TAC Air Claims City Is Playing Favorites With Wilson Air Service

An FBO operating at Chattanooga Metro Airport (KCHA) is asking the FAA to look into what it says is special treatment offered by the city to a competitor.

TAC Air has been operating at KCHA since 2002. In August, Wilson Air Services began operating from a $5 million facility owned by the airport board. Television Station KDEF reports that TAC Air cried foul, and requested that the FAA investigate the matter.

Mayor Ron Littlefield told the station that he hopes that the competition will "spark the other FBO operator to do some new and inspiring things with the properties they manage." TAC Air General Manager Pam McCallister told the station that they have had to lower fuel prices to stay competitive.

TAC Air says the issue is basically a private company having to compete with a government-owned facility, and if the agency decides to investigate the matter, it could have ramifications for airports nationwide. City officials said the move was made to spark competition at the airport.

Airport spokesperson Christina Seibold said that they would let the FAA investigation run its course before making a public statement.

www.chattairport.com