August 2, 2011

Sponsor: Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport, Auburn-Lewiston, Maine

Rick Cloutier, Airport Director

Congressional Code: ME-002

Dun & Bradstreet Number: 093631935

Tax Identification Number (EIN): 01-0365409

Application for Federal Support for New Air Service via:

Revenue Guarantees

Advertising/Marketing Program

Start-Up Cost Offsets

In Support of Non-Stop Service between Auburn-Lewiston and Boston

AUBURN-LEWISTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, MAINE

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introductory Letters 3

Summary Information – Appendix C 8

Introduction 11

The Auburn-Lewiston Air Service Market 12

Potential for Air Service 13

Air Service Development Efforts 17

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies 18

Strategic Plan for New Air Service 23

Proposed New Route 24

Implementation Timeline 30

Alternate Plan 31

Public/Private Partnership 32

Funding Plan 34

Performance Measures and Financial Controls 36

Legal Sponsor 37

Letters of Support 38

Availability of Alternate Airports 51

Airport Information 52

Community Profile 53

Conclusions 63

Section Page Number
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 3

INTRODUCTORY LETTERS
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 4
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 5
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 6
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 7
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 8

SUMMARY INFORMATION – APPENDIX C

Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119

A. Applicant Information

 Not a Consortium Community now receives EAS subsidy

 Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium

 Community previously received a Small Community Grant

 If previous recipient, date of Grant: ________________________________

expiration date of Grant: _______________________

B. Public/Private Partnership

Public:

1. Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport

2. City of Lewiston

3. City of Auburn

4. Androscoggin County

5. Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG)

Private:

1. Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

2. Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council

3. Bates College

4. L/A Arts
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 9

C. Project Proposal

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Revenue Guarantee

 Launch New Carrier Start-Up Cost Offset First Service

 Study Secure Additional Service Other (Specify)

D. Existing Landing Aids at Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach

 Localizer Other:

E. Project Cost

1. Federal amount requested: $ 600,000

2. State cash financial contribution: $ 0

Local cash financial contribution:

3a. Airport cash funds: $ 25,000

3b. Non-Airport cash funds: $ 75,000

3. Total local cash funds: $ 100,000

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING: $ 700,000

In-Kind Contribution:

a. Airport In-Kind contribution: $ Various

b. Other In-Kind contribution: $ Various

5. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION: $ Undetermined

6. TOTAL PROJECT COST: $ 700,000 + In-Kind

F. In-Kind Contributions

For funds in lines 7a (airport in-kind contribution) and 7b (other in-kind contribution), 

please describe the source(s) of fund(s) for each.

Fee waivers: landing and terminal fees (airport)

Advertising and marketing match money (media companies)
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 10

G. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

 This application was made available to the State on ______.

 Program is subject to review, but has not been selected by the State.

 Program is not covered.

H. Is Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?

 No
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 11

INTRODUCTION

The methodical process to prepare the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport for scheduled airline 

service is nearing completion. Just this summer, the regional governments approved an 

$800,000 investment in a renovated airline terminal at the Airport – the last piece of the facilities 

puzzle in preparing the Airport for scheduled service. The terminal investment comes after two 

years of intense market study and research, paid for by the communities of Auburn and Lewiston 

themselves. The cities realized air service could be the key to continued economic 

development. One City leader went as far as to say the future of the community rests on the 

ability to bring an air carrier to the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.

In the summer of 2011, the Auburn-Lewiston area has already celebrated two big wins for the 

local economy. First TD Bank announced the expansion of its corporate center in the region, 

adding another 500 jobs to an already large base of more than 2,000 employees. Then, in June 

of 2011, Carbonite – the computer file back-up 

service – announced a new operation in AuburnLewiston employing 250 high-tech engineers.

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is working to 

capture that energy in its effort to attract local 

scheduled air service. The Airport has the potential to 

serve a region that has lost 1,440 departing seats per day since 2009 – more than 37% of its airline 

capacity. This capacity decline has caused fares to jump by 12% in the last year. The new 

service at Auburn-Lewiston would make up for only a small fraction of the seats lost in the region, 

but that gives the Airport increased confidence local service would be supported.

The Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study, updated in July of 2011 for this application, shows the 

market generates an average of 605 passengers per day each way as of calendar year 2010. 

These passengers must travel on a toll road to access any regional air service. The Airport seeks 

to provide a local, convenient alternative for air service. It has raised $100,000 in matching 

money for this project, and now it seeks the support of the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program.

“One city leader went as far as to 

say the future of the community 

rests on the ability to bring an air 

carrier to the... Airport.”
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 12

THE AUBURN-LEWISTON AIR SERVICE MARKET

Potential for Air Service

The cities of Auburn and Lewiston, Maine, recognizing the value of their local airport to the 

economy of the region, have made commitments to invest almost $1 million in airport 

improvement projects and air service development projects. The latest investment is a 

remodeling of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport’s 1950’s era passenger terminal, to make it 

air carrier ready – a commitment made within the last 60 days.

Additionally, without the aid 

of a Small Community Air 

Service Development Grant, 

the communities 

commissioned a detailed 

True Market/Leakage Study 

so they could better 

understand travel patterns in 

the region closest to the local 

airport. This Study has guided 

the Airport in its mission, and 

helped to add detailed 

focus to the air service 

development efforts in the 

region. While the Study 

shows significant potential for 

air service to be successful, 

the Airport has been 

conservative in its request for 

federal Small Community Air 

Service Development 

Program dollars – and conservative in the approach for new air service.

The Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study showed the Airport has the potential to serve as a more 

efficient, and better positioned, gateway for much of the central section of Maine – all the way 

from the Atlantic coast to the mountains in the north (see map 1). Auburn-Lewiston is a hub for 

MAP 1: The Catchment Areas of Regional Maine Airports

Updated 2011; Source: Sixel Consulting Group
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 13

the new economy, with large recent investments from companies such as Deutsch Lufthansa, TD 

Banknorth, Procter and Gamble, LL Bean, Nestle, and General Electric. This area is home to 

278,200 people as of the latest US Census estimates and makes up 28% of the region’s total 

population – a larger share than either of the current served airports in Augusta or Rockland (see 

map 1). Augusta makes up just 16% of the regional population, while Rockland is even smaller, 

with just 10% of the region’s population. The case can be made that there is more of a market 

for local air service in Auburn-Lewiston than there is in either Augusta or Rockland – both of 

which currently have local air service subsidized by the Essential Air Service program.

The Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study pulled a sample of local tickets from 2007. In the

summer of 2011, it was updated with new data then meshed with US Department of 

Transportation data from the other airports in the region to give a market update based on new 

trends in travel in the region. This year, the updated Study showed the Auburn-Lewiston 

extended catchment area produces a total of 441,926 annual passengers or an average of 605

passengers per day each way (see figure 1). The study showed more than 75% of those 

passengers currently fly from Portland International Jetport – the closest airport with current air 

service.

FIGURE 1: Estimated O&D Passengers and Average Fares in the Auburn-Lewiston Catchment Area

Updated for CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group True Market Study Update, 2011

310,963 313,638

345,667

372,624

357,035

407,232

436,633 435,313

421,055

14,216 13,941

15,510

15,432

16,731

18,450

19,231 19,446

20,871

445.5 448.7

494.8

531.6

512.0

583.1

624.5 623.0

605.4

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW International Domestic

$170

$178

$169 $167

$192

$180

$187

$161

$180
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 14

The Study estimates that, over the last nine years, Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport catchment 

area passengers have increased by 36% - from an average of 446 passengers per day each 

way in 2002 to an average of 605 passengers per day each way in 2010 – growth of an average 

of 160 passengers per day each way (see figure 1). Growth has been stalled, however in the last 

three years, largely due to the loss of airline seat capacity in the region.

Additionally, the average fare paid by the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area passenger has risen 

by 12% in the last year (see figure 1). In 2009, the average fare for Auburn-Lewiston catchment 

area passengers was $161 each way through all airports from which they flew. In 2010, that 

number jumped to an average of $180 each way, or $360 roundtrip, suppressing local 

passengers by about 3%, or 18 passengers per day each way.

The majority of the largest 

origin and destination 

passenger markets from 

the Auburn-Lewiston 

catchment area are 

concentrated along the 

East Coast. In all, 12 of the 

top 20 true O&D passenger 

markets from the AuburnLewiston catchment area 

are on the East Coast, with 

just three on the West 

Coast (see figure 2). This 

reflects the business makeup of the Auburn-Lewiston 

market, as most of the 

largest employers in the 

catchment area have 

other offices in the 

Northeast or Southeast.

FIGURE 2: Estimated Top 20 O&D Passenger Markets

Updated for CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group

47,170

31,851

26,310

19,663

18,070

13,862

13,619

11,777

10,590

8,112

8,028

7,666

7,622

7,509

6,401

6,217

6,115

5,795

5,638

5,463

64.6

43.6

36.0

26.9

24.8

19.0

18.7

16.1

14.5

11.1

11.0

10.5

10.4

10.3

8.8

8.5

8.4

7.9

7.7

7.5

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

New York/Newark, NY

Orlando/Sanford, FL

Baltimore, MD

Washington, DC

Atlanta, GA

Tampa, FL

Philadelphia

Charlotte, NC

Chicago, IL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

San Francisco, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Fort Myers, FL

Denver, CO

Las Vegas, NV

Jacksonville, FL

Phoenix/Mesa, AZ

Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Raleigh/Durham, NC

Annual Passengers 

PDEW
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 15

The summer 2011 update to the Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows New York/Newark is 

the number one O&D passenger market from the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area, averaging 

almost 65 passengers per day each way through other airports (see figure 2). Other large O&D 

markets to and from the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area include Orlando, with an average of 

44 passengers per day each way in 2010; Baltimore and Washington, DC, with a combined 

average of 63 passengers per day each way; Atlanta, with an average of 25 passengers per 

day each way; and Tampa, with an average of 19 passengers per day each way.

As previously noted, the 

average one way fare as 

determined by the summer 

2011 update to the Airport’s 

True Market/Leakage Study 

was $180 (see figure 3). 

While average fares to most 

East Coast markets were 

below the overall AuburnLewiston average due to 

the fact that they are 

shorter stage length flights, 

some East Coast markets 

have prohibitively high 

fares, despite the presence 

of low fare carriers at both 

Portland and Manchester. 

For example, the average 

fare for Auburn-Lewiston 

catchment area passengers 

to Washington, DC, in 2010 

was $184 each way while 

the average fare to Philadelphia was $189 each way. Generally, Auburn-Lewiston catchment 

area residents pay fares that are higher than the regional average to access air service out of 

other airports in the region.

FIGURE 3: Estimated Fares in Top 20 O&D Passenger Markets

Updated for CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group

$114

$124

$110

$184

$161

$122

$189

$143

$223

$148

$202

$207

$142

$181

$184

$133

$169

$212

$195

$122

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200

New York/Newark, NY

Orlando/Sanford, FL

Baltimore, MD

Washington, DC

Atlanta, GA

Tampa, FL

Philadelphia

Charlotte, NC

Chicago, IL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

San Francisco, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Fort Myers, FL

Denver, CO

Las Vegas, NV

Jacksonville, FL

Phoenix/Mesa, AZ

Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Raleigh/Durham, NC

Average Fare: $180
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 16

The summer 2011 

update to the 

Airport’s True 

Market/Leakage 

Study confirms

Auburn-Lewiston is at 

the center of the 

largest region in 

Maine without any 

commercial airline 

service. It also 

affirms the 

community’s 

decision to go 

forward with a 

remodel of the 

outdated airline 

terminal (see figure 

4). The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport has not had commercial, scheduled airline service 

since the 1980s. As such, the Airport’s terminal was not suitable for current scheduled air service. 

The Cities of Auburn and Lewiston have approved an $800,000 plan to update and expand the 

terminal to make it air carrier ready. 

The Airport will be able to handle scheduled service, under Part 139, by the summer of 2012. 

Should a Small Community Air Service Development Grant be awarded in this cycle, the 

Airport’s infrastructure will be ready for service under an aggressive timeline, helping to ensure 

the Grant funding gets put to use within nine months of the award.

FIGURE 4: Diagrams of Updated Auburn-Lewiston 

Municipal Airport Passenger Terminal
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 17

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

The biggest air service development project at the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is just 

about to begin – the remodeling of the 1950s era passenger terminal. The project will cost 

$800,000, paid for by the communities of Auburn and Lewiston, but it will be essential to the 

Airport’s ability to handle scheduled airline service. The project should be complete by the 

summer of 2012, meaning service could begin at that time.

The administration of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport has been extremely active in 

working to add air service to the community. As community leaders expressed their desire to do 

whatever it takes to bring air carrier service to their 

local Airport, Airport leaders commissioned an air 

service study, and have since been meeting, oneon-one, with potential airlines. These meetings 

have included Cape Air and Colgan Air, airlines 

that will be specifically mentioned in this 

application. The Airport has also met with 

ExpressJet, Republic, and other regional carriers with major airline codeshares.

The next step in the Airport’s air service development program is the development of funding for 

risk mitigation. The Airport’s meetings with various airlines have yielded a specific plan for risk 

mitigation. This Small Community Air Service Development Grant is a key to that risk mitigation 

program.

“The project will cost $800,000... 

but it will be essential to the 

Airport’s ability to handle 

scheduled airline service.”
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 18

AIR SERVICE NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES

As has been established, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport has no current scheduled air 

service, nor does it have any local access to the national air transportation system. AuburnLewiston area businesses, and travelers, are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to other

communities in the Northeast as their only access to air service requires a drive on a toll road.

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport understands that air carriers spend very little time 

analyzing smaller markets, and specific information on potential passenger traffic in smaller 

communities is limited. For these reasons, the Airport first commissioned a True Market/Leakage 

Study. That Study data has been updated for calendar year 2010, for use in this proposal under 

the federal Small Community Air Service Development Program.

The Study shows that almost 75% of all 

passengers originating from the 

Auburn-Lewiston catchment area fly 

from the Portland International Jetport 

(see figure 5). Roughly 18% of travelers 

from Auburn-Lewiston drive all the way 

to Boston’s Logan Airport to access the 

national air transportation system – a 

drive of three hours without traffic. All 

other airports account for the 

remainder of tickets sold to AuburnLewiston catchment area travelers.

On average in 2010, the AuburnLewiston catchment area generates 

451 passengers per day each way in 

and out of the Portland Jetport (see 

figure 5). The catchment generates 

an additional 108 passengers per day each way in and out of Boston, while it generates almost 

33 passengers per day each way in and out of Manchester as of 2010. In all, the AuburnLewiston catchment area is estimated to generate an average of 605 passengers per day each 

way, despite the lack of local air service at the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.

FIGURE 5: Airport Share of Auburn-Lewiston Passengers

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group

Portland 74.5%

Boston 17.9%

Manchester 5.4%

Bangor 1.0%

Others 1.2%

Airport Passengers PDEW Share

1 Portland, ME 329,204 451.0 74.5% 

2 Boston, MA 78,986 108.2 17.9% 

3 Manchester, NH 23,964 32.8 5.4% 

4 Bangor, ME 4,357 6.0 1.0% 

5 All Others 5,415 7.4 1.2% 

Total 441,926 605.4 100.0% 

Rank
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 19

As Auburn-Lewiston catchment area travelers must access air service at other airports – primarily 

through the Portland International Jetport according to the Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study 

– it is important to understand the airline capacity available in the region to determine the level 

of service for Auburn-Lewiston travelers. Like much of the rest of the country, Maine has been hit 

with airline seat and flight cuts over the last several years.

