Originally published in 1998
AUSTIN-Texas airport officials from small and mid-sized cities Abilene, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Waco, Brownwood, Laredo, Texarkana, Sugar Land, Lufkin-and officials from the State of New Mexico met in Austin recently to discuss a wide range of air service problems.
A recent U.S. Department of Transportation study on rural air fares shows that travelers in small communities pay higher fares than travelers in large hub airports. The cost per mile of travel can be up to 20 percent higher for rural travelers according to the study, partly because there are fewer travel options available, so airlines charge higher prices.
Congress is considering legislation that would give low-cost loan guarantees to companies planning to serve small communities. The proposed legislation would provide nationwide a total of $10 million a year for small airports to market their communities and lure new airline service, and require the Transportation Department to determine in 180 days whether a large airline is lowering fares to oust a rival company.
After five hours of intense discussion, airport officials agreed to work together to solve their problems and meet again at a later date with a definite plan of action. Tentatively, a group from seven communities will research possible solutions and report back to the larger group for more input.
UPDATE: The next air service meeting will be held in Austin on July 9, 1998.
For more information, contact Suella Murray, Administrative Assistant, TxDOT Aviation Division, 512/416-4504.