General Mitchell International Airport’s new director, Ismael Bonilla, said he is focused on lowering operating costs without sacrificing services and hopes by doing so, Milwaukee will be able to attract at least one new airline to the airport.
Bonilla gave his first report to the Milwaukee County Board’s Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee Wednesday, since taking over as director Feb. 1.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele appointed Bonilla to the role in December, fueling speculation that Abele is planning to privatize the airport.
Bonilla’s last role was as chief business development officer for Hi-Lite Airfield Services LLC in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as chief operating officer of Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, at the San Juan International Airport, the first privatized airport hub in the United States.
When asked Wednesday, Bonilla said he has no intent to privatize Mitchell International, but does want to collaborate with area business leaders.
“My vision is to partner with the community,” Bonilla said. “I think the business community is an important part of our success.”
Gone are the days of 10 million passenger counts at the airport, Bonilla said. With consolidation in the airline industry, more revenue has to be found in non-aviation areas including parking and food and beverage.
“We’re looking at things like a parking rewards program, a valet program and increasing some of the services the airlines have dropped the ball on,” he said. “I just came back from a conference with the airlines and we have some airlines who are attracted to operating here in Milwaukee, but we have to lower our costs more.”
Bonilla’s other goals include maintaining skilled labor, and making upgrades to the airport’s ticket counter and international Concorse D. He said 2018 and 2019 will be the years of improvements at the airport.
“The airport is an outstanding asset for Milwaukee County, for the outlying counties and for Northern Illinois,” Bonilla said.
