Airport future bright

Mercer Business, May 01, 1998

Transforming a good airport into an outstanding one is the goal of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce as it points Trenton-Mercer Airport toward a new century.

Chairman of the board Wendall T. Breithaupt heads a task force dedicated to defining the vision of the airport. Within this framework, the committee has already resolved some operational issues raised by Eastwind Airlines and, in turn, persuaded Eastwind to restore their Boston flights.

So far, the committee, working closely with the county government, has accelerated installation of a jet bridge, thus giving airport passengers modern facilities for access on and off planes. According to Chamber of Commerce President Bill Mate, the committee also spurred use of a weatherization system, ASOSC, which enables planes to review up-to-date weather reports at any time, leading to increased safety.

In an attempt to give the airport greater visibility and easier access among potential travelers, the committee worked with the Department of Transportation to increase signage on Interstate 95, Route 1 and the Scudder Falls Bridge.

Mate adds that the committee is also helping the county in researching and attracting other commercial carriers to the airport. New Jersey native Justin Edwards was recruited form Florida to serve as airport manager. Bringing extensive aviation experience to his new job, Edwards is focusing on an enhanced marketing plan for Trenton-Mercer.

Executive jet ports will soon be in operation at the airport, according to Mate, and will have the ability to both sell and service jets. Sky Trek, a new airline charter service, will be making the airport its home. Veteran resident Ronson Aviation has, in the midst of so much growth, announced a renewed commitment and concern for the airport it has long called home.

The airport is poised for growth, says Mate, who assures that it will arrive in safe, controlled, and quiet ways.

Citing the airport's importance to Mercer County, Mate views the facility as a key transportation link. "All the growth throughout our country has evolved around transportation linkages," he points out.

Merrill Lynch's ambitious plans for lands adjacent to the airport may lead to other companies following them into the area, Mate believes. Another prominent county corporate resident, First Union National Bank, uses the airport extensively and retained the executive headquarters of the former CoreStates at its site adjacent to the airport.

"The county has been going over its master plan with an eye to reactivating the rail line that adjoins the airport and the Merrill Lynch site, Mate notes. This would lead to an eventual complete transportation hub, a center for getting business travelers and goods in and out within a hassle-free environment.

This project is currently in the study stages, says Mate, with reality a few years away. Support for this plan is growing, he advises.

This growth spurt in and around the airport has altered county perceptions concerning its foreign trade zone, says Mate. Increased focus on the viability of the airport and its land has changed the county's thinking somewhat as regards the FTZ. "The land will soon be put up for bids for the highest and best use," he advises. "This may include hotels, corporate offices, and other business and entertainment facilities.

"So the FTZ is being offered to nearby industrial parks where business already exists," he explains. "The FTZ will reach its anticipated goals throughout Mercer County and not necessarily at the airport."

Mate sees numerous good things ahead for Mercer airport. I think the airport is on the verge of really taking off," Mate enthuses. "It will be the economic engine of the future for us in the next century."