A move by the Richmond International Airport to assume more control of airline services from two local providers has been delayed for a second time.

A unanimous vote by the Capital Region Airport Commission Tuesday morning paused the proposed change, which could have led to RIC handling aviation operations that have been provided for decades by the Richmond Jet Center and Million Air Richmond.

Commission members instead opted to defer the proposal so they can continue to investigate, discuss their options and gather more information. Another vote on the change was delayed during their previous meeting in late July.

“I want to make sure,” RIC President and CEO Perry Miller said, “because my intent going forward is to ensure I’m meeting with industry representatives on the possible options.”

The vote was the latest development in the years-long effort to assume more control of area operations from the two companies, who serve as fixed-base operators for the airport, providing services such as plane maintenance and operational support for both commercial and private flights.

The move has led to concern and criticism from the public, local businesses and lawmakers over a lack of transparency and the potential impact on the FBOs, their workers and those in the airline industry that also rely on them.

The response to the proposal was a major focus of discussion during the meeting, with multiple CRAC members decrying the toxicity of some of the messages they’ve received since the process began.

“I received multiple missives in my inbox, to my home," Airport Commissioner Misty Whitehead said. “Being chastised to care about the little guy, being chastised to care about employees struck me wrong because anybody that knows anything about me and my colleagues knows that is what we have given our lives to, long before we ever took any oath of office.”

Regardless of how this proposed change plays out, major changes to RIC are already underway. The day before the meeting, RIC leadership met with U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan for the delivery of a $500,000 check aimed at supporting the construction of a new aircraft apron.

When complete, East Side Apron 5 will be the site for two general aviation operations areas currently located in the airfield’s northwest and southwest corners.

This project will also support RIC’s master plan, allow for the expansion of cargo facilities and the construction of a second parallel runway in the future.

“We’re seeing record numbers of passengers and cargo,” McClellan said. “This is going to make sure that we’re able to keep up with that demand, now and in the future, regardless of how it comes.”

 Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan presents a $500,000 check to Charles S. Macfarlane, Perry Miller and James M. Holland of the Capital Region Airport Commission on Aug. 26 at Richmond International Airport.
 

McClellan is among the officials that have voiced concern over how RIC has handled the process to take over FBO responsibilities. When asked if her concerns have been addressed yet, she said conversations with RIC officials on the matter were in the early stages.

For the companies that could potentially be impacted if RIC takes on these responsibilities, their officials were hopeful that the pause would give them the chance to collaborate with RIC leadership as they continue to consider their path forward.

“We were encouraged by the deferral and we look forward to working with the airport on a resolution,” Richmond Jet Center President and CEO Michael Clarke said.

The next CRAC meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 24.