Wed, Oct 01, 2014
Says All FBOs Should Play On A Level Playing Field
In a letter to the City of Houston’s Mayor and City Council, the NATA has expressed its opposition to the approval of a lease granting a new entrant fixed base operator status at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The association urged the Council to amend the lease to create a level playing field among all FBOs at HOU. The proposed lease was scheduled for consideration by the City Council on September 30th.
NATA is a national association representing the broad array of aviation service businesses essential for a vibrant general aviation sector including fixed base operators (FBOs) such as those at Houston Hobby.
In writing to the Council, NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks (pictured) proposed amending the lease to accelerate the amount and tempo of investment made by the proposed new entrant and clarify that at least one new hanger be designated for the exclusive use of third party customers. Hendricks observed that absent such language, the City of Houston “will be creating an unequal level of competition among FBOs at the airport, a clear violation of FAA grant assurances.”
In July, Hendricks wrote the City recommending that before adding a new FBO at Hobby it should develop airport minimum standards. NATA observed that such standards, as recommended by the FAA, “ensure safety, as well as high quality services to the public and fair competition.” The currently proposed lease terms risk the City losing tens of millions of dollars in future Airport Improvement Funds and places both long-term jobs and revenue to the City in jeopardy.
Hendricks closed his appeal to the City by noting, “NATA supports competition throughout our industry and believes that when the playing field is truly level, competition, regardless of who is providing the services, will benefit everyone.”
More News
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]