Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Affirms A+ Rating for Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, FL Tampa International Airport CFC Revenue Bonds; Outlook is Stable
13 Aug 2025 | New York
KBRA affirms the long-term rating of A+ with a Stable Outlook for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, FL Tampa International Airport ("TPA" or the "Airport") Customer Facility Charge Revenue Bonds.
The Stable Outlook reflects the resilience and growth of the Tampa Bay economy and the Airport’s air travel demand, which KBRA expects will continue to support rental car demand at TPA, as well as level annual debt service on CFC Bonds and the absence of additional borrowing plans.
Key Credit Considerations
The rating was affirmed because of the following key credit considerations:
Credit Positives
- Legal framework provides strong bondholder protections and features a 1.25x rate covenant (excluding rolling coverage), ability to adjust the CFC, and established reserves.
- The Tampa Bay area is an established and popular leisure/recreation destination that has demonstrated resilience against exogenous events and supports high levels of rental car utilization.
Credit Challenges
- Airport activity is subject to macro-economic and other event risks which could contribute to volatility in CFC receipts.
- Competition from rideshare services may weigh negatively on CFC revenue growth going forward.
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Trend of steady growth in rental car transactions resulting in sustained increase in pledged revenues.
For Downgrade
- Erosion in rental car market and rental car transactions pressuring debt service coverage.
To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.