Officials delay another vote on Richmond International Airport service changes

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — For the second time, the vote to decide the fate of two local aircraft service providers at Richmond International Airport (RIC) in Henrico County has been postponed.

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, The Capital Region Airport Commission unanimously decided to halt its vote to potentially end the agreement between RIC and the Richmond Jet Center and Million Air Richmond to provide aircraft service operators — the second delay since July 30.

Officials said they decided to delay the vote again so that they could have more time to decide whether or not to move forward with the proposal and, if they go with the alternative, what lease options are best for the two companies.

However, the meeting also revealed just how controversial the topic has been across the Richmond area. Airport Commissioner Misty Whitehead said a simple business discussion turned ugly as she read several emails and comments from residents.

“I received multiple messages in my inbox,” Whitehead said. “Reading public discourse, being chastised to care about the little guy. Chastised about employees. It struck me wrong because anybody that knows anything about me and my colleagues knows that we have given our lives too long before we ever took any oath of office.”

Commissioner Jessica Schneider echoed those sentiments and said that many of the messages about the board were uncalled for.

“We don’t get paid enough to get abused the way we have been with emails,” Schneider said. “I understand we’re public servants and that’s awesome, but kindness goes a lot longer than accusations in my mind.”

Commissioner Mark Miller provided a different perspective, saying a second delay would only continue to put those most at risk in limbo.

“What we’re doing essentially, is psychological abuse,” Miller said. “We have 120 individuals that are wondering about their job, and I don’t want to continue to kick this thing down the road and then these individuals are going to ultimately have to make a decision for their families.”

RIC CEO Perry Miller said he’s aware that this decision is not popular with everyone, but said he is required to maintain the integrity of the commission by not revealing certain things about the process. He also said goal is doing what’s best for RIC.

“Our intent and always has been, is to provide every customer with exceptional experience through convenience, innovation and excellence,” Miller said. “At the end of the day. I will always come back to that.”

The Airport Commission did not specify how long the delay will last or when another vote will be set.

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