Aircraft: Unclear
Location: Discussions Underway
Operations Funding: $500,000 Secured
People: Core Team Committed and Growing
The highest risk part of the plan, and hence the highest priority, is identifying an airline partner for which it makes more sense donate an aircraft than any alternate form of disposition. This section will detail some of the economics and opportunities associated with such a donation, as well as locations of interest, initial operating plans, and the principals driving the project.
The Economics of Donation
The museum believes there are likely certain aircraft for which donation may result in the most economic value for airline shareholders. Such aircraft are likely older, and being evaluated for both part-out and cargo conversion. Since the museum's mission requires an airworthy aircraft, the airline will be entitled to write off the full market value of the aircraft.
The challenge lies in identifying an airline with such an aircraft, and the creativity and enthusiasm take advantage of the long term marketing and branding opportunities such a project provides. The opportunities go beyond maintaining the airline livery and PR associated with such a community minded project. This donation provides a genuine way to nurture one generations nostalgia while inspiring the next with wonder.
Locations of Interest
The ideal location is adjacent to the airport, has room for parking, and either has, or can support the construction of, an administrative support building and a large pavilion to protect aircraft and future spacecraft from the elements. Proximity to the port side of the airport provides easy access for cruise ship passengers and banyan drive hotels, but would require a few minutes longer shuttle ride from the terminal (unless we could work out a special shuttle which crossed the airfield, providing for an even more exciting experience).
The following areas are under active investigation with the airport authority, county and private land/lease holders.
Area 1 is a airport land that has been leased out long term to a trucking a company. It has direct access to the airfield, and the port. It provides the best access to visitors that are not coming directly to/from the airport (cruise ship passengers, banyan drive hotel guests, etc). This land appears to be under utilized, and the museum is in the process of discussing a more collaborative use with the current lease holder.
Area 2 is controlled by the local government and DLNR. It provided a good balance of location goals, although raises some traffic concerns. The museum has connected with the county's long term planning department to discuss further.
Areas 3, 4 and 5 are airport land, and we are in discussions with airport management about the feasibility of each site.
Operations and Funding
$500,000 has been committed by the trustees and an associated private foundation. The museum believes this is enough funding to retrofit the aircraft, open the doors to the public, and bridge the organization until admissions fully fund operations. The board of trustees will seek to raise another $500k-1M in the first year from corporate sponsors and private donors to fund the construction of a large pavilion or hanger to provide better protection for the 747 and additional covered space for newly acquired artifacts and ongoing educational programs. Such structures are available, prefabricated and delivered via shipping containers, and local engineers and builders have volunteered to construct the building.
The project will look to partners primarily for expertise, support and exhibit content, but remains cognizant of sponsorship/branding opportunities provided by corporate sponsors, and will seek out creative relationships that add value for all parties.
The initial budget does not contemplate support from grants, but such resources absolutely are available and will be pursued as appropriate.
The museum will employ full time staff for key operations, and look to the community to serve as volunteer guides. Retired pilots, airplane mechanics and others from the aerospace industry are prevalent in Hawaii, and the UH campus in Hilo provides access to many high quality educators.
Charging $20 to only 100 paying visitors a day would provide an annual operational budget in excess of $700k per year. This is a very conservative estimate of capacity and demand, but provides enough ongoing funding for:
The museum believe this is a very conservative estimate of demand, and substantially more money will be available for operations and expansion through increased admissions and private donations. The following facts inform the museums conservative perspective:
People Involved: The Board of Trustees
The the management of the museum is overseen by a board of trustees that collaboratively manages the budget, fundraising, industry relationships, and selects the museum's executive director. The board's chairman shall act as executive director until the position is filled by a full time employee.
Christophe Bisciglia, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Founding Executive Director
Christophe grew up on airplanes, his mother having served as a flight attendant with United for 38 years. He started his career at Google as a software engineer, and went on to found multiple enterprise software companies which have collectively created thousands of jobs, and reshaped the data industry. Since working as an operational executive, he has settled between Seattle and Hilo, with a focus on mentoring socially minded entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for developing communities through creative partnerships.
Chris Kemp, Member of the Board of Trustees and Aerospace Director
Chris is an innovative technology entrepreneur with deep roots in the Aerospace industry. Having previously served as NASA’s CTO, he is now the CEO of a Stealth Space Company building rockets, and uniquely positioned to engage with the larger Aerospace industry.
Recruiting
The existing board is actively recruiting additional members of the board of trustees, executive director candidates, educators, advocates and voulanteers. The board anticipates adding trustees with the following characteristics in the near future: