Wright Is Wrong

Sincerely, Joe Barton

2005-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

AN OPEN LETTER TO SNIDE BLOGGERS AND OTHER WRIGHT OPPONENTS:

To whom it may concern,

I have been reading your weblog of late and what I see truly offends and disgusts me.

You insolent little turds have no idea who your dealing with, do you? I will use the Patriot Act to subpoena the commie corporation allowing you to spew your venom and crush them. When I get their records I will track you down and crush you. I'll crush anything and everything in my path. Like grapes under my heel.

Listen and listen good. There are two types of people in this world. The screws and the screwed. I am a mother screwer and you are about to find out what happens when you play with fire.

I am powerful. I am dangerous. I am beautiful.

I am a bad man.

I let polluters run free as long as the write the big checks. Why? Because I like money and because I can.

I will let DFW run roughshod over any attempts to repeal The Right Amendment. Why? Same reason.

So keep it up, hippies. You will all be pulling my boot leather out of your behinds pretty soon and you won't find it is such a good idea to wrap yourselves in the "freedom" flag only when it suits you.

Your mothers should have raised you better.

Sincerely,

Joe Barton

p.s. If the DFW check bounces I'm on your side and you can disregard the above. jb

Cornyn Inclined To Support Wright

2005-05-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

It's not really a big surprise, but unlike his Texas counterpart Kay Bailey Hutchison, Mr. Cornyn has been quiet on the issue until now. From the Dallas Morning News:

Senator open to hearing debate on Love Field, will meet with Kelleher

By TODD J. GILLMAN
The Dallas Morning News

Sen. John Cornyn waded into the Wright amendment fight on Friday, saying he's inclined to keep flight restrictions at Dallas' Love Field but open to hearing arguments on why it's time to revisit the issue.

Mr. Cornyn said he'll meet soon with Southwest Airlines Co. chairman Herb Kelleher, who also has lobbied Dallas Mayor Laura Miller on opening Love to long-haul flights.

American Airlines Inc. chief Gerard Arpey, who vehemently opposes such changes, met with Texas lawmakers in Washington earlier this month.

"My position right now is I don't see a huge hue and cry to repeal the Wright amendment. And I'm certainly not going to lead that charge," Mr. Cornyn told The Dallas Morning News editorial board.

(Well then you are not listenting hard enough, sir. There is a huge hue and cry. Listen to your consituents instead of the power brokers and you might change your view.)

"I may very well decide, due to settled expectations and all the history, that we ought to leave well enough alone."

Southwest dominates at Love. But under the 25-year-old Wright amendment, a compromise designed to ensure growth at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, flights from Love can only reach cities in Texas and neighboring states. Congress added Kansas, Mississippi and Alabama in 1997.

Southwest stayed neutral on Wright for years. Then, in November, it called for lifting the restrictions, triggering a lobbying frenzy.

"I've had a long train of people come through my office," Mr. Cornyn said Friday. "Almost all the people I've talked to so far have said it's important that the Wright amendment remain in place."

(Mayhap, that is because the only people allowed into the rarified air of your office are the people that can afford to pay the admission. And most of those have a financial interest in Wright or they wouldn't pay the steep admission fee.)

He noted that a lot of investment has occurred based on reliance of the deal continuing, including construction at D/FW.

Two weeks ago, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison met with Mr. Arpey and said afterward that she would be reluctant to tamper with the Wright amendment.

But three of eight U.S. House members from North Texas – all from the Dallas side of the region – say they're ready to scrap or tinker with it.

"I would say that if we were starting all over again from scratch, that my instinct was to say what's best for consumers?" Mr. Cornyn said.

"But we're not starting over. We're 30 years down the road. ... Someone has to come to me and give me a good explanation for why it would be good for consumers, good for the people who work in the industry and for the populations served by the airlines."

Mr. Cornyn said Mr. Kelleher had tried to meet with him a few weeks ago, but their schedules didn't mesh. They'll meet "soon," the senator said, adding, "I intend to listen respectfully to what he has to say."

E-mail tgillman@dallasnews.com

A Revealing Article From Torbensen

2005-05-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Stalwart aviation reporter Eric Torbensen reports in The Dallas Morning News that the ball was rolling toward RTFA last fall at a meeting of the N. Dallas Chamber. He also reveals that its been an underground campaign until Thursday:

Southwest crafted a strategy of "educating" lawmakers, newspapers and airport executives, starting first in Texas and moving quickly to Florida, California and other Western states.
Many regional papers knew nothing of the Wright law; several didn't even realize that Southwest, now the nation's largest domestic carrier in terms of passengers, flies from coast to coast, Mr. Stewart (SWA flak) said. "We had one person ask us, 'Why do you care about this if the farthest you fly is to New Orleans?' "

For Southwest, a visit to Tampa, Fla., marked a turning point.

The director of Tampa International Airport accompanied Mr. Ricks and Mr. Stewart to local papers with the airport's own slideshow showing how the Wright law was affecting the west-central Florida economy.

"That's the passion you want to see," Mr. Stewart said.

Southwest tracked anti-Wright newspaper editorials in daily e-mail tallies. But getting congressional backers to sponsor a bill was another story.

For that, Southwest dispatched Mr. Kelleher, an industry icon who says he's been energized working Capitol Hill. "I feel like a wild mustang in spring," he said this week.

Southwest was significantly outspent and out-staffed in the Wright battle, Mr. Kelleher said.
D/FW's Mr. Cox walked into the fight with verbal guns blazing, repeating his contention that Southwest didn't really intend to add long-haul service from Love. He grew intense in Wright discussions, his voice shaking. Once, at a news conference, he bit down hard on his finger while listening to a question he didn't like.

D/FW officials sent letters to other airports asking them to stay out of North Texas affairs. They portrayed Southwest as backing out of a "deal" that Mr. Kelleher promised never to touch.

And mostly, D/FW and Fort Worth-based American framed their keep-Wright argument around a longstanding vision for a regional airport designed to power the North Texas economy.

D/FW commissioned a study that showed the airport could lose up to 35 percent of its passenger traffic and 204 daily flights if Love Field were opened to long-haul flights. The consultants also concluded that lifting Wright would mean lower airfares for the region.

American kept quiet on the issue at first, using its lobbying muscle to solidify support and parry Southwest's efforts.

The world's largest airline has tried to reframe the Wright debate. At an aviation symposium in Phoenix in late April, American Chairman Gerard Arpey said everything should be on the table in the Wright debate, including closing Love Field. "We should be looking at the entire spectrum of options," he told reporters.

And Torbensen reports on an influential SWA ally:

Earlier this month, while visiting New York newspapers, Mr. Kelly (SWA CEO) and Mr. Stewart found themselves in the lobby of Dow Jones & Co., with a few extra minutes on their hands.

On a whim, Mr. Stewart phoned The Wall Street Journal editorial page, even though the pair hadn't scheduled an appointment. It turned into a nearly hour-long conversation over coffee.
On May 19, the influential business publication ran an editorial, calling Wright "an arcane law that serves no purpose other than to restrict low-cost Southwest Airlines from competing against its more traditional rivals."

Over at the North Dallas chamber, the group that had hosted Mr. Kelly in November, a six-month examination of the Wright issue had come to a similar conclusion.

The chamber, which studied airfares and the role of airports in the region's economy, determined Dallas was at a disadvantage to other cities because of higher ticket prices.

GUEST BLOGGER: Herb Kelleher

2005-05-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Let us fly - for the consumers' sake

The old goofiness

The goofiness of the Wright amendment is encapsulated by the passenger who told me Southwest was an "idiot" because it was headquartered in Dallas but didn't offer any air service between Dallas and Phoenix, even though he was willing to connect in El Paso.

Prior to the Wright amendment, Harding Lawrence, the CEO of Braniff, stated on a radio show that Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was already a tremendous success, and that its principal problem was? Congestion!

What 'deal'?

Southwest located its headquarters in Dallas because Dallas had most of its flights. But, today, Dallas is dropping fast in rank as Love Field traffic and flights decline subsequent to 9-11.

Immediately after Southwest began service at Love Field, the "D/FW parties" began a series of lawsuits to oust Southwest from Love Field.

This litigation was brought under the Dallas and Fort Worth 1968 Concurrent Bond Ordinances. These ordinances did not provide that Love Field would be "closed" (another urban myth). Instead, they provided that, if "legally permissible," air carrier service would be "phased out" at Love Field. The federal courts twice held that this provision of the 1968 Concurrent Bond Ordinances was not "legally permissible." Thus, Dallas did not "welsh" on any commitments to Fort Worth or D/FW Airport: The federal courts declared those commitments legally unenforceable.

Subsequently, in 1978, the airline industry was deregulated. Having lost in the courts, the D/FW parties turned to Jim Wright, then the majority leader of the U.S. House from Fort Worth, to restrict Southwest's Love Field service. Southwest opposed any restrictions on Love Field air service and a multi-month political battle ensued. Jim offered a "compromise" permitting nonstop Love Field air service within Texas and the four states adjoining it. Southwest was told by its congressional supporters that it was either Jim's "compromise" or "nothing"; so Southwest took something over nothing. There was no Wright amendment "deal." There was just the application of political power to curtail Southwest's Love Field air service.

Also, as Al Casey, then CEO of American Airlines, recounts in his memoirs, American moved in 1979 solely to get much cheaper headquarters space in Fort Worth due to a tax-free bond deal.

The modern goofiness

The Wright amendment was supposedly pushed through to protect D/FW Airport (i.e., the carriers serving D/FW). That was 26 years ago; D/FW is now the third-busiest airport in the world and dominated by American, the world's largest carrier (no more Braniff and virtually no more Delta). But Southwest still cannot even provide one-stop, single-plane or normal connecting air service between its headquarters city and points beyond the Wright/Shelby amendment states (yes, the Wright amendment can be amended: Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., amended it to add three more states).

Dallas County reaped $15 million in taxes from Southwest in 2004, since Southwest's entire aircraft fleet is taxed in Dallas, not Fort Worth. Our air services are restricted, but our tax payments aren't.

The Dallas Love Field Master Plan, approved by the FAA, limits Love Field to approximately one-fifth the size of D/FW. All parties to the master plan, including neighborhoods and American Airlines, approved this size for Love Field and the amount of commercial air service it can support.

Fares at D/FW are competitive within the Wright/Shelby amendment states but are woefully noncompetitive beyond those states.

According to a Dallas Morning News poll in 1997, an overwhelming majority of the people in Dallas, Collin, Denton and even Tarrant counties favored repealing the Wright amendment. Only D/FW lobbyists stand against the people's will.

A nonstop perimeter rule was adopted at Reagan National Airport to encourage growth at Dulles International Airport. American Airlines lobbied successfully to have the Reagan National perimeter expanded. Apparently, what's good for the Northern Virginia goose is evil for the metroplex gander. Furthermore, no perimeter rule has ever included the goofy marketing and ticketing restrictions of the Wright amendment.

American lowered its fares at Miami in order to compete with low-fare service at nearby Fort Lauderdale and reported more passengers and revenues by doing so. Why, then, will lower fares at D/FW, produced by modestly enhanced competition from Love Field, harm either the airport or the airline?

Conclusion

Southwest does not intend to harm D/FW Airport or any of its air carriers. If that baseless concern persists, however, then the Wright amendment could be gradually, in steps, phased out over a period of years, starting with its unprecedented and goofy marketing and ticketing restrictions.

Dallas has a reputation as a free-market, free-enterprise city. Does that reputation square with the 26 years of restricting Love Field in order to protect the carriers at D/FW so that they can impose higher fares on the public?

If the goofiness does not stop after 26 years of protectionism, when will it end?
The time is now!

Herb Kelleher is co-founder and executive chairman of the board of Southwest Airlines. His e-mail address is wright.amendment@wnco.com.

reprinted without permission. copyrighted © 2005 Dallas Morning News.

Subterfuge, Chicanery and RC Cola: The Ballad Of The Cynic

2005-05-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Last evening we were discussing Wright and RTFA over a few cold RC Cola's outside the local Stop'n'Rob.

At some point a friend, a veteran broadcaster in these parts (you'd know his name) advanced a theory on the flurry of activity these past several days.

Allow us to begin with a warning. To say that Al (not his real name) is given to occasional cynicism would be like saying that Homer Simpson kinda likes donuts. That McDonald's has been known to sell a hamburger here and there. That Bill Gates has made a little money in software. Okay, you get the idea.

As we recall the conversation went something like this:

"Do you think this is for real," Al asked, "or do you think that all of this is just an end run by a cabal comprised of the rich and powerful?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, in my experience these Congressional dealings are seldom what they appear to be on the surface," he said.

"There is no limit to the suberfuge these guys will employ to accomplish their goal without actually letting the voters in on the game.

"Conspiracy theories are bunk, but this is different because it wouldn't technically be a conspiracy.

"It really just what is known on The Hill as 'hiding the agenda'.

We asked, "Yeah, so what's your point?"

"I think that it is highly likely that Hensarling and Johnson are working WITH Granger, Marchant and Barton. Even Sessions is involved.

"I think the six of them got together over at Barton's well-appointed office in the Rayburn building and formulated a plan. They knew that someone was going to file a resolution and that it would be in their interest for a Texan or Texans to do it rather than someone from a far-flung state with a consituency wanting non-stop Southwest service into Dallas.

"All six drew straws for their roles in this sleight-of-hand and here's how it went. Hensarling and Johnson drew the short straws and they were assigned the task of introducint the Right to Fly Act. The other four drew the long straws and it was their job to come out against it.

"Now, Sessions was just through a bitter and contentious fight with Martin Frost so he has a political need to make nice with Frost loyals. To cozy up with them. He was assigned the job of acting as the peacemaker, the guy who would bring the fighting sides together in compromise.

"More easily said than done," we said, "Frost may have been a liberal Democrat but at least he appeared to have a clue. Sessions comes off as a frat boy who got lucky by winning office in the first place. Had Frost run his campaign a bit differently he might have joined Chet Edwards as another who beat redistricting."

"Maybe so, probably not. The point here is that Sessions has to make nice with the district, and fast. The next primary is less than a year away.

"So this group formulated their plan and the goal of that plan is to keep Wright exactly as it stands."

"Seems sorta complicated already," we said.

"Oh, it is. But no more complicated than most of the other back-room deals made up there.

"Consider that they are all Republicans and the GOP has a firm grasp on Texas politics right now. Are they going to divide the delegation over free markets? No. Would they risk a division over lower fares when their airfare, whatever it may cost, is already paid for by us? Absolutely not."

"Hold on," we said, "I know that some of these people are corrupt as can be. Especially Barton. He's only in it for the money. Granger and Marchant represent areas whose stock rises and falls in tandem with that of DFW so they would be expected to oppose anything that might endanger the big airport.

"But Hensarling is from the other side of the Metroplex. So is Johnson and we are more inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt when he talks about fighing for freedom because he is a highly decorated war hero and former Viet Nam POW," we said.

"We have trouble questioning his motives because he has given more to this nation than we will ever give. We just don't feel right questioning the motives of Sam Johnson."

