THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 24, 1995 TAG: 9508240556
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The nation's top airline-industry representative Wednesday rejected a proposed international airport for eastern Virginia, saying strapped airlines aren't looking for new hubs.
``While this regional airport concept might make sense on the drawing boards or in the minds of economic development officials, it does not make sense from the airline industry's point of view,'' said Carol B. Hallett, president and chief executive of the Air Transport Association in Washington.
Hallett told Virginia aviation officials at their annual meeting in Charlottesville that the airlines would fight the airport. The ATA represents most major U.S. passenger and freight carriers.
Supporters say the airport, sometimes referred to as a ``superport,'' would attract nonstop overseas flights that existing airports in Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News are unable to attract on their own.
With the backing of Richmond and Tidewater business leaders, who are organized under the name Virginia Gateway 21, the concept has moved through several planning stages. Possible sites are now being evaluated. Construction of the airport would cost several billion dollars and probably not begin until the next century.
Airlines typically are wary of airport projects, especially large ones that they fear they would have to pay for through higher landing fees, rents and other costs.
Hallett said airlines are just starting to recover from five years and $13 billion of losses that forced U.S. carriers to lay off 120,000 workers.
Pointing to an over-budget, behind-schedule new airport in Denver that already is plagued by controversy over noise levels, Hallett suggested incremental improvements to the Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News airports.
She also said airlines are scaling back their hubs and are not looking to open new ones any time soon.
``This is not like the movies. Living by the slogan, `Build it and they will come,' is not an option,'' she said.
Kenneth F. Wiegand, director of the Virginia Department of Aviation and a supporter of the gateway concept, called Hallett's remarks part of ``a healthy exchange.''
He predicted the airlines ultimately will support the plan as the need for a new international airport on the East Coast becomes clear.
Gordon F. Rainey Jr., a Richmond attorney and one of the leading gateway proponents, challenged Hallett's assertion of wishful thinking.
``I call it farsighted thinking,'' he said.
``She's taking a short-term view, in my opinion,'' Rainey said. ``What we're trying to do is plan for the long-term aviation needs and opportunities of eastern Virginia.'' by CNB