drop highlights the dramatic impact on the industry, which has only been slowly recovering. Despite the positive trend in increasing passenger numbers, the market has plateaued at about 40% of its pre-COVID levels. In the current climate, airlines have found a way to maintain profitability despite limited capacity. “The airlines are making $8 billion more monthly than last year,” says Lewis. This windfall comes from raising fares on fully booked flights, a clear case of supply and demand. “Airfares are not coming down,” he remarks. “When the plane is full, and there’s no spare aircraft, the only option is to raise the fare.” CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS Four Corners Regional Airport is looking to expand its services and is deeply invested in enhancing its infrastructure to meet modern aviation standards. Lewis highlights a significant development: “We’ve reconstructed much of the airfield to handle regional jets, and there’s extra funding from the Build Back Better program.”This additional federal funding from the FAA is crucial. “We’ve put in to overhaul our main runway,” he states, referring to their plans to mill and overlay the east-west runway, a critical upgrade to support future growth. The project includes installing new LED lighting. “That will make the airport almost 100% LEDlit,” Lewis notes enthusiastically. The benefits are multifaceted: LEDs are brighter, clearer, and more cost-efficient. “It takes much less power to operate an LED light and get the same brilliance,” he adds, emphasizing operational efficiency and improved visibility for pilots. The airport’s accolades also play a role in its development trajectory. In 2018, Lewis was awarded for being the best airport manager, which has had a ripple effect on his career and the airport’s reputation. “It brings recognition within my peer group,” he says. The FAA’s acknowledgment of the airport’s standards further cements its status. “The inspections have always been easy to go through because their findings are so minimal,” Lewis mentions, owing to the rigorous maintenance and operational protocols. 194 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07
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