From: Don D. Cook
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 6:05 PM
To: pbarnes@columbusga.org; glenndavis@columbusga.org; jhunter@columbusga.org;
mbaker@columbusga.org; gallen@columbusga.org; mwoodson@columbusga.org;
jwetherington@columbusga.org; skiphenderson@columbusga.org;
rmcdaniel@columbusga.org; wanthony@columbusga.orgCc: Mark Oropeza;
mgaymon@columbusgachamber.com; bholden@ledger-enquirer.com
Subject: Airport Commision Update
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen:
I thought this was a good time to give an update on ASA and our efforts to
attract additional air carriers to CSG. Currently we are in final negotiations
with American Airlines for a flight from Columbus to Dallas. American can say
no without comment, so the fact that they are continuing the conversation is a
positive sign. American should have a final decision to enter or not to enter
into our market in July. There are other airlines that have asked for a second
meeting in July. Each of these airlines if they came to Columbus would provide
a different point to point regional air service to a major hub. I will be able
to give you a complete breakdown of those conversations in late July.
The effort of the airport commission to attract and improve air service for the
region has been full of ups and downs over the past two-years. My desired
outcome for the year 2007 is to determine what type of air service we provide
to the region. The airport is currently primarily a general aviation with one
commercial air carrier. The preferred arrangement is for the airport to provide
point to point regional air service through more than one air carrier and a
healthy general aviation community. I can say that we will have made every
effort to be both a regional point to point commercial and general aviation
airport by the end of 2007.
Our efforts to attract new airlines to CSG have resulted in many new
relationships being formed with members of the airline industry across the
country and locally with our only air carrier ASA. Columbus, Georgia is no
longer in Ohio in the minds of all major air carriers executives. They know our
community is growing and that the charm and citizens of our city requires a
second look. There are no promises but we have definitely built a strong profit
driven business case for selecting our community as a point to point
destination for additional air service.
In a recent article in the ledger there was a concern voiced for the lost of
seat capacity with the new jets. During the briefing Delta representatives were
question about the lost of seat capacity and I was reassured at the commission
meeting that Delta (ASA) is committed to adding additional flights as required
to meet the needs of the community.
After the article was released I reassured Delta (ASA) representatives that the
airport commission and the community supports the changes they are making and
that we will work with them on any issues that fall within our authority to
resolve concerning military baggage. Maintaining good relationships in the
public media and in the board room is essential to ASA accepting and working
with additional carriers at the Columbus airport.
Below is a follow-up email from Mr. Pruett (ASA Manager Columbus) reinforcing
Delta?s and ASA commitment to the Columbus region for air service. I will keep
you all informed of additional results from meetings concerning Fort Benning
baggage, and point to point regional air service as it develops.
From: Frank Pruett [mailto:frank.pruett@flyasa.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 9:21 AM
To: Mark Oropeza
Subject: Information
Mark,
This is a follow up to our conversation.
The arrival of an all-CRJ schedule at CSG is a good change for the Columbus
community. These modern regional jets fly faster, smoother, and are configured
with two-by-two all-leather seating - all features that should help attract
customers reluctant to fly turbo prop aircraft like the ATR.
CRJ200s carry 50 passengers and their bags with ease. Though there have been
some challenges here in the past with baggage and flight cancellations, ASA is
working hard with our mainline partner, Delta Air Lines, and the TSA to address
and overcome those challenges. And our combined efforts are paying off.
Last month in CSG ASA had zero flight cancellations and our overflow baggage
numbers were minimal thanks to our continued work with the TSA in ATL to devise
a solid plan to ground transport bags when necessary - reducing the baggage
wait time for passengers.
Though the arrival of regional jets in CSG will lower our number of seats in
our market, our load factors will be positively affected - last month our load
factor was around 59%. Should we see a steady increase in demand, Delta has a
strong history of increasing seats in markets where demand is consistantly
high.
I hope this information is encouraging to you and further illustrates Delta and
ASA's commitment to the Columbus market.
Yours Truly,
Frank
Frank Pruett
Station Manager CSG
ASA
706-327-4397
706-327-1487 fax
706-957-1854 cell
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