Port Authority Changes Stewart Airport Operators

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Changes are coming to New York Stewart International Airport. The Port Authority Board of Commissioners authorized a new plan for the airport Monday, which includes two internationally recognized airport operators.

The Port Authority came up with a new five-point strategic plan that will position the airport to maximize its unique international capacity and serve travelers who come from and want to access the Hudson Valley and the New York/New Jersey metro area.

This was based on the success of Norwegian Air's two years flying transatlantic flights that brought an additional 600,000 international passengers through the airport between 2017 and 2019, according to a spokesman.

Norwegian's service at Stewart ended after their 737 MAX fleet was grounded due to crashes of other airlines' equipment.

The five-point plan includes major initiatives to recruit another international air carrier to build on Norwegian's experience at Stewart.

The Port Authority will sign a 10-year management agreement with Future Stewart Partners, a joint venture between the globally recognized Groupe Aeroports de Paris (Groupe ADP), the operator of Paris' airports including Charles de Gaulle, and AvPORTS Management.

The Port Authority said, with the airport's current operations and services agreement expiring, the scope of the new partnership will include operations, maintenance, concession management and a modern air service incentives program to attract new international and domestic carriers and service to new international and domestic markets.

Specifically, the five-point plan will include the following:

• Modernizing the air carrier incentive program to attract and retain new carriers and expand service to new markets;
• Leveraging partnerships with regional and state agencies, and working with tourism and trade organizations to promote the airport as a driver of economic activity;
• Hiring an experienced marketing firm to increase the airport’s visibility in both the international marketplace and in the Hudson Valley region, and to strengthen the airport’s brand;
• Developing a joint marketing strategy with key businesses and attractions in the Hudson Valley on to promote SWF;
• Entering into an agreement with a new best-in-class airport operator — Future Stewart Partners — including an expanded scope for the building of a modern concession program and collaboration with the Port Authority on attracting new air service to Stewart.

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said the new strategy will allow the agency to build on past achievements and plan for continued growth at Stewart.

"It is a demonstration of the airport's unique international capability, market positioning and proven viability as a low-cost alternative for the New York and New Jersey metropolitan region," he said.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2018, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport more than 105 million passengers and 2.3 million metric tons of freight and mail at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and more than 176 million passengers in airports abroad through its subsidiary ADP International. The new partnership allows Stewart to leverage Groupe ADP’s global networks and expertise to help promote the airport in the U.S. and abroad, per a spokesman.

AvPORTS is the most experienced American-owned and -based airport manager and operator with more than 650 employees and a 92-year track record. AvPORTS has operated more than 30 airports and passenger terminals in the United States, including 50 years operating airports in New York State. In addition to its work at Stewart Airport, AvPORTS also currently operates Albany, Republic and Westchester airports in New York. AvPORTS also operates Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, a Port Authority facility.

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