“Monterey Regional Airport: Current Operations, Challenges and Future"

MIchael La Pier, A.A.E., Executive Director

The Monterey Regional Airport is a vital transportation entity in our area. We all use it but have little insight as to what takes place there behind the scenes. Michael La Pier will detail its history, current operations, thebusiness elements, and other aspects such as COIVID recovery, policing, fire, security, fog, solar energy, the control tower, FAA involvement, the governing structure, and various challenges and issues. He will also discuss future directions, the land acquisition, the new Master Plan which will culminate in construction of a new terminal building, and future new air service and destinations. There will be video and PowerPoint graphics along with the presentation. This revealing inside view of our airport should prove informative and fascinating.

Michael La Pier is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and has served in his current capacity for 8 years. Under his direction the airport has reached $17 million in annual revenue, acquired property on Monterey Salinas Highway, constructed a solar farm to provide electricity for the airport, and expanded air service to several new markets. He has over 35 years of experience in airport management, including the Central Illinois Regional Airport ($40 mil. new terminal) and the Myrtle Beach Int’l Airport ($120 mil. new passenger terminal). Michael serves on the U.S. Government Affairs Committee for Airports and is a board member of the Monterey County Hospitality Assn. and the Convention & Visitor Bureau.