"I understand and respect that point of view. But that was then, and this is now. Don't ever forget this. He is now a Player, and in the game it pays to have all of us thinking exactly what you said. We must not forget that. But you digress so back to my theory.

"All of these Reps come out with their respective positions and put on a fine show for the press and the public. Six months or a year down the line the proposal is killed by Barton. At that point Hensarling and Johnson can say, 'We're from Texas and we tried. Mr. Sessions has convinced us to work with our fellow Republicans in keeping the economic engine in north Texas a viable entity. Therefore it is not to be,' and at that point everyone is satisfied that the effort was made. Then the issue goes away.

"At least it goes away from the public eye. Meantime the deals are still being made, but deals that will NOT result in the repeal of Wright.

"No, now the real dealmaking begins in earnest toward the one goal they sought the entire time: Moving the entire Southwest operation to DFW."

"But, Al, Southwest has made it abundantly clear they are interested in no such action."

"So they say. We've heard Kelleher's statements over the past few days, but chances are he's in on it too.

"Think about it. What interest would Unca Herb have in getting Joe Barton's panties in a wad? How would that be a postitive move for Unca Herb when he knows he'll be going back to Barton in the future on other issues? It wouldn't and therefore Herb is not going to offend the criminal from Ennis. No, to get things done he has to make nice with Joe.

"And that is exactly what is happening here.

"If the lot of them can point to the unsuccessful attempt to repeal Wright, and then point to the inevitable battles down the road, they might be able to appropriate the necessary funds and use their political capital to move Southwest to DFW, in its entirety, as long as special monetary considerations are given to Southwest.

"Lower gate and landing fees, with a sunset clause on those, of course. Free construction inside gate areas. And a healthy, taxpayer-funded cash payout to Southwest for their trouble.

"Convince me that that wouldn't make Unca Herb happy."

We admitted that we could do no such thing and that parts of his theory made perfect sense.

"It ALL makes perfect sense ya dim bulb," Al said, "because people these days are only too happy to put their blind faith in the government. Its easier for them to just say (in a mocking, simpleton tone), 'Government good. Voting bad. The government knows best and we should listen,'

"The voters, or more specifically that minority of the registered that actually take the time to cast a ballot, have been beaten into submission by these power-hungry bastards on The Hill. They are ready to believe whatever they are told. And meantime these guys can pursue their plan in private and none of us are ever the wiser."

As we drained the last of our soda and took the final bites of our Moon Pie we told Al that it was nothing if not a provocative argument.

As we headed for home, we decide that we're not ready to buy into it, however. Not yet.

If we lose the hope that there are at least some MOC's that are actually acting in the interests of their consitiuents, and in the grander scheme freedom and the American way, we might lose all hope and find ourselves living in a primitive 10' x 12' one-room cabin in Montana sending questionable packages to those in places of power.

And we just cannot do that. Not without some proof to back it up.

The Players: In Their Own Words

2005-05-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sam Johnson:
"The real debate is about this -- shouldn't people have the right to choose which airport and which airline they'll use for their travel needs -- and not have the government decide that for them? Why should the federal government enforce strict standards on one airport -- and punish one airline? What right does the federal government have to do that? That's unfair and unjust. The Wright Amendment has outlived its usefulness and it needs to be repealed. That's what freedom, democracy and competition are all about,"

Jeb Hensarling:
"Airline consumers should have the freedom to fly where they want without unnecessary restrictions. It is right to repeal the Wright Amendment. It is wrong for the federal government to play favorites between airlines or airports. Repealing the Wright Amendment will help promote competition, which will provide greater choices and lower fares to passengers and generate more travel to the Metroplex."

Laura Miller:
"I think it's a very serious change in the whole story when you have Dallas congressmen filing the legislation. It's no longer we're on the defense here and out-of-state congressmen are filing bills; these are people who live in the Metroplex.

"If Congress summarily says the Wright Amendment is gone, then everybody is in trouble. You're going to have American Airlines rushing into Love Field and you're going to have a giant draining sound coming from DFW. I mean the whole thing is unsettling.

"And that's why we, Love Field, the DFW Airport folks, Fort Worth ... if we can all sit down and say 'Okay, let's take control of this situation,' I think we can come up with a win-win. There's a lot of scenarios.

"I think that Rep. Johnson and Rep. Henserling would be happy to see some movement. I mean, one of the reasons they're filing this is because they don't see any movement. You've got two entrenched camps; nobody is willing to talk about a compromise, so they're saying, 'Okay, the game's over. We're going to get involved now.'

"I think D/FW Airport and American Airlines need to see it as a real threat to the status quo and if everyone is smart, they'd sit down at the table and try to figure this one out.

"I would like to see competition between Southwest Airlines and American Airlines because we have been waiting for months to fill those Delta gates at DFW and it's not happening. The only way to get air fares down is to have these two great airlines, that we're lucky to have, compete against each other directly and the only way to do that is if neither airline has restrictions.

"So, while as a board member for DFW I've been publicly against repealing the Wright Amendment, at this point my thought is American Airlines and DFW better see what's happening in Washington and react. And I'd like it if we could all come up with a scenario by which it gets repealed over a set period of time and we have some kind of understanding about who flies out of which airport. Maybe they both fly out of both airports. But we need to get control of our destiny and not have Congress do it for us.

"But so far the two sides have been very entrenched and they don't to find that solution. I'm hoping that by this happening, which is out of everyone's control down here, that everyone says maybe we need to sit down and come up with a solution that we have control of down here.
"It would be nice if we could lower the number of gates at Love Field, divert half the traffic, which is private jets, to Dallas Executive (former Red Bird Airport) by offering incentives, and hopefully people will voluntarily go.

"I've been saying consistently that I have given up hope that we can get a low-cost carrier to go to D/FW Airport and challenge American. I mean, I held onto that hope until about 30 days ago and now it's gone. So I have said since then, that I want them to go head-to-head. When I mentioned it to D/FW Airport, there was this reluctance to even talk about a plan B. Well, maybe this is what's going to get us to start talking about plan B."

Kevin Cox (DFW):
"Southwest Airlines is a great airline, and we have always been sincere with our offer to assist in any way we can to do what is best for the North Texas traveler and the North Texas economy. We are willing to sit down at the negotiating table tomorrow with Southwest and work out a deal that would be good for everyone and bring additional competition to the airport that was built to handle it. We want to do whatever it takes to make sure Southwest is successful."

Ken Capps (DFW):
"We respect all members of the North Texas delegation, and appreciate the support of the majority of them. This is not about low fares, as Southwest likes to say. Low fares to the cities that Southwest would fly to are already in place and D/FW, and thousands of passengers are enjoying those fares this weekend. It is not about the Southwest business model, they have told us eyeball to eyeball there are no operational constraints to flying out of DFW and most importantly, they told us they know they can make money here. Southwest could have the best of both worlds, fly out of Love Field and D/FW, be the hometown hero, unite North Texas and make money. So far, they have chosen not to do that. It seems like a simple choice. We know it is an emotional issue, and one that has a lot of mis-stated facts. It's sometimes tough to understand. This is about competition on an equal playing field for everyone. Southwest Airlines has a 97% monopoly at Love Field. And they are freezing out more low fare competition out of North Texas with the uncertainty of the Wright Amendment. That is bad for North Texas travelers. We are confident the debate in Washington will show the true facts - and the damage this would cause to the North Texas economy, the North Texas traveler and travelers across Texas. And yes, Southwest Airlines has the right to the fly and the freedom to fly anywhere out of North Texas right now without an act of Congress - they simply choose not to do so. At D/FW, we serve all the people of this region. This is the Airport Dallas and Fort Worth built together, and the Airport that was built for growth, built for the good of all. You can rest assured D/FW will be active with all of its community and business supporters in the weeks ahead to continue to communicate real facts and the real impact to North Texas."

