Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Assigns AA Rating, Stable Outlook to Jacksonville Aviation Authority Revenue Bonds Series 2026 (AMT)
22 Apr 2026 | New York
KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AA with a Stable Outlook to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Revenue Bonds Series 2026 (AMT).
Key Credit Considerations
The rating was assigned because of the following key credit considerations:
Credit Positives
- Very strong financial profile, with exceptionally high historical debt service coverage and outstanding liquidity.
- Large and growing O&D service area, supported by diversified business, military, and tourism demand that underpins stable passenger traffic and airline service.
- Manageable capital program, with the 2026 Project well advanced and largely de-risked from a construction standpoint, substantial use of grants and PFCs, and no additional parity debt expected for the remaining five-year CIP.
Credit Challenges
- Traffic concentration and volatility risk related to service changes, particularly given concentration of top two carriers and the variable market behavior of some lower-cost airlines.
- Reliance on future PFC revenues, including timely approval and implementation of Applications 13 and 14, to fund portions of the 2026 Project and support projected debt service levels.
- AULA renewal risk, as the current airline agreement expires within the forecast period.
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Improved debt service coverage consistently above required minimums and above forecast period projections.
- Exceptionally strong non-airline revenue generation post 2026 Project completion, such that airline costs fall well below projections.
For Downgrade
- Failure to implement the 2026 Project and the Five-Year CIP on time and within budget, resulting in financial stress.
- An unexpected, sustained decline in passenger enplanements that pressures operating performance, liquidity, debt metrics and/or airline costs.
To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.