BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2006

The Horry County airport system is the largest in the state of South Carolina. Comprised of the Myrtle Beach International (MYR), Loris-Twin Cities, Conway/Horry County and Grand Strand Airports, the system generated nearly $800 million and accommodated over one million passengers in 2005. To ensure that the airport system operates efficiently, Horry County selected the Berger Group to conduct a management study of the effectiveness of the Horry County Department of Airports (HCDA), the organization responsible for the maintenance, operation and development of the airports. Berger's study included a review of HCDA's management policies, procedures and staff capabilities to determine its ability to handle current and future needs in light of the region's anticipated rapid growth, forecast to accommodate 2.5 million enplanements by 2020.

The Team paid particular attention to how HCDA was currently managing the proposed construction of a new $200 million terminal at MYR. Berger surveyed comparable airport systems throughout the United States to establish performance benchmarks. Aspects that the Team reviewed included human resource practices and policies; staffing levels; purchasing; the efficiency of each department within the airport; and the role of the county-run fixed base operator service. The Team's findings concluded that HCDA is a well-run organization that effectively and efficiently manages the Horry County airport system, but could also benefit from the organization of an Airport Advisory Board to establish policy and guide the development of the airport system.