As most Auburn-Lewiston catchment area passengers fly in and out of Portland, airline capacity 

at the Portland Jetport is critical to air service access in Auburn-Lewiston. Since the summer of 

2009, airlines serving Portland have cut available seats by 37% - making Portland one of the 

hardest hit airports in the northeast region (see figure 6). In the summer of 2009, airlines offered 

an average of 3,938 departing seats per day at Portland. By February of 2011, that number had 

dropped to an average of 2,498 daily departing seats – a loss of 1,440 departing seats per day. 

New service at Auburn-Lewiston would make-up for only a small fraction of the seats lost at the 

Portland Jetport, giving the Airport increased confidence local service would be supported.

FIGURE 6: Passengers, Seats, and Flights per Day Each Way at PWM

July 2009 – February 2011; Source: US DOT T100 Data

3,938 3,911

3,452

3,325

2,906

2,656 2,592

2,372

2,662

2,853 2,926

3,291

3,471 3,535

3,146

3,009

2,641

2,456

2,269

2,498

3,222 3,301

2,631 2,682

2,092

1,917

1,673

1,806

2,151 2,210 2,285

2,623

2,964

3,083

2,541 2,507

2,053

1,795

1,564

1,774

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

2009-07 2009-08 2009-09 2009-10 2009-11 2009-12 2010-01 2010-02 2010-03 2010-04 2010-05 2010-06 2010-07 2010-08 2010-09 2010-10 2010-11 2010-12 2011-01 2011-02

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights DEW

49.6 49.3

43.8 42.4

39.7

36.6 35.8

32.5

37.0

38.6 38.2

41.9

43.7 44.4

41.0 39.8

36.0

33.4

30.2

32.5
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 20

As airlines have cut seats from the Portland market, flights have also been cut, with departures 

down 35% since the summer of 2009 (see figure 6). In July of 2009, airlines serving the Portland 

Jetport offered an average of 49.6 departures per day. By February of 2011, the average 

number of daily departures at Portland fell to 32.5 – a loss of 17 daily departures. As Portland 

loses available seats and flights, it becomes more difficult for Auburn-Lewiston catchment area 

travelers to access air service there.

Moreover, Portland is not a hub that offers non-stop flights to a wide breadth of destinations. 

Even with service provided at Portland, Auburn-Lewiston catchment area travelers are still 

forced to take connecting flights to get to most destinations. Another somewhat surprising 

statistic from the Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study is the fact that, despite non-stop flight 

options in Boston, very few Auburn - Lewiston passengers drive to Boston to get those non-stops. 

The Study shows Auburn-Lewiston passengers prefer to fly from an airport closer to home, even if 

that means they’ll have to spend more time in connecting airports.

While the summer 2011 update to the 

Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows 

the largest proportion of Auburn-Lewiston 

passengers travel non-stop to their 

destinations, the majority connect at a hub 

on the way to their final destination. The 

Study shows about 30% of all AuburnLewiston catchment area passengers fly 

non-stop to their destinations, with 70% using 

connecting flights (see figure 7). This statistic 

illustrates the fact that non-stop 

convenience is not as important to AuburnLewiston travelers as is the convenience of 

being able to fly from an airport that is 

closer to home.

The Airport’s market study also found that 

no one hub is significantly more popular 

than any other. The most popular 

connecting hub is Philadelphia, with an 

FIGURE 7: Connection Point for Auburn-Lewiston Passengers

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group

Nonstop 29.6% 

Philadelphia, PA 

13.7% 

Detroit, MI 7.4% 

Washington 

Dulles, DC 4.8% 

New York J F 

Kennedy, NY 4.8% 

New York La 

Guardia, NY 4.7% 

Others 35.0% 

Airport Passengers PDEW Share

1 Non-stop 130,648 179.0 29.6% 

2 Philadelphia, PA 60,749 83.2 13.7% 

3 Detroit, MI 32,615 44.7 7.4% 

4 Washington Dulles, DC 21,163 29.0 4.8% 

5 New York J F Kennedy, NY 21,163 29.0 4.8% 

6 New York La Guardia, NY 20,789 28.5 4.7% 

7 Washington National, DC 20,167 27.6 4.6% 

8 Chicago O'Hare, IL 19,980 27.4 4.5% 

9 Atlanta, GA 19,482 26.7 4.4% 

10 New York Newark, NJ 15,810 21.7 3.6% 

Total of Above 362,898 497.1 82.0% 

Rank
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 21

average of 83 passengers per day each way connecting through it in 2010 – or 14% of AuburnLewiston catchment area passengers (see figure 7). The only other hub gaining more than 5% of 

the sample of tickets was Detroit, with 7.4% of passengers, or 45 passengers per day each way 

as of calendar year 2010.

In all, the summer 2011 update to the Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows AuburnLewiston passengers bought tickets connecting through more than 15 different hubs. The fact 

that there is no preferred hub illustrates the fact that there is no preferred airline. 

A quick glance at the 2010 

carrier share from the AuburnLewiston catchment area shows 

that airline consolidation has had 

a major impact on reducing 

competition in the region. Three 

airlines capture a combined 91% 

of all Auburn-Lewiston

catchment area passengers as of 

calendar year 2010 (see figure 8). 

US Airways has long been a 

passenger market share leader in 

Maine. It captured almost 39% of 

all Auburn-Lewiston catchment 

area passengers in 2010, or an 

average of 234 passengers per 

day each way.

The two major mergers of the last 

three years have dramatically shifted carrier share in the Auburn-Lewiston market. Delta, after its 

merger with Northwest, now captures almost a third of Auburn-Lewiston catchment area 

passengers, or an average of 191 passengers per day each way (see figure 8). At the same 

time, the United-Continental merger has allowed United to grow its passenger market share to 

more than 20%, or an average of 127 passengers per day each way in the Auburn-Lewiston

catchment area in 2010.

FIGURE 8: Carrier Share of Auburn-Lewiston Catchment Area Passengers

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group

US Airways 38.7% 

Delta 31.5% 

United 21.0% 

American 4.9% 

Others 3.9% 

Airline Passengers PDEW Share

1 US Airways 171,044 234.3 38.7% 

2 Delta 139,207 190.7 31.5% 

3 United (+Continental) 92,804 127.1 21.0% 

4 American 21,598 29.6 4.9% 

5 British Airways 2,179 3.0 0.5% 

6 Southwest 2,116 2.9 0.5% 

7 Airtran 1,992 2.7 0.5% 

Total of Above 430,940 590.3 97.5% 

Total 441,926 605.4 100.0% 

Rank
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 22

Airline consolidation means less competition, specifically in smaller states such as Maine. This 

reduced competition has already started to cause fare increases, with the average fare paid by 

Auburn-Lewiston catchment area passengers up 12% in the last year. Additional competition in 

the region, at a new access point – the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport – will help counteract 

this trend.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 23

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NEW AIR SERVICE

The region surrounding Auburn-Lewiston faces many air service challenges. Airline capacity in 

the region has been cut by more than a third in the last two years – with a loss of more than 

1,400 daily departing seats. Fares have gone up, as a result, by 12% in the last year. And 70% of 

all Auburn-Lewiston catchment area passengers have to make a connection through a hub to 

get to their final destination.

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is working to address those challenges through this 

strategic plan for service. Due to the distribution of the top destinations from the market, it is 

likely the most successful service will be to an East Coast hub, connecting to most major 

destinations. The Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows:

• Almost three-quarters of projected passengers from the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal 

Airport (LEW) catchment area – 72% – fly to destinations on the East Coast.

• More than two-thirds – 69% – of the projected airline revenue created in the AuburnLewiston catchment area goes to destinations on the East Coast.

• With such a high percentage of Auburn-Lewiston passengers and revenue flowing to 

destinations on the immediate East Coast, it is essential that any air service to/from LEW 

be able to connect to each of these high volume destinations.

• The most successful air service at Auburn-Lewiston will connect to a hub along the East 

Coast – preferably in the Northeast – that offers a wide range of one-stop destinations 

from New York to Florida.

• Service to hubs not on the immediate East Coast, or not in the Northeast, will not be able 

to draw as many local Auburn-Lewiston passengers, as connections would require 

“backtracking.”

It is also assumed that service in Auburn-Lewiston will be more successful if it does not duplicate 

service at the Portland International Jetport. As Portland has service to most nearby hubs 

covered, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is targeting scheduled service to Boston – a 

service which is not offered from Portland. It is believed this service will help replace some of the 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 24

available seats lost from the region over the last two years, and offer a new destination and a 

new hub to the region, as a whole.

In support of this new service, the Airport proposes 

to offer Grant funding, in the form of start-up cost 

abatements, fee waivers, marketing support, and 

a revenue guarantee to Cape Air or Colgan 

Air/Pinnacle Airlines/Mesaba Airlines for at least 

two daily flights to Boston (see map 2). This service 

offers connectivity to the widest possible 

collection of interline destinations. The route from 

Auburn-Lewiston to Boston is short, can be served 

at low cost, and requires a much smaller 

investment than other service options with aircraft 

up to and including regional jets. The LEW-BOS 

route covers 122 miles with an average flying time 

of 30 minutes at an average groundspeed of 250 

miles per hour.

For the purposes of this proposal, the Airport has analyzed the Boston market, and its 

connections, with Cape Air as the operator of the service. The Airport proposes the flights be 

timed to meet the morning outbound bank at Boston on Cape Air’s codeshare airlines, jetBlue 

and United, and all other interline carriers. The service would connect to omni-directional 

destinations from the hub. 

The Airport also proposes a 

late evening return, 

connecting those same 

cities back into AuburnLewiston during the last 

bank of the night (see 

figure 9). The Airport also 

proposes a mid-afternoon round trip, designed to connect to outbound international 

destinations from Boston.

MAP 2: The Proposed Auburn-Lewiston

to Boston Route

FIGURE 9: The Proposed Auburn-Lewiston - Boston 

Flight Schedule

Flight Flight Days Weekly Origin Destination Block

Origin Destination of Week Flights Departure Arrival Time Equipment

LEW BOS 1234567 7 6:30 AM 7:20 AM 0:50 Varies

LEW BOS 1234567 7 3:10 PM 4:00 PM 0:50 Varies

BOS LEW 1234567 7 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 0:50 Varies

BOS LEW 1234567 7 9:10 PM 10:00 PM 0:50 Varies
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 25

Cape Air service 

from AuburnLewiston to Boston 

would open 45 

one-stop 

destinations over 

the Boston hub (see 

map 3). Flights 

timed on the 

proposed schedule 

would connect to 

all 20 of AuburnLewiston’s top 20 

origin and 

destination 

passenger markets 

as indentified in the 

summer 2011 

update to the 

Airport’s True 

Market/Leakage Study.

There are multiple options for air service to Boston. Should Cape Air not be interested in serving 

the route, or should the community decide to pursue service on a larger aircraft by raising more 

local money for the project, Auburn-Lewiston could work with Colgan Air/Pinnacle 

Airlines/Mesaba Airlines for the launch of service on the route. Colgan has operations 

throughout the Northeast from Boston on 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft. These aircraft would also be 

well-suited for the Auburn-Lewiston – Boston route, and the flight times would not change 

appreciably by changing the carrier and aircraft type. It is also likely most connections beyond 

Boston would remain relatively unchanged with either airline operating the service.

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport proposes a total of $700,000 be used in the funding of this 

project. The Airport and its community partners (detailed later in this application) have raised a 

total of $100,000 in new funding for the project – or 14% of the total project cost. The remaining 

MAP 3: Connections beyond Boston

on Cape Air and Codeshare Airlines
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 26

$600,000 would come from the federal Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

requested in this proposal.

Of the total project cost of $700,000, $100,000 will be used for marketing and advertising 

projects, focused on the immediate Auburn-Lewiston catchment area. Up to $50,000 from the 

federal portion of the project cost will be used to cover start-up costs for the airline entering the 

market. The federal share of this project will be $600,000, of which, at least, $550,000 will be used 

as a revenue guarantee for the new carrier.

Route Specific Data: Auburn-Lewiston – Boston

For reasons identified in this section of the application, the ideal hub for most Auburn-Lewiston 

passenger demand is one in the Northeast that can connect to most East Coast destinations 

with one stop. Almost three-quarters of total passenger demand in the Auburn-Lewiston 

catchment area goes to destinations on the East 

Coast. Boston fits this role well – especially with 

service on an airline that can connect, through 

codeshares or interlines, to multiple carriers in Boston.

The Auburn-Lewiston – Boston market is estimated to 

currently generate 393 origin and destination 

passengers per day each way, or 286,869 annual O&D passengers, to destinations that naturally 

connect over Boston on current service (see figure 10). It has been shown, through the summer 

2011 update to the Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study, that these passengers are currently 

flying out of other airports in the region – with 75% flying from Portland.

In all, the Study shows the Auburn-Lewiston – Boston route has the potential to capture 65% of 

the current passengers flying in and out of the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area (see figure 10). 

These are current passengers, flying from other airports, not “generated” passengers expected 

to be created with new local air service. At the same time, flights flowing to destinations over 

Boston could capture 55% of the current revenue generated in the Auburn-Lewiston market.

“...the ideal hub for most AuburnLewiston passenger demand is one 

in the Northeast that can connect 

to most East Coast destinations...”
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 27

It is estimated that markets flowing over Boston to current non-stop destinations could capture a 

portion of the $44 million in annual airline revenue the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area

generates to those cities

(see figure 10). That 

would equate to a total 

of $60,278 in average 

revenue per day each 

way available to the 

airline serving AuburnLewiston.

With multiple Cape Air 

interlining airlines serving 

Boston, to 45 one-stop 

destinations, flights 

between Auburn-Lewiston 

and Boston have the

potential to capture large 

portions of traffic in all of

FIGURE 10: Auburn-Lewiston Passengers and Revenue Flowing over Boston on Cape Air 

and Codeshare Airlines; CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

FIGURE 11: Auburn-Lewiston’s Top 20 Passenger Markets over Boston 

on Cape Air; CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

Boston 

65%

Other 

Hubs 35%

Boston 

55%

Other 

Hubs 45%

Estimated Auburn-Lewiston O&D Revenue $79,472,691 100%

Revenue Flowing Over Boston $44,002,732 55%

Estimated Auburn-Lewiston O&D Passengers 441,926 100%

Passengers Flowing Over Boston 286,869 65%

47,170

45,973

31,851

16,700

13,862

11,777

10,417

9,288

8,305

7,622

7,509

6,401

6,217

6,115

5,795

5,607

5,463

5,088

4,559

4,509

64.6

63.0

43.6

22.9

19.0

16.1

14.3

12.7

11.4

10.4

10.3

8.8

8.5

8.4

7.9

7.7

7.5

7.0

6.2

6.2

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

New York/Newark

Washington-Baltimore

Orlando

South Florida

Tampa

Charlotte

Chicago

San Francisco Bay Area

Los Angeles Basin

Ft. Myers

Denver

Las Vegas

Jacksonville

Phoenix

Seattle/Tacoma

Dallas/Ft. Worth

Raleigh/Durham

San Diego

Houston

Pittsburgh

Annual Passengers 

PDEW
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 28

Auburn-Lewiston’s 20 largest origin and destination markets. Boston is especially well positioned 

to capture traffic traveling to the East Coast, where most Auburn-Lewiston passengers have 

been demonstrated to travel. This includes large markets such as New York/Newark, which is 

estimated to generate 65 passengers per day each way (PDEW) to and from Auburn-Lewiston; 

Baltimore/Washington, which is estimated to generate 63 PDEW; Orlando, which is estimated to 

generate 44 PDEW; South Florida, which is estimated to generate 23 PDEW; and Tampa, which is 

estimated to generate 19 PDEW as of calendar year 2010 (see figure 11). In all, the top 20 O&D 

passenger markets to and from the Auburn-Lewiston catchment area that could flow over 

Boston currently generate an average of 357 passengers per day each way, as of 2010.

