility

Explore micro transit system to and from downtown Hyannis