Frequently Asked Questions

In 2009, Delta Air Lines made a business decision to eliminate the CRJ200 aircraft. As Of 2021, they had less than 20 left in their fleet. The CRJ200 was replaced in their fleet by a A220 which is a 109-139 seat aircraft. This aircraft is too large for the Erie market. United Airlines ceased service because ERI had the second lowest revenue producing route into O’Hare of all 50 passenger seat markets going into O’Hare.

No. The Erie Airport gets its funding through the Aviation Trust Fund (ATF). This fund is funded by aviation user fee tax on tickets. Those funds support capital improvement projects only at the airport. There is no local taxpayer support for the operations and maintenance at the Erie Airport.

The Erie Airport had been operating under a safety waiver from the FAA for years. The airlines were taking penalties for weight (the planes were too heavy due to the short runway at ERI). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conjunction with the Erie Regional Airport Authority (ERAA) made the decision to extend the runway to eliminate the safety waiver. The runway was extended to 8,400 feet which successfully eliminated the need for the safety waiver.

The Erie Regional Airport Authority owns and operates the Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field and its surrounding properties. The airport is self-sufficient and receives no local taxpayer dollars or money from the City of Erie or Erie County.

The Erie Airport is subject to annual audits by a certified public accounting firm as required by the Single Audit Act. The Erie Airport’s audited financial statements are submitted to the FAA every year after an audit presentation to the ERAA Board of Directors from the audit firm.

The Fly Erie Fund is an initiative by the Erie Chamber of Commerce and Growth Partnership in an effort to secure additional funding to support air service at Erie Airport.

The Airport and local officials continue to meet with airline route planners regularly to communicate the market to airlines. The biggest challenge has been the elimination of CRJ200 by Delta Air Lines and the pilot shortage that has plagued the industry.

No. Board Members are non-paid volunteers appointed by Erie City Council and Erie County Council (5 appointees from the City and 4 from the County). Once the appointment is accepted, individual Board Members have autonomy from the appointing agency and are to act in the best interest of the airport.