Overall flight activity at Trenton-Mercer Airport has remained relatively steady this year, even as officials prepare to welcome a new commercial airline this fall and continue work on a $200 million airport redevelopment project.
During an update to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 13, airport consultant Huntley Lawrence said the airport has little room to add additional commercial service beyond the arrival of Breeze Airways in September. He also shared updated flight statistics showing overall activity has remained stable while local flight operations have declined.
The presentation also touched on the airport’s search for a new director, ongoing efforts to reduce aircraft noise and residents’ continued concerns about environmental impacts.
Flight activity remains stable
Lawrence, of HAL Strategy Group, said overall aircraft operations have changed little over the past year.
From January through June, the airport recorded approximately 35,995 aircraft operations, compared with 39,605 during the same period last year. While overall traffic has remained relatively consistent, Lawrence said local flight activity—aircraft that remain in the airport traffic pattern for training or practice—has declined, dropping from 3,425 operations to 1,347.
Commercial service continues to be anchored by Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, along with American Airlines’ bus connection to Philadelphia International Airport.
Beginning in September, Breeze Airways will add service to Charleston, South Carolina; Vero Beach, Florida; and Fort Myers, Florida, expanding the airport’s commercial offerings.
Despite that addition, Lawrence said airport officials do not anticipate adding another airline in the near future because the existing terminal is operating near capacity.
“Breeze is kind of tight,” Lawrence said. “We have multiple airlines trying to use the same space.”
Rather than adding another carrier immediately, Lawrence said the airport will continue evaluating scheduling opportunities that allow existing airlines to better utilize the terminal.
Airport redevelopment continues
Mercer County continues planning a roughly $200 million modernization of Trenton-Mercer Airport that includes a new passenger terminal, expanded parking and a new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility.
Lawrence said the airport team has been preparing the terminal to accommodate Breeze Airways alongside existing carriers while maintaining operations throughout the transition.
Commissioner Terrance Stokes asked whether additional commercial destinations could be added after Breeze begins service.
For now, Lawrence said, the answer is no.
Search underway for new airport director
Lawrence also announced that Mercer County has continued the national search for the airport’s next director.
The county has retained Jacksonville-based ADK Consulting, which specializes in airport executive recruitment, and Lawrence said he expects a new director to be selected in September.
“We’ll take this new individual through an onboarding process,” Lawrence said. “We’ll also have a transition plan sharing exactly what the issues were and giving the individual an opportunity to implement them with our assistance.”
He also praised airport employees who have continued operating the facility during the transition.
“With the staff that is remaining at the airport, I can tell you that you’ve got some really, really good people at the airport,” Lawrence said. “I’m pretty excited about how the entire team is going to be working together.”
Residents continue raising noise concerns
Although airport officials highlighted efforts to modernize the facility, several residents used the public comment period to express continuing concerns about aircraft noise and environmental impacts.
Michael Robinowski of Lower Makefield Township said operations associated with Infinity Flight Group’s flight school have significantly increased aircraft noise over his neighborhood.
“I am not anti-airport, but I am anti-bad neighbor,” Robinowski said. “The flight school has brought a level of noise that has been completely unexpected. Imagine a very powerful lawnmower coming past your window.”
Lawrence said reducing aircraft noise remains a priority.
“We are very focused on our voluntary noise abatement procedures and to make sure that all operators are following those procedures,” he said. “You’re going to continue to see the team at the airport refine them and make them better, and to continue to be transparent with the community.”
A Titusville resident also questioned the continued use of leaded aviation fuel by small aircraft flying over neighborhoods and Bear Tavern Elementary School.
“It sounds like the planes can use newly unleaded fuels that are relatively similar in cost,” he said. “These planes are flying right over Bear Tavern Elementary School where my boys go to school and they fly over our house a meaningful amount.”
Lawrence said the Federal Aviation Administration has established a national initiative to phase out leaded aviation fuel used by piston-engine aircraft by 2030 and that airports and aircraft operators will follow that guidance.
The airport’s expansion has also drawn attention in recent years over concerns about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” at a former Navy property now incorporated into the airport. Pennsylvania officials, including Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, have previously raised concerns about both PFAS and aircraft noise as the expansion moves forward.
Other county business
The commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing speed limits along portions of Whitehead Road between Lawrence and Hamilton townships.
The board also unanimously approved amendments to speed limits on portions of Bear Tavern Road between Ewing and Hopewell Township.
The Mercer County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 27.