The average fare over Boston 

on Cape Air and affiliated 

codeshare and interline airlines 

from the Auburn-Lewiston 

catchment area, as of the 

summer 2011 update to the 

Airport’s True Market/Leakage 

Study, is $153 each way (see 

figure 12). Considering the short 

stage lengths of the flights from 

the Auburn-Lewiston area to 

many of the top 20 destinations, 

such as New York/Newark, 

Washington-Baltimore, and 

even Chicago, the average 

fare for the distance is relatively 

high. The Chicago fare, for 

example, averaged $223 each 

way from the Auburn-Lewiston 

catchment area in 2010. It is 

believed new competition in 

the region, to these specific destinations, will help to bring fares down for all travelers in the 

Auburn-Lewiston catchment area.

FIGURE 12: Average One Way Fares in Top 20 Passenger Markets over Boston 

on Cape Air; CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

$114

$141

$124

$152

$122

$143

$223

$206

$206

$142

$181

$184

$133

$169

$212

$195

$122

$211

$197

$132

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200

New York/Newark

Washington-Baltimore

Orlando

South Florida

Tampa

Charlotte

Chicago

San Francisco Bay Area

Los Angeles Basin

Ft. Myers

Denver

Las Vegas

Jacksonville

Phoenix

Seattle/Tacoma

Dallas/Ft. Worth

Raleigh/Durham

San Diego

Houston

Pittsburgh

Average Over BOS: $153
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 29

The Airport believes there is sufficient passenger traffic and revenue that would flow over Boston 

to make local air service profitable. The airline serving the Auburn-Lewiston – Boston route would 

not be forced to offer rock-bottom fares to be competitive – even fares slightly higher than those 

found in other nearby markets, such as Portland and Manchester, would be worth support for 

the convenience of local service for Auburn-Lewiston travelers. The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal 

Airport believes in the local market, and has developed this strategic plan to ensure an airline 

partner can enter the market without prohibitive up-front investments.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 30

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

The proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department of Transportation

will award Small Community Grant Funding in September of 2011. Once the award is 

announced, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport will conduct additional airline meetings to 

secure an agreement for new service. Based on airline planning lead times and the need for 

advance bookings, we assume the new carrier would not be able to begin service until at least 

June of 2012.

The first three milestones on the Airport's timeline are to execute the grant agreement with the 

Department of Transportation, meet with prospective airlines to negotiate for service, and sign

the minimum revenue guarantee agreement with the appropriate airline partner. Once service 

is announced and schedules are published, the Airport would begin marketing the new route 

and working with the new carrier to monitor advance bookings. The Airport will continue its 

marketing program and continue to work with the new carrier to monitor the route once service 

begins. The Airport would submit grant status reports on a quarterly basis to the Department 

throughout the proposed two year term of the minimum revenue guarantee.

While the estimated dates are targets, it is possible service could be secured and launched on a 

more aggressive timeline once Grant funding is awarded. It is also possible that new service 

could slip to 2013 should an airline require additional risk mitigation, beyond that included in this 

proposal, from the community.

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Date

SCASD Grant Award Announcement September 2011

Executive Grant Agreement with DOT October 2011

Meet With Prospective Airlines Oct/Nov 2011

Negotiate Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) With Airline Jan - Mar 2012

Announce Service March 2012

Publish Schedule March 2012

Begin Marketing of New Route March 2012

Monitor Advance Bookings March - June 2012

Service Launch June 2012

MRG Available for Service June 2012 - October 2014

Monitor Route Performance June 2012 - October 2014

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly Q4 2011 - Q4 2014

Close Grant October 2014
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 31

ALTERNATE PLAN

If, for some unforeseen reason, service is not commenced in a timely manner by either Cape Air 

or Colgan Air/Pinnacle/Mesaba on the Boston route, the Airport proposes to use federal grant 

money awarded under the Small Community Air Service Development Program to recruit 

another carrier interested in beginning service to the community, as long as that carrier provides 

access to a hub. Among the additional target airlines would be a United Express carrier with 

service to the Washington Dulles hub or to the Newark hub, a US Airways Express carrier with 

service to the Philadelphia hub, or a Delta Connection carrier with service to the New York 

Kennedy or New York LaGuardia hub. All of these hubs can connect Auburn-Lewiston with most 

of its passenger demand to cities on the East Coast.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 32

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

A number of local partners will be working with the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport to 

promote, support, and market the new service. Contacts will be made to all Auburn-Lewiston 

members of chambers of commerce and similar organizations, and those with an interest in 

growing the economic base of the community through local business growth, attraction of new 

businesses and the promotion of tourism and visitor traffic via the airport. 

Cities of Auburn and Lewiston

The City Councils of both Auburn and Lewiston are some of the biggest supporters for bringing 

air service to the local Airport, as they realize how vital the Airport is to the growth of the entire 

region that it serves. As the joint owners and operators of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport, 

City leaders continually work with the Airport to develop and support new service initiatives. The 

Cities also manage the Airport’s budget, and will oversee how the Small Community Air Service 

Development Grant is spent.

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG)

The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG) is the major government entity 

overseeing the cooperation of all cities and counties in the Auburn-Lewiston sphere of influence. 

AVCOG addresses issues of mutual concern for the region, in addition to satisfying federal and 

state planning/program mandates. The agency serves as a forum for planning/discussion of 

area-wide issues, preparing regional plans and programs, serving as a regional agency for 

federal and state programs, and addressing other area-wide issues as mutually desired. 

AVCOG is also responsible for the development of an efficient and effective multi-modal 

transportation system for mobility and maximizing state and federal funding. AVCOG is an 

important public partner in the effort to bring air service to Auburn-Lewiston.

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce is a totally independent non-profit 

corporation (not affiliated with government or any other agency) that is uniquely able to serve 

the needs of the business community in Auburn-Lewiston. The Chamber is dedicated to just one 

goal: the economic health of the area and the prosperity of its members. 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 33

The Chamber’s philosophy is simple: more business is good for existing business and an attractive 

and viable city will attract more business activity. The Chamber also believes additional 

economic activity will benefit every business person and resident in the region. The Chamber’s 

work toward implementing this philosophy has been successful because of a powerful 

combination of active, motivated volunteer business leaders supported by a highly regarded 

professional staff. Together, the volunteer leaders and the professional staff do what no service 

club, government agency nor individual business could do: enhance and promote AuburnLewiston as a place to do business and enjoy life. Moreover, the Chamber believes enhanced 

air service is essential to the interconnectivity of businesses, and is an essential part of any 

community’s plan for economic growth.

Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is a private partner in this application. The 

Growth Council provides a number of in-kind services. Growth Council funding will commit to a 

program of viral marketing through e-mail blasts to all members, as well as word-of-mouth 

advertising. The Growth Council also contributes mailers to area businesses explaining the 

benefits of new and additional air service. The Growth Council will have a financial stake, by 

providing matching funds, for any new air service in the region.

