VERO BEACH — Elite Airways is hoping to resume direct flights this month from the city to Newark, New Jersey.
But the decision to continue flights depends on if a resolution – establishing rates and charges for airlines using Vero Beach Regional Airport – is approved, Airport Director Eric Menger said. The city was expected to discuss the proposed resolution at next Tuesday’s meeting.
“Hopefully it will be approved,” Menger said.
In early April, the city terminated its airport usage agreement with Elite Airways, which has a past due amount of $16,696, City Manager Monte Falls said. At the time of the city council’s termination vote, the Maine-based airline grounded all Vero Beach flights in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
If the council reaches an agreement on airline rates and charges, permitted carriers would have to pay all previous debts owed to the city, Falls said. The airline carrier also has to provide a three-month sum totaling $11,280 in advance for operating expenses.
Falls said airlines that don’t become permitted carriers can still operate as non-signatory carriers. After one month, the non-signatory carriers will be issued an invoice for a 30 percent premium on airport charges, Falls said.
The carriers will not be able to use the airport if the invoice is not paid after 30 days. The city said the non-discriminatory policy creates fair rates and charges for airlines, helping to cover airport operating and maintenance costs.
Even though a final decision hasn’t been made on rates and charges for airlines, the city is still preparing as if Elite Airways will resume service, Falls said. The airline carrier’s website still shows non-stop flight options from Vero Beach to Newark, New Jersey, and from Portland, Maine to Vero Beach.
Falls said any flights from the airport will still operate under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order. The order requires passengers traveling to Vero to undergo airport screening and 14 days of isolation after arrival.