"Chattanooga, Tenn., airport names chief executive"

Saturday, July 3, 2004

Chattanooga, Tenn., airport names chief executive
The Chattanooga (TN) Times/Free Press


When Mike Landguth was hired at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in 1999
as a vice president, he said his goal was to eventually head his own
operation.

Five years and a day later, he got his wish when he was picked Friday as
chief executive at the airport after serving in an interim role since
February.

Mr. Landguth, 37, will be paid a base salary of $130,000 a year as he
tries to increase passenger traffic and air service. If he lands
Southwest Airlines, he would earn a $50,000 bonus, according to his
contract.

If the airport receives service from a new carrier other than Southwest
for at least a year, Mr. Landguth would earn a $5,000 bonus.

He also has incentives in his five-year contract for higher boardings,
such as $2,500 for a 5 percent increase, $5,000 for a 10 percent jump,
and $10,000 for a hike of 15 percent or more annually. 

Southwest has long been sought by both the airport and travelers in the
region. Southwest and airport officials have talked about the idea of
making Chattanooga a hub for its operations to compete in the Atlanta
area. However, the carrier is cautious about expanding in the current
tough airline business environment.

Mr. Landguth said among his first duties will be to staff up the airport
office, which has several openings. 

"I'm looking forward to building a stronger airport," he said.

Mayor Bob Corker cited the startup of nonstops to Washington, D.C.,
later this month, saying he sees "far greater days ahead" for the
airport.

Dan Jacobson, the Airport Authority chairman, said boardings have risen
four of the first five months of the year and Mr. Landguth can "lead us
into a new era."

"I strongly support this appointment," he said.

Airport board member Jim Hall said the airport continues to try to build
traffic, which was off 9.1 percent in 2003 over the prior year.

"I've been particularly impressed with Mike's performance," he said.

Terry McDowell, who heads fixed-based operator TAC Air in Chattanooga,
said Mr. Landguth is more knowledgeable than any leader the airport has
had.

"He has certainly got the most energy," he said.

Scott Broyles, who heads the federal Transportation Security
Administration operation at the airport, said Mr. Landguth is "the right
guy at the right time."

Mr. Landguth replaces Mark VanLoh, who was hired at a salary of $125,000
a year. He resigned after about 2 1/2 years on the job amid declining
boardings and a dispute with travel agents. Mr. VanLoh was recently
hired to head the Kansas City International Airport.


 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************