Air Service Advisory Groups

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is governed by the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport 

Board of Directors. This committee is made up of a number of community leaders from different 

Auburn-Lewiston government bodies and major business organizations. The Airport Board of 

Directors oversaw the development of this grant application.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 34

FUNDING PLAN

Marketing and Advertising

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport proposes to spend $100,000 in funds on marketing and 

advertising promotions in support of new service. The goal is to capture local enplanements 

and usage through targeted regional campaigns.

Revenue Guarantee

The Airport proposes to make available at least $550,000 in funds for a revenue guarantee to the 

new carrier, to cover start-up losses that may occur during the first twelve months of service. 

Subject to negotiation, payments will be made to the new carrier quarterly, when income 

derived from passengers and cargo is less than agreed expenses on the route. Revenue 

generated that exceeds expenses will be carried forward and tapped before any grant funds 

are used.

In-Kind Services

The following organizations will help promote the new service through their various membership 

groups. There is no estimated value to these services.

• City of Lewiston

• City of Auburn

• Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

• Androscoggin County

• Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG)

• Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council

• Bates College

• L/A Arts

Startup Cost Offsets

The Airport proposes to use $50,000 of the funding provided under this proposal to pay for startup costs in support of new service introductions. Money will be reimbursed to the new carrier, 

from the revenue guarantee portion of this proposal, as invoices are submitted detailing the 

work performed to offset the acquisition of necessary equipment to begin service (items include 

carts, tugs, power units, computer equipment, cabling, software, etc.). If this funding is not used 

for start-up expenses, it will be rolled into the revenue guarantee.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 35

Additional Costs

As part of this program, the Airport understands that additional expenses will be incurred, such 

as monitoring the results of the program and reporting those results back to the US DOT. In 

addition, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport expects to incur some expenses in the 

recruitment of a new airline. These additional costs will come from sources other than the 

funding for this project.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 36

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS

The success of the program will be based on three variables. The first measure of success will be 

the recruitment and retention of an airline to provide new service. When new service is initiated, 

the first measure of success will be met. The Airport will judge the second measure of success by 

the number of enplanements. Finally, the third measure of success will be based on average 

airfares in the community. The measurement of enplanements will include a monthly 

comparison, once the program begins. The measurement of airfares will be derived from US 

DOT OD1A reports.

As the sponsor, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport will be the responsible party for all fiscal 

matters and DOT reporting requirements. The group is established as an Airport Board of 

Directors, which is a public governing body. As a public entity the DOT can be assured that 

proper financial controls are in place to guarantee that the DOT’s grant will be used in 

accordance with any subsequent agreement. The Airport understands that the grant is a 

reimbursable grant, meaning the Airport is responsible for program expenditures and will submit 

invoices to the DOT for reimbursement, based on a percentage of the total grant request.

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport has developed this proposal as a one-time grant. While 

the initial startup costs will be paid for out of other airport funds, the advertising and marketing 

program will commence a few months before service starts and last for at least twelve months. 

The revenue guarantee program will also be in place for twelve months, with two additional 

twelve-month periods available for negotiation. It is projected that the service will be financially 

self-sustaining within the second twelve months of service. 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 37

LEGAL SPONSOR

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is the legal sponsor responsible for administering the 

program. The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is a government entity.

Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport

80 Airport Drive

Auburn, Maine 04210

Rick Cloutier, Airport Director

207.786.0631

manager@flytome.com
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 38

LETTERS OF SUPPORT
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AVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATE AIRPORTS

While the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport catchment area is surrounded by alternate airports, 

none of the alternate options are particularly convenient, and all have some cost barrier that 

travelers must overcome. The closest alternate airport to Auburn-Lewiston is Portland’s Jetport, 

however it lies an hour drive away on a toll road (see map 4). This situation requires passengers 

to pay tolls just to get to a point where they can access the national air transportation system.

The major alternate to Auburn-Lewiston is Boston’s Logan Airport, which offers non-stops to 73 

cities around the world (see map 4). However, Logan is a three hour drive from Auburn-Lewiston, 

without hitting rush hour traffic. Very few Auburn-Lewiston passengers make the drive to Boston 

for this very reason – as Boston captures just 18% of Auburn-Lewiston travelers.

MAP 4: Alternate Airports in the 

Auburn-Lewiston Region
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 52

AIRPORT INFORMATION

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport is located on 547 acres in Auburn, Maine. The airport 

supports local and regional general aviation, flight training, cargo, and a large volume of 

corporate activity. The Cites of Auburn and Lewiston own and operate the airport and it is 

strongly supported by the Androscoggin Valley County of Governments. The airport also has 200 

developable acres, a foreign trade zone and customs clearance at the inter-modal freight 

facility.

The Airport is in the midst of a passenger terminal renovation project. Regional governments will 

spend $800,000 to renovate and expand the 1950s era passenger terminal by the summer of 

2012, ensuring it can handle scheduled passenger airline service.

The Auburn-Lewiston 

Municipal Airport has 

been in operation since 

1935. Currently, The 

Auburn-Lewiston 

Municipal Airport

frequently handles 

regional jet-sized aircraft,

with hundreds of annual 

charters by area 

businesses, and by Bates 

College. 

The Airport features a main runway, 4-22, that is 5,001 feet in length, with a full, all-weather ILS 

approach. Auburn-Lewiston’s general aviation runway, 17-35, is 2,750 feet in length. The Airport 

has a brand new taxiway that is parallel to the main runway, certified to handle large jets. The 

Airport also has a brand new ramp, built for the Lufthansa Technik operation, which can handle 

virtually any kind of aircraft. The Airport can have its small, former air carrier terminal ready for 

new commercial airline service within months – including a TSA and rescue plan.

FIGURE 13: Aerial Photo of Auburn-Lewiston

Municipal Airport, 2011
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 53

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Half of the urban "Cities of the Androscoggin," Lewiston lies on the eastern banks of the 

Androscoggin River. An early manufacturing center, Lewiston still lives and breathes with the 

sights and sounds of modern productivity. Brimming with modern conveniences, Lewiston, and 

her sister town of Auburn, sit between the clean and natural settings of Maine's western lakes 

and mountains, and intermittent shorefront beaches and rocky coastlines. 

Auburn and Lewiston serve as a source of resources 

and entertainment not only for those coming into 

the state, but also for the local inhabitants, many of 

whom travel 40 minutes to an hour and a half from 

the rural settings, for a taste of 21st century 

resources. 

The Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport service area

is home to almost 300,000 people. As of 2010, 

Lewiston-Auburn Metro Area's population itself is 

107,031 people. Since 2000, it has had a population 

growth of 3.15 percent. The median household income is $45,455, but that income translated to 

a much higher purchasing power due to the low cost of living. Compared to the rest of the 

country, Lewiston-Auburn Metro Area's cost of living is 7.40% lower than the U.S. average.

Auburn-Lewiston has continually posted strong economic growth in the last decade, despite the 

lagging economy, with total job growth of 8.9% in the last decade. The Auburn-Lewiston area’s 

residents do not often drive long distances to access services, such as air transportation, as 

evidenced by the average commute time of just 7.3 minutes, and by the fact that 10% of 

residents bike or walk to work (the national average is 3%). Auburn-Lewiston residents spend an 

average of $6,300 on vacation each year. 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 54

Economic Profile

Auburn-Lewiston centers of excellence include health care, high-precision manufacturing, 

printing/graphics, transportation & logistics, and telecommunications. Nearly 50 percent of the 

state's population is located within a 30-mile radius of Auburn-Lewiston. The area is home to 

some of the state's most successful companies, including 

Tambrands (a Procter & Gamble company), L.L. Bean's 

Telemarketing Center, General Electric, Formed Fiber 

Technologies (Toyota), Elmet Technologies, TD Banknorth 

Operations Center, VIP Parts, Tires, & Service, Geiger, 

and a Wal-Mart Food Distribution Center. AuburnLewiston is home to the national office of the Forum 

Francophone des Affaires, an international trade group 

of French-speaking nations. Auburn-Lewiston is also 

home to the Maine International Trade Center. The Bates Mill Complex is at the heart of 

downtown Lewiston. Auburn-Lewiston is also home to four colleges including Bates College, 

which U.S. News and World Report rates one of the top liberal arts schools in the country, two 

world-class hospitals and a Foreign Trade Zone.