Herb Kelleher:
"Southwest Airlines has been a bonanza in markets where we are allowed to offer unbridled, unconstrained, unshackled, low-fare service; not only by increasing traffic, but by creating a boon to local economic development.

"Any time competition is fettered, it is a penalty to consumers. The size of Southwest Airlines' task force may pale in comparison to our competitors.

"All we have is truth, right and justice on our side -- which makes us very successful. Those who are working to abolish the amendment are standing for the American people, for consumerism, and for free enterprise.

"There are crazy, weird, bizarre restrictions about what passengers can and can't do at Love Field; getting rid of the restrictions would be a considerable boon to the United States and our customers. We are asking Congress to eliminate limitations that should have never been imposed in the first place; we are asking for the freedom to compete."

New Hampshire Rules!

2005-05-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Live Free or Die. It's their state motto. It's printed on their friggin' license plates. And they walk the walk. Check this piece from the New Hampshire Union Leader:

Set Southwest free: Kill the Wright Amendment

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES is largely responsible for making Manchester Airport the travel destination it is today. So says Airport Director Kevin Dillon, and he ought to know. Now New Hampshire can pay the airline back for all the tourism and business dollars it has brought here, and for the low-fare flights it has offered Granite State travelers, by supporting the repeal of an unfair, anti-competitive law that was written expressly to harm Southwest.

The law is called the Wright Amendment. It was written in 1979 by Jim Wright, then the House majority leader, who was later to resign as speaker of the House amid an ethics scandal. Wright was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and represented that city in Congress. The law, which was passed as an amendment to a must-pass bill, banned any commercial airline from flying from Love Field in Dallas to any airport outside of a seven-state region surrounding Texas. At the time, Southwest Airlines was beginning interstate operations — from Love Field. The upstart airline threatened American Airlines, based next door at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport.

Chris Williams, vice president of economic development and advocacy at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, is from Amarillo, Texas. By prohibiting a direct flight from Manchester to Love Field, the Wright Amendment costs Williams hundreds of dollars a year. He told us he’d love to take a direct Southwest flight to Dallas, but can’t because of the law. Williams, like more than half of New Hampshire’s population, is not a native Granite Stater. The Wright Amendment costs him and numerous other New Hampshire residents thousands of dollars by closing the North Texas market, which would provide connections to the entire American West if the law allowed, to New Hampshire’s most popular airline.

Granite Staters are lucky that Texan Jim Wright came up with that protectionist law. It easily could have been Bostonian Tip O’Neil. Imagine if federal law prevented flights from Manchester to any destination outside New England. We would consider that outrageous. The Wright Amendment is no less an outrage, and it must be repealed.

Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu should help their home state, and travelers throughout America, by co-sponsoring legislation to repeal the amendment, which is nothing but brute protectionism for the world’s largest commercial airline — American Airlines. Southwest has done a lot for New Hampshire. We should return the favor and support repealing this unjustifiable and economically harmful law.

To quote the guy in the Dodge commercial: "Sweeeet."

THE FIT HITS THE SHAN

2005-05-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

"I'm not here to try to help or hurt any airline. I'm not here to help or hurt any airport. I'm here to help the consumer"
-- U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas)

"I fought for freedom. I love freedom. This bill is about giving people a choice"
-- U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Plano), 29 year Air Force veteran and former POW

"He's (Johnson) dead wrong. This isn't a freedom issue. It's a local economy issue."
-- U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth)

"Whatever it takes to make sure the Wright repeal does not go forward, I will do."
-- U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Ennis)

Well. It certainly seems as if the esteemed Congressmen from Texas have stirred up the proverbial hornets nest with the filing of H.R. 2646, aka the "Freedom to Fly Act."

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say they walked up the hornets nest with a Louisville Slugger and proceed to beat the nest into next week.

And now the fit has hit the shan.

The quotes above go a long way toward separating the good, freedom-loving Repubs from the money grubbing GOPpers only in the game to fill their own pockets.

But the Days of Wright are numbered. Don't believe us? How about the voices of some IMPORTANT people?

"The Wright Amendment is going away at some point, whether it's in five years or 10 years."
-- Laura Miller, Mayor of Dallas

"We're fighting an uphill battle..."
--Kevin Cox, Chief Operating Officer, DFW International Airport

Plenty of items to digest today, from articles that include reax to editorials to a wonderful investigative piece from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. We will begin with that, the story of how DFW conveniently left out a key piece of their independent study on the effects of repealing the Wright Amendment. Hats off to the Fort Worth paper for going against their editorial stance and running this piece anyway.

Law's repeal would bring sharp reduction in airfares

By Trebor Banstetter
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Airfares from North Texas to dozens of cities could drop as much as 50 percent if the Wright Amendment is lifted, according to a recent study commissioned by Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.

The airport, a leading proponent of the amendment, released a summary of the study two weeks ago indicating that if flight restrictions were lifted at Dallas Love Field, hundreds of flights would be shifted to Love from D/FW. The summary did not include the findings on fares.

In the full report, the consultants predicted that Southwest Airlines would begin nonstop and connecting service to more than 40 cities from Love Field if the amendment is repealed.

Average fares to most of those destinations would drop substantially as other carriers matched Southwest's fares, the study said.

The study also concluded that ticket prices could drop at D/FW if more low-fare airlines begin service at that airport, even if the Wright Amendment remains in place. But the study said the fare impact would be somewhat smaller.

Discount airlines now account for only a small fraction of D/FW's service.

"If Southwest Airlines is allowed to expand, will fares come down? Absolutely," said Christina Cassotis, the study's author and vice president of Simat, Helliesen & Eichner in Cambridge, Mass.

"But we also feel that the D/FW market is ripe for low fares, and that's not dependent on the repeal of the Wright Amendment," she said in an interview.

The amendment's effect on ticket prices has been much discussed in recent months. But the study is the first to put a dollar amount on specific destinations.

"You can go all over the United States and see what Southwest brings, which is lower fares," Herb Kelleher, the airline's chairman and co-founder, told reporters Thursday. "And that's exactly what we would see in North Texas."

D/FW Airport paid Cassotis' firm $100,000 for the study, which examined the impact of a repeal on D/FW.

The summary released by airport officials May 10 said that a repeal would shift as much as a third of D/FW's traffic to Love Field, and the region could lose service to some cities, including international destinations. Details on fares were included in statistical tables, which were not distributed to the public.

The Star-Telegram obtained the fare data this week from the airport's legal department after submitting a written request for the documents.

"We weren't trying to hide that issue," said Kevin Cox, the airport's chief operating officer. "We just didn't think anyone was interested in 160 pages of voluminous material."

Cassotis said the impact on fares was never intended to be the report's main focus.

"The fare issue is very important to consumers, and so perhaps we should have included it," she said.

The amendment is the focus of an ongoing battle that has pitted D/FW Airport and Fort Worth-based American Airlines against Southwest. The law, approved by Congress in 1979, permitted flights from Love Field only to adjacent states. It was later amended to include Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi.

In North Texas, Southwest operates from Love Field but not D/FW. Southwest is dominant at Love, while American is dominant at D/FW.

According to the report, if Love Field is opened to unrestricted service, Southwest would probably begin nonstop service to 21 cities, including Chicago, St. Louis and San Jose, Calif. An additional 23 destinations would be available through connections, the report stated.

The study compared Southwest's estimated fare to each city to the average fare at D/FW during the second quarter of 2004, the most recent figures available.

