Analysis: FAA LGA Action Discriminatory

After the Federal Aviation Administration proposed halving the number of hourly slots for unscheduled operations at La Guardia from six to three, the National Air Transportation Association filed an objection, saying the proposal has met with opposition from every user group and is discriminatory against Part 135 operators. Related Story
The organization’s comments on the LGA rule again cited competitive advantages being granted to airlines at the direct expense of on-demand operators, and NATA called on the FAA to maintain the current number of available LGA slots for unscheduled operators. Data obtained by NATA shows that during peak evening hours the current unscheduled allotment of slots is, indeed, used and thus cannot afford the cuts.
FAA’s action certainly confirms Aviation Today’s VLJ Report contentions that business aviation already pays its fair share of the national air transportation system given the fact the system is built for maximum throughput and thus is heavily tilted in favor of airline operations. We also contend that any imbalance in what passengers pay is made up for by the fact that airline service is given priority, something the airlines do not count in their calculations. Commentary Business and general aviation interests should join the chorus for higher user fees, but only if “equal pay” provides them with equal access and we all know that is not going to happen.
“NATA noted that the agency was willing to guarantee slots to airlines and allow public charters to reserve slots up to six months in advance,” said the organization, “while Part 135 operators could only attempt to reserve a slot up to 72 hours in advance. Because on-demand operators are air carriers and direct competitors to the airlines, NATA believes the inability to reserve slots on the same terms as public charters is discriminatory.”
NATA noted that “no other class of carriers has been targeted to have its operational potential slashed by this significant amount.” However, the FAA and the Department of Transportation have repeatedly attacked the use of regional jets saying they are the cause of congestion. However, a study by the Regional Airline Association revealed it was actually the increase of narrow-body operations and the increased competition to leisure markets that is to blame. RAA contends that curbing the narrow-body use would ease congestion. Related Story