New Developments in the Local Economy

In the last 12 months, two major business expansions in the Auburn-Lewiston area have added 

more than 750 new jobs to the region. These jobs have higher average wages than the current 

Auburn-Lewiston average, and should continue to spur air travel growth.

o In May of 2011, Carbonite, a leading provider of 

online backup and "anytime, anywhere access" 

announced the opening of a new customer 

support center in Lewiston that is expected to employ 150 skilled workers by the end of 

this year. Carbonite ultimately expects to employ more than 250 people in Lewiston.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 55

o TD Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new 

call center in Auburn, the bank's latest addition to its 

presence in the state of Maine. The environmentally 

friendly call center features local design elements and will create hundreds of new jobs 

for the Lewiston-Auburn region. Once the call center reaches full capacity of 500 

employees in 2011, TD Bank will be employing nearly 3,000 Mainers at its stores, 

operations centers in the historic Bates Mill building and other Lewiston facilities.

Additionally, in the last two years, the Auburn-Lewiston area has seen these additional economic 

development wins:

o Auburn-Lewiston leads the state in economic development expansions and investments. 

Among the recent major development projects in the Twin Cities is the completion of 

Phase Two of WalMart’s Food Distribution Center estimated at $40 million. In addition, is

a $24 million campus expansion at Bates College, and a spate of restaurants and retail 

projects, like the $6.7 million Kohl’s store.

o Lewiston-Auburn has made the top 100 list of Inc. Magazine’s “Best Places for Doing 

Business in America.” Inc. examined 274 population centers looking for such criteria as 

job creation and sustained growth. Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, was ranked 38th in the 

“small cities” category. The article notes, “Our assumption is that job growth is the best 

measure of a region’s economic vitality especially as it applies to entrepreneurs. What’s 

more, strong job growth suggests that a region’s economy is expanding. That means new 

demand and new opportunities.” 

o In a global study comparing the costs of locating business operations, Lewiston fared 

better than any other New England community studied. KPMG International’s eightmonth project analyzed and compared 17 industry sectors in Canada, France, 

Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. 

Lewiston was ranked as having more of a cost advantage than its New England 

counterparts Boston; Burlington, Vermont; Hartford, Connecticut; and Providence, Rhode 

Island.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 56

Auburn-Lewiston has become one of Maine's busiest distribution and logistics hubs. The area is 

served by the Saint Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad and northern New England's only double-stack 

freight container service, along with an intermodal transportation facility. Auburn became a U.S. 

Customs Port of Entry in 2002. In 2004, Auburn received approval to establish a Foreign Trade 

Zone encompassing 760 acres (3.1 km2). A number of distribution centers are located in the 

area.

An innovative healthcare, high precision manufacturing, financial services and printing center, 

Lewiston-Auburn is home to excellent companies, colleges and institutions. Some of the state's 

most prestigious companies are located in Auburn-Lewiston including Procter & Gamble's 

Tambrands, Inc., General Electric and L.L. Bean's Telemarketing Center. An independent study 

by KPMG International recently ranked the cost of doing business in Auburn-Lewiston nearly two 

percentage points below the U.S. benchmark. The Twin Cities is centrally located and offers 

access to nearly 50 percent of Maine's population within a 30-mile radius.

Advantage Business Services, Auburn

Auburn Shoe, Auburn

Andover College, Lewiston

Bates College, Lewiston

Central Maine Community College, Auburn

Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston

Dingley Press, Lisbon

Elmet Technologies, Lewiston

Gates Formed Fiber Technologies, Auburn

Geiger Brothers, Lewiston

General Electric, Auburn

Hebron Academy, Hebron

ICT Group, Wilton

Irving Forest Products, Dixfield 

Keiser Industries, Oxford

L.L. Bean Telephone Oper. Center, Lewiston

LePage Bakeries, Lewiston

Liberty Mutual, Lewiston

Maine Machine Products, So Paris

McKesson, Lewiston

FIGURE 14: Auburn-Lewiston Employers with More than 100 Employees,

2011; Source: Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 57

Select Economic Profiles

Bates Mill

The Bates Mill, located in the heart of downtown Lewiston, is symbolic of the cultural identity, 

economic evolution and perseverance of the community. As the birthplace of Maine's industrial 

revolution, the Bates Mill Complex is of great economic and historic value to the City of Lewiston. 

Plans are well under way to convert the complex into modern uses.

The Bates Mill Complex was constructed 

between 1852 and 1919. It consists of nine major 

buildings containing approximately 1.2 million 

square feet of floor space on a five acre parcel.

Today the Bates Mill Complex, as it is now 

known, is home to several companies including 

TD Banknorth, Affiliated Computer Services and 

Androscoggin Bank. The mill tenants collectively 

employ over 1,000 people. 

It is the developer's objective to create in the Bates Mill a multi-use complex consisting of a 

compatible mix of manufacturing, retail, office, commercial and cultural uses. Building No. 1 will 

soon house a brewery. The Baxter Brewing Co., the first package brewery in the Twin Cities run 

by Auburn native Luke Livingston, 25, said opening a brewery in the Twin Cities is a way of giving 

New Page Paper, Rumford

Pioneer Plastics, Auburn

Poland Spring Nestle, Poland

Saddleback Ski Area, Rangeley

Sisters of Charity Health Care Systems, Lewiston

State of Maine, DHS, Lewiston

Sugarloaf Ski Resort, Carrabassett Valley

Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry 

Tambrands Inc. (Div.of Proctor&Gamble), Auburn

TD Banknorth, Lewiston

University of Maine Farmington

University of Southern Maine

VERSO Paper, Jay

Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Lewiston

White Rock Distilleries, Lewiston 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 58

back to the community where he was raised. "We want to incorporate as many Maine products 

into our beers at possible," he said. That could mean Maine maple syrup as well as locally grown 

hops or oats in future brews.

The Lofts at Bates Mill, 52 apartments would mix low low-income and market-rate units in Bates 

Mill No. 2., and would include on-site laundry, access to a community room with computers, 

fitness and media rooms and free wi-fi. There’s also a food court planned for levels one and 

two.. At full build out, the collective employment in the Complex is projected to exceed 2,500 

people. The former weaving shed, known as Building No. 5, also has a bright future. The city has 

received federal grants to create a master plan for the area.

Tambrands, Inc.

Tambrands has been located in Auburn for 39 years. The company currently contributes $75 

million annually to the Maine economy through payroll, taxes, and purchasing of goods and 

services. The expansion is a $25.5 million investment and will be used to 

accommodate additional production lines and warehouse space for the 

company. “This investment shows a commitment to ensuring that these 

jobs stay in Maine,” the Governor said. The Auburn facility was one of three being considered 

for an expansion by Proctor & Gamble. A sourcing study was done to determine which site 

could best meet performance criteria. Proctor & Gamble chose Auburn because of the work 

force, Maine’s elimination of the business equipment tax, and the incentives contained in the 

Pine Tree Development Zones program.

White Rock Distilleries

Since 1937, White Rock’s growth and success has been a story of commitment to innovation, 

strategic marketing and national leadership in sales and distribution. In 1971, Ray Coulombe 

recognized this potential, and purchased the 

small distillery on Maine’s Androscoggin 

River, located 25 miles inland from the Maine 

coast. At that time, White Rock had three 

employees, a 10,000-square-foot plant and 

was selling just 25,000 cases a year.

Over the next three-plus decades, Ray and his son, Paul, built White Rock into a major force. 