In many cases, the savings are substantial. On all the routes combined, the Southwest fares are 37 percent lower on average than the previous D/FW prices.

The largest savings could be on flights to San Jose. The current disparity suggests that fares would drop to $116 from $219 each way. The study also reports possible savings of $71 each way on flights to Kansas City, Mo., of $67 each way to San Diego, and $69 each way to Oakland, Calif.

The fare differences are less distinct to different destinations. Based on the comparisons, fares to Las Vegas, for example, would drop just $5. Discount carrier AirTran Airways already offers cheap tickets to that city from D/FW.

The report also calculated that the average fare on all airlines, flying at D/FW or Love Field, would drop 31 percent to Southwest's new destinations, as other carriers are forced to compete.
Southwest officials say those low fares are the crux of their argument for repealing the restrictions.

"Anytime you fetter competition, what you have is a penalty to the consumer," Kelleher said.
But airport officials say the debate shouldn't be about fares.

"Of course fares would go down," said Cox, the D/FW official. "But that shouldn't be the question. The question is, at what expense?"

Cox called the fare issue "a red herring" because Southwest can fly to any destination from D/FW, without any potential damage to the airport from lifting the amendment.

"Southwest is doing an excellent job of spinning this to make it look like they're helping the traveling public," he said.

In her interview, Cassotis emphasized her view that new low-fare service is inevitable, even if the Wright Amendment remains in place, as discount airlines continue to grow.

She calculated that fares to 17 markets could drop if new discount airlines come to D/FW. For example, prices to New York -- which is not served by Southwest -- could fall $113 each way, a 50 percent savings.

But D/FW hasn't had much luck recently in luring new airlines. Most discount carriers, including JetBlue and America West, say they have no plans to expand at the airport soon.

The airport is offering an incentive package worth as much as $22 million to any airline that takes the 24 gates vacated this year by Delta Air Lines, which essentially closed its D/FW hub.

So far, there haven't been any takers. Cox said Thursday that the airport is talking to one airline about possibly taking over "a couple of gates."

Still, Cox said, "The fastest way for consumers to get low fares in North Texas is for Southwest Airlines to come to D/FW, and the riskiest way would be to repeal the Wright Amendment."

Kelleher countered: "When it comes to airfares, Southwest has been a bonanza for every city it serves. If we can fly unrestricted from Love, that's what would happen here."

Well, it is certainly hard to argue with Cox's logic. But the reason it is hard is because it makes no sense. Also, it is very interesting, and we are surprised that Kelleher didn't take issue with the quotes attributed to him included in the report that are favorable to Wright. Clearly he has changed his mind at some point in the past 15 years.

We won't blog every article that ran today because it would take up entirely too much space. But we will offer you some of the more interesting, germane, thoughtful and even humourous items from around the nation today.

Like this from a Dallas Morning News article "Airport Rift Is Felt In D.C."

The difficulty of their battle was underscored by Mr. Barton, who vowed to use his influence from two decades in Congress and as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to stop the repeal legislation.

"I have been here 21 years and I know some of the people, I know how the system works," the Ennis Republican told reporters.

"I will put in a word at the appropriate places, with the appropriate person, and I think we will be OK."

Mr. Barton said his committee might hold hearings on the issue, raising the possibility he would claim some jurisdiction over legislation that most lawmakers would expect to fall under the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"I have jurisdiction over interstate commerce," he said.

What an arrogant turd. If you needed any further evidence that Joe Barton has overstayed his time in The District, there it is.

From the same article:

Officials at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Fort Worth-based American Airlines vowed to fight the legislation, saying they were surprised to see it sponsored by two North Texas congressmen.

"I've got to tell you that I'm a little shocked that Southwest got someone from Texas," said Kevin Cox, chief operating officer at D/FW.

Why would Mr. Cox be "shocked"? Surprised even? We freely grant that it is getting harder and harder to find honorable people in Congress, but we also know that Members who are in favor of free markets (read: the American Way) are not exclusive to other states.

Also from that article:

But Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, said she was disappointed the issue was not resolved among the Texas delegation before moving to Congress.

"I will not let it move until we have hearings and both sides can put all their things on the table," said Ms. Johnson, saying she would not take position until more information was available.

Not to be mean spirited, but those among us who know Ms. Johnson are inclined to believe that she hasn't taken a position for the simple reason that she has not yet had a staff member research for her exactly what the Wright Amendment is.

From DMN columnist Steve Blow:

If response is the measure of a good column, a recent one on the Wright amendment was a home run.

If agreement is the measure, it was a dribbler back to the mound.

But that's OK. We're all about good give-and-take here.

I raised some concerns about the long-term impact of turning Dallas Love Field into a national airport again. But most folks' attitude seems to be 1) Let 'er rip, and 2) Let the chips fall where they may.

The Star-Telegram had a windy editorial today. The last sentence is all you really need to get the gist of it:

The desirable principle of enhancing competitive air travel in North Texas, and the interests of the region's considerable aviation investments, would be better served if Southwest were to operate at D/FW.

In the very same edition, columnist Bob Ray Sanders offers his view. he has not a clue were he's going with it. But we repeat ourselves.

It's ironic that with a name like Love, this airport has generated more bitterness and angst between Dallas and Fort Worth than anything else in the history of the two cities.

It has become a decades-old war, and now I'm convinced that I'll never live to see the final truce.

Perhaps it is only appropriate that an airfield born in war -- it was designated a World War I military training base in 1917 -- continues to be the center of controversy.

The U.S. Army named the facility for Lt. Moss Lee Love, a Virginia native who at one time served with the 1st Aero Squadron in Texas City. He became the 10th fatality in Army aviation when he was killed in an airplane crash in 1913 while on duty with the Signal Corps Aviation School in San Diego.

What the hell? Oh, wait, he gets back to it:

What I don't want to see happen is another protracted bloody feud between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, in which we spend precious dollars and human resources on lawsuits.

It is time for the mayors of the two cities to get together once again to discuss this issue, vow to remain united on it and persuade members of Congress that this latest bill deserves to die in committee and not be resurrected anytime in the near future.

This region doesn't need another war between its two largest cities, and D/FW doesn't need continued uncertainty brought about by constant threats to the Wright Amendment.

What we could all use is a little more understanding, a little more cooperation and a lot more love.

Okay, so the best Bob Ray can do is "Where's the love, man?" It's not with Mark Monse of Coppell who wrote a letter to the DMN. And keep in mind that Congressman Marchant of Coppell has assured us his consituency is firmly behind DFW and Wright:

It's sadly ironic to note that Fegan apparently believes that airline to be Southwest. I submit that the multitudes of Metroplex travelers who are forced to pay the higher air fares out of D/FW just might think that the "airline trying to dictate public policy and keep new [low-fare] airline competition out of North Texas" flies lots of silver airplanes that have the letters "AA" on their tails.

The fact that D/FW's recent "study" fails to discuss the subject of air fares tends to support that conclusion.

Amen to that! Let the chips fall where they may! Our new slogan. Maybe.

And a final thought. A free market, not low fares are at the center of this issue as far as we're concerned. But we wouldn't mind low fares. And according to DFW's own consultant the fares would be dramatically lower on some routes. Here's a link to the table:

http://www.star-telegram.com/mld/interactivemedia/fairschart.pdf

Official AP Story w/Reax

2005-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is from the newspaper in Fort Wayne, IN. They seem to be quite interested in this story as anytime news appears on Wright, they run it.

Lawmakers propose repeal of airport restriction

SUZANNE GAMBOA

Associated Press

WASHINGTON - An attempt to repeal a 25-year restriction on Southwest Airlines routes has triggered a Texas duel in the nation's capital.

