"Answers to Del Rio, Texas airport revenue loss predictions"

Thursday, October 6, 2005

Answers to airport revenue loss predictions
By Jennifer Killin
The Del Rio (TX) News-Herald   


How is it that Del Rio's International Airport is anticipated to lose
$378,069 over the next fiscal year?

Del Rio International Airport Director Jack Richardson provides some insight
to the deficit and his theories on how to fix it.

Richardson explained that one reason for the predicted deficit in the
upcoming fiscal year, which began Oct. 1 and will end Sept. 30, 2006, is the
cost of providing security for the airport.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes up a third of the
airport terminal and is in charge of all preflight screenings of passengers
and luggage, according to Richardson.

Machines used by the TSA include a walk through metal detector, two
Explosive Track Detectors used to screen carry-on and checked luggage for
any explosive chemicals, and a pass through X-ray machine for carry-on
luggage.

Richardson said that while these machines were purchased by TSA, the airport
is responsible for paying the electric bill to run them as well as provide
illumination around the terminal for security purposes.

Another charge Richardson said contributed to the predicted loss of revenue
involves the U.S. Customs Service.

"In order to keep the airport's international status, we must supply
Customs, free of charge, with an office, utilities, phone lines, air
conditioning and basically anything else they need to operate," Richardson
said.

Another expense incurred by the airport is from the "storm water prevention
program" set up through the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality.

Richardson said that under this program, required by law, the airport must
test the water every time it rains to ensure that no chemicals are there
that could adversely affect the environment.

Also required by law are the noise contour plan and airport security plan.

"All of these are maintained and enforced by city employees," Richardson
said.

When asked what Richardson felt could be done to reduce the deficit, he
provided several plans that he feels could do the trick.

Some of his suggestions were raising the land lease rates, increasing fuel
flow fee costs and initiating charges for airplanes that tie down at the
airport.

Richardson believes that the 39 cent per square foot hangar rental standard
and the 45 cent flight line charges are simply too low. 

According to Richardson, the average price of renting a hangar per year is
$321.75.

Other ideas included charging a landing fee for every 1,000 pounds of weight
per plane, per landing.

Richardson said that currently a business could have an airplane land at the
airport with no charges incurred.

"I just brought a 737 in here last week on a test run and it came in and
departed with no problem. That can give you an idea of what money could be
made by charging landing fees by weight," said Richardson.

The final recommendation by Richardson was to initiate a parking fee for
customers who utilize the parking lot when they fly.

"One thing people need to realize is that the cost of this airport to the
city is not that great, and the expected loss can be made up fairly easily,"
said Richardson.

Richardson added that the airport is just as crucial to economic development
within the Del Rio area as a new business coming to town.


 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


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