NDCC Supports Love Field Landing Fee Increase

February 16, 2006

The Honorable Laura Miller, Mayor
City of Dallas
1500 Marilla
Dallas, Texas 75201

Dear Mayor Miller:

On behalf of the membership of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the chamber's Board of Directors strongly encourages the Dallas City Council to approve the proposed increase in the Dallas Love Field landing fee charge from $.35 to $.55 per 1000 pounds of landing weight. At the same time, the board respectfully urges the council not to increase the fee above this amount.

The chamber takes this position for the following reasons:

1. Having a low cost airport is a significant benefit. Just as the North Texas region is a low cost location in which to do business, an advantage that has much to do with our strong and growing economy, Dallas Love Field must remain a low cost airport for commercial carriers if it is to regain its previous level of service and eventually return to the level of service anticipated in the Love Field Master Plan.

2. The recent Aviation Fund deficits are attributable to two main factors. First, in the years since the terrorist attacks of 2001, air carrier activity has been lower than pre-2001 levels. Second, and at the same time, the debt service payments on the parking garage have increased the airport's operating costs.

3. Increasing the level of air carrier activity at the airport, rather than additional increases in the cost of serving the airport, will have a much more dramatic effect on the balance in the Aviation Fund and on the Dallas economy.

4. New commercial service to Missouri by both Southwest and American Airlines will add to the level of commercial activity at Dallas Love Field and will significantly increase the chances for the Aviation Fund to grow in 2006.

5. The current Aviation Fund balance of almost $53 million is more that the airport's total outstanding debt of almost $44 million.

In short, given these circumstances, it would be imprudent to raise landing fees above the level of $.55 per 1000 pounds of landing weight. The city should encourage, not discourage, the new commercial service that is emerging.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Ron Chapman Jr
Chairman of the Board

Glenn Pearson
Chairman, Transportation Council

Chamber Media Contact:
Corey Hill
Director, Communications

Copyright © 2007 North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Site map | Website hosted by Weboutsourcing.com