Republican Reps. Sam Johnson of Plano and Jeb Hensarling of Dallas on Thursday said they would file a bill calling for immediate repeal of the Wright Amendment, which limits commercial flights from Dallas Love Field to Texas and seven nearby states. They call their bill the Right to Fly Act.

"Competition is the consumer's best friend," Hensarling said.

Johnson and Hensarling say repealing the amendment would increase competition among air carriers, leading to lower air fares.

"People have a right to choose which airport and which airline they'll use," Johnson said.

Congress imposed the Wright Amendment to protect Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the primary hub of Fort Worth-based American Airlines, against competition from Love Field in Dallas. Southwest Airlines Co. is based at Love Field. The amendment was named for former House Speaker Jim Wright, a Fort Worth Democrat.

The announcement drew criticism from several North Texas lawmakers, who planned to protest the move in a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Among the opponents of the measure is Rep. Joe Barton, chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Barton, R-Ennis, will "vigorously fight any effort to repeal that measure, which has established and sustained a strong air traffic infrastructure in North Texas and ensured competitively low air fare prices for passengers," said spokesman Brooks Landgraf.

Southwest has been lobbying Congress to repeal the Wright Amendment.

Ed Stewart, a spokesman for Southwest, said the proposal is a "very significant step toward the ultimate goal of giving the people of North Texas access to low fares through unfettered airline competition."

American disagreed.

"We continue to believe that North Texas communities made the correct decision to establish DFW International Airport as the aviation gateway for the region," said American spokesman Tim Wagner. "The wisdom of that decision has been borne out over the past 32 years by the unprecedented growth of the entire region."

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, also was not happy with the proposal.

"This is a complex and long-historied issue. Many of us have dealt with this a long time. Mr. Hensarling hasn't," Granger said in a statement. "The Metroplex delegation also has a history of working together and communicating even when we differ on an issue. I'm disappointed that Mr. Hensarling would choose to act as he has."

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, whose district includes Love Field, has not taken a position on the issue, spokeswoman Lisa Hanna said.

Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas' senior senator, also was hesitant to throw support behind the proposed repeal.

"Hutchison believes the Wright Amendment should stay in place until an economic impact study proves there will not be negative impact on the regional airport and surrounding communities," said spokesman Chris Paulitz. "She will not agree to change the amendment until it is clear that Metroplex taxpayers no longer need the amendment to be protected."

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has said any change to the amendment must benefit Texas without disrupting contracts and other long-term commitments in place, said Don Stewart, Cornyn's spokesman.

Republican Rep. Pete Sessions, whose district includes part of Dallas, said neither immediate repeal of the amendment nor "keeping it forever" would be a correct resolution.

"For years now, business plans that affect the regional economy and employment that affects people's lives have been built on a foundation that assumes the existence of the Wright amendment," he said. Any solution must continue current economic benefits and benefit consumers.

A Lotta Damned Gall

2005-05-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

The unmitigated audacity displayed by AA in their response to the "Freedom To Fly Act" (henceforth known as FTFA) is staggering. Even for them. Check it out...

Press Release
American Airlines

American Says Wright Repeal Would Be Double-Whammy for North Texas
Thursday May 26

(FORT WORTH, Texas) -- In response to Texas Representatives Jeb Hensarling and Sam Johnson declaring today their intention to sponsor legislation to repeal the Wright Amendment, American Airlines Executive Vice President Dan Garton said:

"This is a double-whammy for North Texas. If Southwest gets their way again, both the economy and the environment will surely suffer. First, repealing the Wright Amendment will be a setback to the region's growth. Second, the inevitable and dramatic rise in air traffic at Love Field will harm the environment in the neighborhoods around the airport. Make no mistake, the number of flights from Love Field will increase to levels never planned.

"This push by Southwest reflects the understandably selfish intentions of a company that today is roaming the halls of Congress seeking special favors. If Southwest were sincere about growing and competing, they would be flying from DFW Airport -- and they wouldn't need an act of Congress. We're confident the community will not let Southwest risk the quality of life for North Texans just to preserve and expand their monopoly at Love Field."

American Airlines® We know why you fly(SM)

Wow! Glass houses, planks in eyes, black kettles and pots. All that stuff.

We like the phrase "understandably selfish". Quite fortunate that he turned that particular phrase because that is what the opposition to FTFA is all about.

"Roaming the halls of Congress seeking special favors." As if SWA were the first company to do that. We challenge AA to prove that they are NOT doing the same thing and doing right this very second.

Monopoly? At present Continental Airlines is running flights out of two gates at Love Field. It may be close, but it is, by definition, not a monopoly.

A final thought for this post. Southwest apparently does not want to move any of its flights to DFW. And that is SWA's right. Is it not an outright display of hypocrisy for AA to demand such action when AA itself doesn't want to do likewise and move any of its flights to Love? And spare us the sancimounious bul... uh... baloney about the "quality of life" for North Texans. Quality of life in the USA includes Freedom. That includes a free marketplace where North Texans will decide how important their economic engine really is. When laws like Wright are killed, quality of life improves.

DFW, SWA Respond To Legislation

2005-05-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

In the DFW statement... there's that phrase again. The economic engine of North Texas. That engine has a squeaky wheel and its starting to grate on the nerves.

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
VICE PRESIDENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS: KEN CAPPS

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2005

MEDIA STATEMENT FROM JEFF FEGAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Re: Legislation to be introduced

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas) - "Obviously, we're very disappointed that two Congressmen are going to put at risk the economic engine of North Texas and the jobs of more than 250,000 men and women that are tied to this Airport, to benefit onecompany.

Southwest Airlines could have the best of both worlds and fly out ofLove Field and DFW today without an act of Congress."

###

Press Release
Southwest Airlines Applauds House Bill to Repeal Wright Amendment
Thursday May 26

(DALLAS) - Southwest Airlines (today applauds two Texas Republican congressmen who have introduced a bill to immediately repeal the Wright Amendment. U.S. Reps. Jeb Hensarling and Sam Johnson call their bill "The Right to Fly Act," which is the first to be introduced since the need for the Wright Amendment was last called into question in November 2004.

Southwest Airlines applauds the tremendous leadership and vision of these two Texas congressmen who have tapped into the true will of the people. This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of opening the skies for greater access to low fares through unfettered airline competition. In addition, these two Texas congressman recognize the importance of cracking the 26-year deadbolt that has artificially suppressed access to the Dallas/Ft. Worth market because of high air fares.

While this is a major step forward, it is just the beginning, and our People will remain steadfast in their efforts to educate the public on the importance of stimulating the economy through greater access to low fare air travel. We are gratified by this mobilizing effort in the House and look forward to a similar effort in the Senate.

-30-

It Is Officially In The Hopper (Its ON!)

2005-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

AP-TX--Wright Amendment

Lawmakers to propose repeal of airport restriction

WASHINGTON (AP) _ An attempt to repeal a 25-year restriction on Southwest Airlines routes has triggered a Texas duel in the nation's capital. Republican Congressmen Sam Johnson of Plano and Jeb Hensarling of Dallas said today they want to immediately repeal the Wright Amendment. That federal law limits commercial flights from Dallas Love Field to Texas and seven nearby states. Johnson and Henserling call their one-page bill the Right to Fly Act. Their announcement drew rapid-fire criticism from several North Texas lawmakers -- who plan to protest the move in a news conference this afternoon. Among the opponents to the Johnson-Henserling bill is fellow Republican Congressman Joe Barton of Ennis. He chairs the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. Congress imposed the Wright Amendment to protect Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from competition from the in-town Dallas airport. D-F-W is the primary hub of Fort Worth-based American Airlines. Southwest Airlines is based at Love Field.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

News Conference Details

2005-05-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

Sam Johnson and Jeb Hensarling Advocate Wright Repeal Metroplex Lawmakers Introduce Bill to End the Restrictive Wright Amendment

Washington, May 26 - On Thursday, May 26, 2005, Dallas-area Congressmen Sam Johnson (R-TX-3) and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX-5) will introduce legislation to repeal the Wright Amendment that unfairly restricts flights at Dallas Love Field. The two Texas Republicans will hold a news conference on Capitol Hill in 2257 Rayburn House Office Building at 11:15 a.m.

