Spokane airport ranks second for on-time departures

Spokane International Airport had the second-best on-time departure record among all U.S. airports in 2009, according to Airports Council International. Only Portland International Airport had a better record, airport Manager Neal Sealock told directors Wednesday at their monthly meeting. Flights pushed away from SIA gates on time 86.42 percent of the time, compared with 86.68 percent record for Portland. Sealock said Spokane ranked 14th for on-time arrivals, timing over which the airport has little or no control. In a brief meeting, the board approved a new contract with the airport’s 15 police officers, four of whom are sergeants. They will receive no pay raise for 2010 — the old contract expired Dec. 31 — but will get one-time $500 checks. Over the next three years, pay will increase a cumulative seven percent, and the airport contribution to dependent medical benefits will rise to 60 percent from 55 percent. At July 1, 2013, top scale for officers will be $28.59 per hour, and for sergeants $32.13 per hour.