Local leaders discuss airline service goals

Web posted May 26, 2000

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By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

They did not pass any resolutions, nor did they make any decisions that will have immediate impact on service at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field.

OTHER STORIES: • Aviation groups come to airport's aid • Aviation commission looks to GAIN • New airport promotions prepare for takeoff • Airport hopes to see funds • Experts push master plan for airport • Airport ignores funding • Board moves to study expansion • Inspectors: Airport outdated • Commission rethinks airport plan • Commission OKs design of new terminal • Airport gets fund priority • City sets sights on airport facilities • City looks to land major airlines • Local leaders discuss airline service goals • Delta jets to depart from area • Airport panel OKs new terminal plan • Growth alarms officials • Augusta's size hurts airport expansion plan • Firms vie for airport plan • More airlines doubtful • Problems hurt Bush Field • Airport business picks up • Augusta airport plans disappointed by Delta

But members of the Augusta Aviation Commission and the Air Service Task Force and several key representatives from the community did meet Thursday morning and they did talk - something many in attendance said is important if their common goals are to be accomplished.

The group, a veritable who's who of Augusta's leaders, talked about ways the two boards can best attract more airlines, more passengers and more money for the airport.

``I think it's critical, and I think Augusta is way behind the times about addressing the issue of additional air service,'' said Aviation Commission member Ed McIntyre. ``We have a window of opportunity here, and it's critical we immediately ask our task force to address that issue and meet with those people.''

Besides planning to meet with various airline executives about new or improved service to Augusta, the group wants to look more closely at securing some of the federal money now available for airport improvement projects and at the possibility of creating an airplane mechanics school and repair facility at Bush Field.

It was Interim Airport Director Tim Weegar who suggested Augusta look at working with an airline such as Atlantic Southeast Airlines, a company such as Garrett Aviation and a school such as Augusta Technical Institute to create such a school and facility.

Mr. Weegar said there is tremendous need for regional jet mechanics, and that a school in Augusta could bring in a large number of ancillary businesses.

State Sen. Charles Walker said he will look to see what types of state and federal funding are available for such a project.

``We could parlay this into a bargaining tool for getting regional jet service,'' Mr. Walker said.

Thursday's summit meeting comes a week after Delta Air Lines announced it would no longer provide jet service to Augusta and a few months after President Clinton signed AIR 21 legislation into law.

Delta's pullout opens the door for another major airline to come in and provide service as Augusta's only commercial airport. The legislation promises to provide millions of dollars for airport improvement projects like Augusta's terminal expansion plan.

Aviation Commission member Jim Wilson said it is important that both the Air Service Task Force and the Augusta Aviation Commission let U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell and U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood know how important it is that Augusta receive some of that federal money.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.