Currently Operates At An Annual Loss Of About $500,000

The State of Connecticut is reportedly in discussions with the city of Bridgeport for the possible purchase of Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

Only In Bridgeport reports that the airport has never realized its potential as an economic driver, if part because it has been hampered by land use regulations in the host town of Stratford. Bridgeport, CT owns the airport, but it is located entirely on property owned by Stratford, CT, and that relationship has not always been as amicable as the parties would have liked. Residents of Stratford have strongly resisted expansion plans at the airport, as well as previous offers from the state and Donald Trump (about 20 years ago) to purchase the airport.

After safety improvements were recently completed, discussions opened up between Bridgeport and the Connecticut Airport Authority for the state's acquisition of the airport, which currently operates at an annual loss of about $500,000.

The sales price for the airport would be about $2 million, but Bridgeport officials see the possible sale as a way to rid itself of the consistent losses from the facility. The CAA would appear to be the best fit as a buyer, but it would have to be approved by the Authority's board of directors.

If it is acquired by the CAA, the state would own a better-maintained airport in the southern part of the state that could attract corporate aviation traffic to the region.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.ctairports.org/Home.aspx