The Right to Fly Act would immediately repeal the 26-year ban on flights between Love Field and most destinations outside Texas. If passed, consumers could see lower fares as a result of increased competition between air carriers.

With the exception of federally owned Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, Dallas Love Field is the only airport in the United States subject to “perimeter rules” imposed by Congress to restrict air travel.

WHO: Congressmen Sam Johnson (R-TX-3) and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX-5)
WHAT: News Conference introducing a bill to repeal the Wright Amendment
WHEN: Thursday, May 26, 2005, 11:15 a.m. EST
WHERE: 2257 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC

The Beginning Of The End.

2005-05-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

Pardon us, but why do the rest of us in north Texas allow the great unwashed to the south to keep reelecting that pantload Joe Barton. He is as crooked as the summer is long and here is one more example that he is for sale. The only reason he even has a say in the matter is because of his seniority. Its time for Joe Barton to go back to his broken home in Ennis and be tormented by his tattered and abused conscience. Heh heh. Joe Barton with a conscience. That IS pretty rich, isn't it?

Oh, just found out one of us, from south Fort Worth, is in the Barton district. Thanks Tom Delay. We suppose Barton does have a legitimate say in the matter. Still, he's got to go. A Republican that opposes free markets is not a republican. He's a COMMUNIST.

Either way, the ball is set and a couple of Texas guys will have plenty of help from non-Texans in getting it rolling.

We should have plenty to post after today's news conferences so stay tuned.

Lawmakers Want Wright Amendment Repealed

By SUZANNE GAMBOA,
Associated Press Writer
Wed May 25

WASHINGTON - Two North Texans in Congressmen said Wednesday they think it's time to repeal a restriction that prevents Southwest Airlines from offering direct flights from Dallas' Love Field to most of the country.

Republican Reps. Sam Johnson and Jeb Hensarling said in a statement Wednesday they would propose immediate repeal of the Wright Amendment, which limits commercial flights from Love Field to Texas and seven nearby states.

Congress imposed the restriction in 1979 to protect Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the primary hub of Fort Worth-based American Airlines, against competition from Love Field in central Dallas. Southwest Airlines Co. is based at Love Field and has been lobbying Congress to repeal the Wright Amendment.

Johnson and Hensarling say repealing the amendment would increase competition among air carriers, leading to lower air fares. Johnson said he is not choosing one airline over the other.

They are facing opposition from other Texans, including Rep. Joe Barton, chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce committee. Barton will "vigorously fight any effort to repeal that measure," spokesman Brooks Landgraf said.

Ed Stewart, a spokesman for Southwest, said the proposal is a "very significant step toward the ultimate goal of giving the people of North Texas access to low fares through unfettered airline competition."

American, a unit of AMR Corp., disagreed.

"We continue to believe that North Texas communities made the correct decision to establish DFW International Airport as the aviation gateway for the region," said American spokesman Tim Wagner. "The wisdom of that decision has been borne out over the past 32 years by the unprecedented growth of the entire region."

The competing lawmakers planned separate news conferences on the issue Thursday.

Little Rock Neutral On Wright

2005-05-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Most of this has been covered here. It takes a little longer for the telegraph notices to make their way to central Arkansas. But they mean well.

LR in front row at airline battle

BY EDWARD KLUMP
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Two of the top carriers at Little Rock National are locked in a Texas showdown that involves the Arkansas airport’s top nonstop destination, Dallas/Fort Worth.

Southwest Airlines wants to end restrictions on flights to and from Dallas Love Field, where it seeks an expanded presence.

American Airlines, which has its main hub at the larger Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, says it would be harmed if limits on Love Field are lifted.

Little Rock National Airport, Adams Field, has nonstop flights to both airports in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It isn’t involved directly in the Texas ruckus, but its flight schedules could be affected by the outcome.

Philip Launius, a Little Rock airport spokesman, said the facility is remaining neutral as a decision is awaited in Texas. "I’m not so worried about the effect in north Texas as I am in Little Rock," Launius said.

Southwest carried about 34 percent of Little Rock National’s passengers last year, while American carried about 20 percent. That made Southwest the airport’s top carrier, with American at No. 3 behind Delta Air Lines.

American uses regional jets flying under its American Eagle and AmericanConnection brands at Arkansas’ busiest airport, while Southwest uses larger Boeing 737 jets.

From Little Rock, Southwest has seven nonstop flights a day to Dallas Love. American Eagle has a dozen nonstop departures a day from Little Rock to Dallas/Fort Worth International, also known as DFW. Schedules for both airlines can vary on weekends.

Meanwhile, the airport debate is heating up in Texas.

Numerous news articles have been written about Southwest’s desire to be rid of the Wright Amendment, which was named for former U.S. Rep. Jim Wright, D-Texas, and set flight restrictions more than a quarter of a century ago. That federal legislation stated that flights to and from Dallas Love on full-size planes could only go to points in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

In the 1990s, Alabama, Mississippi and Kansas were added, although Southwest still doesn’t fly to Kansas.

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chief executive officer, is pushing for Congress to terminate the Wright Amendment. "Mr. Kelly’s move pits the feisty Southwest against its much-larger hometown rival, American," the article’s author stated.

Southwest is Dallas-based, while American is Fort Worth-based.

The battle has gone to the Internet, where dueling sites tackle the Love Field and DFW debate: www. setlovefree. com, run by Southwest; and www. keepdfwstrong. com, operated by DFW and the North Texas Commission, a nonprofit economic development organization. Still, no change appears imminent.

The Wright Amendment "geographically shackles us, it punishes the free enterprise system and it’s just absolutely absurd," said Ed Stewart, a Southwest spokesman.

He added: "It’s contrary to how business should be run in [the] United States of America."
Tim Wagner, an American spokesman, disagreed. Competing airlines are needed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, not competing airports, he said. "The Wright Amendment applies to all airlines equally because it is not specifically aimed at any one airline, it is aimed at an airport," Wagner said.

So what could Little Rock expect if the Wright Amendment were repealed?

The answer depends on who is asked. "With the potential split of our operations, a repeal of the Wright Amendment would not only lead to a reduction in frequencies to smaller markets, but potentially a complete loss of service to those markets and some international destinations," American’s Wagner said in an e-mail.

Termination of the amendment would result in American scheduling flights to Love Field and DFW, Wagner said in an interview. That could mean Little Rock’s 12 nonstop departures to DFW could be reduced, even when counting flights to Love Field and DFW, he said.

Officials with the DFW airport were among those who released a study recently that said repeal of the Wright Amendment could cost that facility more than 200 flights a day and 21 million passengers annually. American said it agreed with the study, and that the figures might even be conservative.

Beth Harbin, a Southwest spokesman, describes a different scenario. She said additional passengers possibly could come through Little Rock if the Wright Amendment were eliminated. "If I were allowed to really open it up, volume at your airport conceivably could increase," she said.

Interest might exist for flights from Dallas to Little Rock and then on to, say, Chicago Midway, St. Louis or Baltimore/Washington International, she said.

