
DATE: Tuesday, September 30, 1997           TAG: 9709300249

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY DEBBIE MESSINA, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   87 lines

NORFOLK, NEWPORT NEWS TO STUDY LINKING AIRPORTS

Norfolk and Newport News officials are considering merging the operations of their competing airports to improve regional air service.

City leaders have requested a study to explore options ranging from cooperation in providing commercial, cargo and general aviation services to merging the two operating authorities.

While the precise scope of the study has not been decided, officials say both Norfolk International and Newport News/Williamsburg International airports would likely stay open.

``I doubt we'd be closing airports, but one reality is forming one airport commission,'' said Edgar E. Maroney, Newport News city manager.

Regional leaders are looking for ways to improve air service in Hampton Roads after a state study released this month showed that air service in Virginia is inadequate and expensive.

Average air fares in the state are about 20 percent higher than the national average. And nearly 90 percent of Virginia passengers travel to an airline hub before arriving at their final destination.

``This region should be working better together, especially in providing infrastructure for better economic development,'' Maroney said.

Improved air service would help attract new businesses and business expansions, regional leaders say.

``We are at a competitive disadvantage with other markets in terms of air service,'' said Arthur L. Collins, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission executive director. ``Adequate and cost-effective air service is a big part of economic development and the kind of jobs we want to grow and bring to Hampton Roads.''

Lower fares could boost tourism in the region and improve the local quality of life by making air travel more accessible, said Barry E. DuVal, president and chief executive officer of the Hampton Roads Partnership.

The two airports are 25 miles apart. The Norfolk Airport Authority operates the Norfolk airport, which served 2.8 million travelers last year with 10 airlines.

The Peninsula Airport Commission operates the Newport News/Williamsburg airport, which served 342,500 passengers last year with three airlines.

The airport authorities are now soliciting proposals from consultants to conduct the yearlong study.

A study advisory committee will be co-chaired by Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and Newport News Mayor Joe Frank and will comprise officials from other southeastern Virginia jurisdictions.

The Hampton Roads Airport System Study will explore the advantages and disadvantages of various levels of cooperation between the two airports, including a merged system. If a merger is recommended, the consultant would define the role of each airport under a regional system.

``I don't think anybody has a pre-determined opinion'' about the results of the study, said James B. Oliver Jr., Norfolk city manager.

``Maybe one airport can do one primary function better than another,'' Oliver said. ``Or maybe we can try to operate the two airports as a system, like National and Dulles.''

Dulles and National airports used to compete in the Washington, D.C., area until they combined operations in 1989 under the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

``They went through a similar process, and significant air service improvements resulted from cooperation as opposed to competition,'' DuVal said.

The consultant also will be asked to evaluate a Hampton Roads regional airport system as an alternative to the options now under consideration in the second phase of a state airport study for eastern Virginia.

The first phase of that study concluded that the region - from Richmond to South Hampton Roads - would best be served by a consolidated airport system in the far future, beyond 2030.

It made two recommendations: build a gateway airport or superport to replace the existing three airports; or maintain Richmond International Airport and either build a new airport in Hampton Roads or expand one of the existing Hampton Roads airports.

``We want to be in a position to respond to the state study,'' Oliver said. ``We'll have some independent information that will help us make judgments as to whether we agree or don't agree with the state.''

The state study is expected to be completed late next year. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

THE STUDY

What: City leaders have requested a study to explore options

ranging from cooperation in providing commercial, cargo and general

aviation services to merging the airports' operating authorities.

Both Norfolk International and Newport News/Williamsburg

International airports would likely stay open.

Why: Average air fares in Virginia are about 20 percent higher

than the national average. Nearly 90 percent of Virginia passengers

travel to an airline hub before arriving at their final destination.