The Metropolitan Airports Commission’s (MAC) board recently approved the 2020 operating budget, representing an important step in the annual process of advancing the MAC’s vision and organizational priorities.

Total operating revenue in 2020 is projected to be $408.7 million, with revenues exceeding expenditures.

The MAC is a self-funded public corporation, using rents and fees paid by airport users, not general tax dollars, to fund operations. Capital improvements are funded through Passenger Facilities Charges, aviation grants, bonding and revenues generated through airport operations.

The MAC -- as the owner and operator of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six reliever airports in the Twin Cities – provides access to air service for the metro area and a large region of the Upper Midwest.

In 2018 MSP served 38 million passengers and is on pace to break that record in 2019. The airport – which is the 17^th busiest in the United States -- also serves as an important driver of economic development for the region. MSP, together with the MAC's six reliever airports, provides $16.6 billion in total economic impact annually.

The accolades keep rolling in for the new concession offerings at MSP Airport.

The renovated Concourse C Food Court was recently recognized by the Minnesota Shopping Center Association’s 2019 Starr Awards.

The food court won for best “Design & Aesthetics Renovation/Remodel: Interior Retail under 8,000 square feet.”

The food court is home to a Starbucks, Smashburger and Chick-fil-A, nestled into a space inspired by Minnesota’s natural splendor. The space features sculptural trees, hanging lanterns, natural elements and intimate seating made to feel like “cabins” trimmed in flannel.

The food court was developed through a partnership between global restaurateur HMSHost – the company that manages and operates the restaurants in the food court -- and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, led by its Concessions and Business Development team.

“We’re excited to have this beautiful new space for travelers, and we were fortunate to have such strong coordination with HMSHost on this project,” said Liz Grzechowiak, the assistant director of the MAC’s concessions and business development group.

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The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is less than a year away, and officials are encouraging Minnesota residents who apply for a REAL ID to use an online registration tool before they visit their local driver’s license office.

“Applying for a REAL ID requires more documentation than Minnesotans are used to providing when renewing their standard driver’s license or ID card,” said Emma Corrie, director of driver and vehicle services for the Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety. “We know this can be confusing, and we don’t want people making multiple trips to an office to complete their REAL ID application.”

To date, only 9.7 percent of Minnesota driver’s license and ID card holders are REAL ID ready. That leaves a lot of Minnesotan’s potentially unable to fly after October 1, 2020 when every air traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.

A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for air travel or other federal uses as of Oct. 1. A full list of the Transportation Security Administration’s acceptable forms of ID can be found here.

Renew before your expiration date!

Eligible Minnesota residents can apply for a REAL ID now. A fee will be added to the standard cost of the license or ID card depending on how early you renew.

• $2 for a renewal up to 17 months before expiration
• $4 for a renewal 18-29 months before expiration
• $6 for a renewal more than 29 months before expiration

Don’t delay. Apply today!