Through strategic acquisition and development of new technologies, the Coulombe’s have 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 59

expanded into 50 states and more than 20 countries. Their sales have grown from 25,000 cases a 

year to over three million, worldwide. Today, as White Rock continues to thrive, a third 

generation has come on board, Vice President of Florida Sales, Michelle Coulombe is working to 

build on the legacy of her grandfather and father. Like Maine, White Rock’s steady success is a 

product of character, tradition and quality.

Higher Education in the Auburn-Lewiston Area

Auburn-Lewiston’s pretigious colleges and universities enroll more than 9,200 full-time students 

from all 50 states and more than 40 foreign countries. Convenient and efficient travel is 

important for this academic area, both for faculty-related business travel, as well as student and 

family travel to and from the colleges.

Bates College

Auburn-Lewiston’s most well-known institution is Bates College, which was founded in 1855 and is 

the oldest continuously operating coed college in New England. Bates is continually listed 

among the top liberal arts colleges in the country by US News and World Report. The Princeton 

Review named Bates the No. 1 "Best Value 

College" in the United States in its 2005 ranking. 

Bates' 109-acre (44 ha) campus includes the 

George and Helen Ladd Library; the Olin Arts 

Center, which houses a concert hall, the Bates 

College Museum of Art; and the Edmund S. 

Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library.

Andover College

Bates is joined in the Auburn-Lewiston area by 

Andover College, which specializes in business 

programs for young professionals. In 1967, the 

Andover Institute of Business opened in Portland, Maine. In 1977, the State Board of Education 

granted Andover Institute approval to change its name to Andover College. By 1998, Andover

College became the first school of its kind in Maine to receive accreditation from the New 

England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In 2004, the Lewiston campus enrolled its 
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 60

first class. In the beginning of 2005, Andover College was purchased by Kaplan Higher 

Education Corporation (KHE), to be a part of its Kaplan Higher Education Campuses (KHEC) 

division. By joining such a prestigious company, Andover College has been given the support to 

continue the same excellent education for which it is known.

University of Southern Maine

The area is also home to a University of Southern Maine campus, which offers a full range of 

liberal arts undergraduate programs. The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a multi-campus 

public urban comprehensive university and part of the University of Maine System. USM's three 

primary campuses are located in Portland, Gorham, 

and Lewiston. Originally founded as two separate 

universities (Gorham Normal School, University of Maine 

at Portland), the two state universities were combined 

in 1970 to help streamline the public university system in 

Maine and eventually expanded by adding the 

Lewiston campus in 1988. The university is committed to 

being a national leader in interdisciplinary education, 

serving as a resource for the community, providing an outstanding educational experience for 

its students through degree programs that are responsive to changing cultural and workplace 

demands and that are available to a non-traditional and diverse student body.

Central Maine Community College 

Central Maine Community College draws students from all of New England to its two-year 

college prep programs. Founded in 1963 as Androscoggin State Vocational Institute, later 

changed to Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Its name was changed to Central 

Maine Technical College in 1989. As part of a statewide name change of the technical college 

system, on July 1, 2003, it became Central Maine Community College. The college is located in 

Auburn, Maine, in the south central region of Maine. The 135-acre campus overlooks Lake 

Auburn.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 61

Auburn-Lewiston Tourism

Arts and Culture

With the cooperative spirit that now characterizes the relationship between Auburn and 

Lewiston, the two cities formed L/A Arts in 1973 in order to increase the number of cultural 

amenities in the area. In cooperation with local educational institutions and community 

organizations, the group sponsors hundreds of performances a year by artists, authors, actors, 

and others in the community and the schools. Nationally recognized artists regularly perform at 

the Olin Arts Center on the Bates College campus. 

The Androscoggin Chorale was formed as a community chorus in 1972. In 1991, the Chorale 

joined with the Maine Chamber Ensemble to form the Maine Music Society. The society has 

since offered several successful years of performances throughout the state, including operatic 

performances, classical music concerts, and holiday performances. The Lewiston-Auburn 

College/USM Atrium Gallery presents exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and photography from 

artists across the state. It also hosts the annual Area Artists Exhibition and annual L/A Arts Exhibit 

and Auction. The Bates College Museum of Art at Olin Arts Center is home to one of the region's 

finest collections of masterworks on paper, including the 

Marsden Hartley Memorial collection. More than 40,000 square 

feet of space at the Creative Photographic Art Center of Maine 

in the historic Bates Mill Complex is dedicated to photography 

and other related arts. Genealogical literature, historical exhibits 

on the Native American culture and Civil War artifacts are on 

display at the Androscoggin Historical Society Library and 

Museum.

The Public Theatre, a fully professional Equity operation which has presented comedic and 

dramatic performances to the community for more than 10 years, was recently voted the best 

theatre company in Maine for the second year in a row. Since 1940, Auburn's Community Little 

Theatre has been producing musicals, dramas, comedies, and benefit concerts each year in the 

Great Falls Performing Arts Center. The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse is a combination restaurant 

and concert venue that presents a variety of artists ranging from up-and-coming locals to 

internationally known folk and jazz performers. Because of all these activities, the LewistonAuburn area has been designated as one of the best small arts towns in America.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 62

Outdoor Activities

A wealth of summer and winter recreational activities is available in and around Auburn and 

Lewiston. The proximity to mountains, forests, and lakes offers opportunities to skiers, skaters, 

campers, boaters, hikers, and anglers. Bicycle tours of the back roads 

of the region are very popular. Just north of Lewiston is the Hebron-toCanton Rail Trail, an abandoned railroad bed turned pedestrian and 

bike route—a 36 mile round trip overall. For water sports enthusiasts, 

Lewiston plays host to the Great Falls Canoe Race each June.

The Twin Cities maintain dozens of parks and playgrounds, a 

supervised beach, skating rinks, and ball fields and courts. The Ingersoll Arena in Auburn is 

available for public skating, skating instruction, and hockey from early 

October to mid-March. Sunday River Mountain Bike Park in Bethel is 

served by two ski lifts, and offers sixty miles of marked and patrolled 

trails. The Lost Valley ski area features downhill and cross-country skiing 

in the winter and mountain bike trails and paintball facilities in the 

summer. A number of golfing facilities are also located in or near 

Lewiston.
Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 63

CONCLUSIONS

The cities of Auburn and Lewiston, Maine, recognize the value of their local airport to the 

economy of the region. Together, local governments and companies in the region have made 

commitments to invest almost $1 million in airport improvement projects and air service 

development projects – including $100,000 in matching funding for this application. Additionally, 

the community has committed to a remodeling of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport’s 

1950’s era passenger terminal, to make it air carrier ready – a commitment made within the last 

60 days and worth $800,000.

Part of the air service development project in Auburn-Lewiston was a detailed True 

Market/Leakage Study. This Study has been the key to better understanding travel patterns in 

the catchment area closest to the local airport. The Study has guided the Airport in its mission, 

and helped to add detailed focus to the air service development efforts in the region. While the 

Study shows significant potential for air service to 

be successful, the Airport has been conservative in 

its request for federal Small Community Air Service 

Development Program dollars – and conservative 

in the approach for new air service.

The region surrounding Auburn-Lewiston faces 

many air service challenges. Airline capacity in the 

region has been cut by more than a third in the last 

two years – with a loss of more than 1,400 daily departing seats. Fares have gone up, as a result, 

by 12% in the last year. And 70% of all Auburn-Lewiston catchment area passengers have to 

make a connection through a hub to get to their final destination. The plan in this application 

addresses each of these challenges.

Of the total project cost in this application for non-stop service to Boston, 14% of the funding is 

coming from the local community. This money is already in place. Moreover, the community 

has many more in-kind resources for airline support that will be mobilized upon a Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant award.

“Together, local governments 

and companies in the region 

have made commitments to 

invest almost $1 million in airport 

improvement projects.”