Airport prepares for athletes’ arrival
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Preparations are under way for the arrival of the biathlon athletes at the Northern Maine Regional Airport.
“Currently the Boeing 737-800 carrying the athletes is expected to arrive in Presque Isle between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31,” said Scott Wardwell, airport director.
The group will be flying a private charter, originating at Boston’s Logan International Airport.
“Once all the athletes arrive in Boston, the group will board the flight for Presque Isle. Preparations at the airport kicked into high gear right after the New Year,” said Wardwell.
Following the conclusion of World Cup events here in The County, on Monday, Feb. 14, athletes will depart on another private charter from PQI to Logan, explained Wardwell.
“Handling the departure of a large number of people adds the additional complexity of passenger screening. The airport, the charter company and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have all been working together to expedite the entire screening process,” continued Wardwell.
TSA screens a number of private charters at Bangor International (BIA). The same staffing and procedures used at BIA will be used in Presque Isle.
It’s been a number of years since the airport has accommodated over 170 passengers in one aircraft. While several athletes competed here in 2004, the number was smaller than next week’s expected passenger count.
“In 2004, a smaller number of biathlon athletes arrived aboard a Boeing 727. Everything went pretty much as planned,” he said.
The airport manager said challenges do arise when dealing with more people arriving at one time.
“The larger number of passengers arriving at the same time presents some challenges in the arrival process. Airport staff has been working those issues to ensure that the athletes’ arrival and departure to area hotels on ground transportation can be expedited. For example, access to the baggage claim area will be limited to a very small number of members of the press and biathlon representatives. This is to ensure that the room capacity is not exceeded as required by current fire safety codes,” said Wardwell.
While space is limited, Wardwell said there will still be an opportunity for a public welcome.
“The public will have access to the main terminal lobby which provides some great locations for welcoming the athletes as they walk across the parking ramp to the baggage claim entrance. Outside the terminal, there are several more great locations for getting a close look at the athletes and giving them a great northern Maine welcome. Additional parking areas have been cleared of snow to accommodate the public. Everyone should be aware that the arrival time is approximate and is subject to change,” Wardwell said.
The World Cup Biathlon is a momentous occasion for NMRA, marking the largest number of passengers to arrive and depart at one time in nearly 10 years.
“After the biathlon events conclude, 172 of the athletes will be departing PQI on Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. They will return to Boston Logan on a private charter. Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has not been any aircraft which has departed PQI with as many passengers,” Wardwell said.
Officials are working together to ensure everything goes as planned at the airport.
“TSA and the charter operator are now working together to put the necessary procedures, equipment and staffing in place. TSA management is very familiar with screening these large private charters in Bangor. They will apply their lessons learned and put in place the staffing levels, equipment and procedures typical of a private charter departing from Bangor,” said Wardwell.
For more information on the airport or the athletes’ flight, call 764-2550.
