Replacement Needed For Lost Air Service

By William "Bill" Sabo

My commentary in the Monterey Herald discussing the loss of the airline service Express Jet and what we can do prevent further loss of air service.

Replacement Needed For Lost Air Service

By WILLIAM SABO Guest commentary

Article Last Updated: 07/16/2008 01:40:36 AM PDT

Last week those of us who are air travelers in Monterey County became another of the innocent victims of oil speculators. We were disheartened by the surprise announcement that one of the Monterey Peninsula Airport's leading air carriers, Express-Jet Airlines, will be changing businesses and discontinue its low cost, popular service from Monterey to Southern California, Sacramento and Tucson, Ariz.

This is a double blow because it affects not only local travelers but also our valuable visitor and convention industry.

The Express Jet pullout was a direct result of the "out-of-control" fuel costs plaguing the airline industry. Airline failures and pullbacks due to fuel costs are increasingly frequent these days and we in Monterey County just happen to be the latest customers to be victimized.

Those of us with responsibility for the Monterey Peninsula Airport have already undertaken steps to replace the lost air service. We are currently approaching other air carriers to negotiate a replacement to fill the service gap. We are in competition with several other cities but are optimistic about the outcome.

What else can be done?

First, we as citizens and businesses need to join the airline industry in its efforts to pressure our congressional representatives to bring oil speculation under control (http://www.StopOilSpeculationNow.com).

At current levels it is estimated that hoarding and speculation are adding $30 per barrel to fuel costs.

Second, we must actively demonstrate our community support for a new air carrier to serve our community and our visitor industry. Any new carrier will need the assurance that it will have sufficient customers to make their venture successful.

Finally, we must continue to use and support the air carriers we already have by "Flying Monterey" and skipping the long (and expensive) drive to San Jose with its high parking fees and lengthy security screening lines.

The Monterey airport is a valuable resource for us and we on the board and the staff intend to maintain our air service levels and keep it healthy. We will keep you advised as to how you can help.

Sabo is a Director of the Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board of Directors.