Just saw this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that talks about the increased fees - taxes, that is - that will be imposed on airlines operating out of Pittsburgh International Airport beginning in January.
Southwest Airlines, one of my current favorites, is particularly incensed - as they should be.
Increase in landing fees? 34.8 percent.
Increase in terminal space? 35.9 percent.
Increase in ramp space? 191 percent!
Yes, Allegheny County is sitting on a white elephant - a top of the line hub airport with no hub airline. Yes, there are significant issues surrounding servicing the airport's debt.
Every time I'm at the airport, it is very depressing. The place is an absolute ghost town, even at peak travel times. Clearly though, travel originiating here is strong - the extended parking lot is usually mostly full, anyway.
Here's a suggestion for the powers that be: cut the fees for landing, terminal space, and ramp space, you dolts! Obviously RAISING fees hasn't exactly ATTRACTED airlines here. You want a new airline to take Pittsburgh seriously as a hub location? Make our airport the least expensive for airlines to operate from!
If you lower the fees, more airlines will operate and maybe we'd get a hub back, whether for passengers or cargo. If there are more operations, you'll get more fees. DUH!
Allan,
ReplyDeleteOne of the main reasons we are cutting our flights originating from PIT is the high fees charged by Allegheny County.
Of course you know any increase in fees will be passed on to the flying customer.
Doug
Oh yeah, I know about the pass through. Corporations don't pay taxes; their customers do.
ReplyDeleteLogistically though, I'd have kept the Pittsburgh hub over Philly - much, much less delay prone - but I can understand the "orgininating traffic" argument too.
Thanks for your comment.