... to start paying attention to the devastation occurring with small communities and their connection to the national air transportation system. “It’s not on their minds,†he says. “We have a serious crisis in this country; what’s not as well known is we’re going to have a crisis in air transportation.†Barclay was speaking at a press conference at this week’s annual convention of the American Association of Airport Executives in New Orleans.
In an attempt to gain Washington’s attention and help industry and federal officials to address the issue, AAAE on July 10 will host “The Energy Crisis and its Impact on Air Service: An Aviation Industry Summit.†Central to the agenda will be a need for central planning. Barclay says that the U.S. has institutions to assist other industries in crisis, evidenced earlier this year when the feds stepped in to alleviate the Wall Street financial crisis. The long-time AAAE president says that the marketplace will tell the airline industry what flights to keep – those that make money; the industry and the nation need to figure out how to connect the rest. “Government has the ability to step in,†he says. That said, Barclay says he doesn’t believe that a return to full government regulation of airline routes is the answer. Meanwhile, AAAE is putting together a task force to explore alternatives.
In New Orleans, attendees were told the grim projections that in short order the major U.S. airlines could cut routes as much as 30-40 percent. It’s the small communities that are taking the big hit.
In a side conversation after the press conference, Barclay said his reaction to the current situation is one of awe. And, while the airlines all agree that $100/barrel oil brings with it an unsustainable model for profit, the carriers seem to be taking the approach of waiting for their competitors to bleed to death.
To date, Barclay says some 100 communities have either lost air service altogether or are expected to by the end of the year. It’s a serious issue that needs to get on the Congressional radar. Getting legislators to understand the scope of the problem has quickly become a top priority.
Thanks for reading. jfi