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Chattanooga: American adding 2nd Dallas run

By: Mike Pare
(Contact)

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Mike Landguth

American Eagle is adding a second daily roundtrip flight between Chattanooga and Dallas-Fort Worth starting Nov. 2 as Continental Express plans meanwhile to drop its Houston service from the Scenic City.

Airport officials said the loss of the Houston flights and plans by Allegiant Air to cancel service to Fort Lauderdale, both starting in September, will cut airport revenues by $293,000.

Mike Landguth, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority president, said the airport will impose a hiring freeze and cut its outlying parking shuttle service.

But there are no plans to boost fees on airport tenants, he said.

Dan Jacobson, Airport Authority chairman, urged officials to find more sources of revenue to address the turbulence in the airline industry spurred by high fuel prices.

“The fiscal discipline has positioned the airport for long-term success,” he said about the moves by Lovell Field officials.

Concerning the added Dallas flight on 50-seat regional jets, the airline will receive an $80,000 incentive from the airport, officials said.

“Local travelers make Dallas a top destination every year,” Mr. Landguth said.

July traffic numbers at Lovell Field held up in July despite the tough operating environment for airlines.

Passenger boardings at the airport rose almost 1 percent for the month over a year ago to 26,604. For the year, boardings are 4.8 percent higher, airport figures show.

Mr. Landguth said Chattanooga’s landing of the Volkswagen assembly plant should help the area’s growth and provide a better story as airport officials talk to airlines about boosting service.

“With the Volkswagen plant and its suppliers, there is a good story here,” he said. “Hopefully it will lead to some great opportunities to our community and the airport.”

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