That isn’t possible now using one flight number or ticket, because of the Wright Amendment.
Harbin added that "the story is much more dramatic in markets that do not have access to Dallas at all, like St. Louis."

Another possibility is that unrestricted Love Field flights could give Little Rock travelers more options for getting to destinations through Love Field, possibly on the East or West coasts, said Terry Trippler, a Minnesota-based airline expert. "It could suddenly open up... a whole country of destinations out of Little Rock on Southwest Airlines," he said.

For now, people who fly Southwest between Little Rock National and Love Field have limited connecting options.

But paying travelers can fly from Little Rock to Love Field and then on to a place the Wright Amendment allows such as Albuquerque, N. M., on one ticket.

Once in New Mexico, they can change planes and use a different ticket to fly to a destination in Cafifornia.

Users of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent-flier program have options that paying travelers don’t have. For example, a passenger could fly from Love Field to Little Rock to St. Louis on one ticket, although he would have to change planes in Little Rock. "You are considered nonrevenue, which means that you can get around a Wright Amendment schedule and fly on one ticket all the way through, meaning you don’t have to have two different tickets," said Lisa Anderson, director of customer advocacy for Southwest. "But that still doesn’t let you stay on a plane when the flight number changes."

Whether the Wright Amendment will survive remains an unanswered question. A spokesman for Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., the chairman of the Senate transportation appropriations subcommittee, said that Bond’s staff has been gathering information on the issue.

N. Dallas Chamber Official Statement

2005-05-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

For the most part, this is nicely done. Unlike D/FW's "independent" study, it is well-written and probably cost a LOT less. We had not even considered the idea of a phased-in repeal. Might not be a bad idea.

However we can't help but notice that the Chamber missed the bigger picture: a free market. We heard a soundbyte on the radio from a chamber member who is also a former SWA honcho saying the market has determined that the days of Wright are numbered. Too bad they couldn't have said that in their study.

A couple of other observations.

Dallas convention business might be down because of high airfares... but there are ways around that. Its likely that the well publicized HIGH CRIME rate in downtown Dallas (you know, near the Convention Center) might be running some potential conventioneers off as well. But that is an issue for another blogger.

And while lower fares are always nice for us high fliers, shouldn't we really be focused on letting the market decide what is best for north Texas?

Position Statement on Wright Amendment Repeal

Stephen Taylor - President
Corey Hill - Director, Communications

DALLAS, May 19, 2005 -The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce's comments on the current and future use of Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Philosophical Position:

The Dallas-Fort Worth region is fortunate to possess two premier aviation assets. Dallas taxpayers own 100% of Love Field and a 70% stake in DFW International Airport and are entitled to have these aviation assets managed locally to encourage the competition that will result in maximum benefit to the taxpayers, the region and the traveling public. Therefore, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors supports phased-in repeal of the Wright Amendment.

Background:

To evaluate the best way to manage these aviation assets, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) established a Task Force in December, 2004 to examine the current issues surrounding control and use of DFW International Airport and Love Field.

Over the past six (6) months, the Task Force has met with representatives of DFW, Love Field, local neighborhood groups, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and local economists. As a result of these meetings and the review of other background materials provided by Task Force members, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors makes the following findings and recommendations.

Findings:

1. Wright Amendment
a. The Wright Amendment restricts the City's ability to manage its aviation assets--specifically Love Field-to their best use or value, in accordance with the Love Field Master Plan. b. Uncertainty surrounding the Wright Amendment's continued existence is harming the region's ability to attract new carriers. c. High airfares to Dallas have discouraged the attraction of convention business to the city, according to the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau. d. Increased competition would yield lower air fares at both airports, which would in turn increase air traffic at both airports, resulting in greater economic benefits to our region's economy and reducing each airport's dependence on any single carrier.
2. Love Field
a. The Master Plan is the principal management tool for Love Field and has been since its adoption by the Dallas City Council in 2001. b. The current Love Field configuration (number of gates, number or length of runways) is in place and should remain, as provided in the Love Field Master Plan. c. No argument has been advanced that suggests that any change in economic conditions generally or the aviation business specifically has undermined the validity of the conclusion reached by the Love Field Master Plan (i.e. that 32 gates maximizes economic benefit, consistent with minimal adverse effects on Love Field Stakeholders).
3. DFW International Airport
a. Financial implications of repeal may be significant, in the near-term.
b. DFW International Airport's financial health must be an assured outcome in the long-term.
c. DFW International Airport will continue to be the dominant airport for our region and the only international airport.

Recommendations:

The City of Dallas should:
1. Work with our local Congressional Delegation to re-claim control of our aviation assets by supporting a 2-5 year phased-in repeal of the Wright Amendment. A phased implementation of Wright Amendment repeal would provide the needed change, but also would insure orderly adaptation to the effects of such change.
2. Seek immediate removal of the marketing, through-ticketing and checked-baggage restrictions as currently provided in the Wright Amendment.
3. Affirm the Dallas City Council's unwavering support of the Master Plan, specifically as it pertains to thirty-two (32) gates maximum. The Master Plan should continue to serve as Love Field's management tool in the future.
4. Ensure ongoing compliance with the phased Terminal Area and Airside Development Plans contained in the Master Plan as adopted by the City of Dallas in 2001.
5. If future developments make it appropriate, re-convene the Master Plan Advisory Committee to ensure that the Plan continues to address the needs and concerns of all stakeholders (i.e. local residents, businesses, airport tenants, airlines and others affected by Love Field).
6. Ensure that the Competition Plans, as filed with the Federal Aviation Administration by DFW International Airport and the City of Dallas for Love Field, remain relevant. Consider creating an advisory committee to recommend ways to coordinate use of DFW International and Love Field Airports and to maximize support of regional economic development, including convention attraction and business relocation.
7. In anticipation of Wright Amendment repeal, develop its own plan to realize the $1 billion in regional economic impact as forecast in the Master Plan (assuming 32 gates).

Conclusion:

The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce affirms its belief that local management and stakeholder involvement in Dallas' aviation assets will yield their "best use" for the community. The Master Plan is proof that this can be done. The NDCC will remain actively involved, as we have done continuously for many years now.

About the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce
The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and individuals who come together to promote the most favorable environment for business. We are here to create a great place to live, work and grow. We promote a better quality of life for ourselves and our kids. It's that simple. The chamber is a place to talk about vital issues. It's a place to take action. It's a place to meet people and make new clients (and maybe even some new friends).

###

NORTH DALLAS CHAMBER OPPOSES WRIGHT!

2005-05-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's only a matter of time now friends and neighbors. Only a matter of time:

Group opposes Wright

North Dallas Chamber says lifting law would boost city's economy

Thursday, May 19, 2005
By ERIC TORBENSON / The Dallas Morning News

A powerful Dallas business group said Thursday that the Wright amendment is bad for the city's economy and its repeal would provide a billion-dollar-a-year economic boost.

The law is choking Dallas' growth by keeping airfares high and hurting the city's convention business and tourism, according to a task force from the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

The group challenged the city to "take back its airport" by lobbying to gradually lift the restrictions at Dallas Love Field that limit commercial flights to nearby states.

"I don't know of any other major city with two airports that treats one like a crown jewel and the other like a red-headed stepchild," said Sam Coats, a member of the chamber's task force.

"Dallas needs to utilize its asset," said Mr. Coats, a former executive at defunct Braniff Airways as well as at Southwest Airlines Co., by far the dominant carrier at Love Field.

Southwest, which wants the federal law repealed so it can fly around the country from Love Field, praised the chamber's stance.

"The North Dallas Chamber's opinion reinforces the sentiment of the flying public that North Texas deserves access to lower fares through repeal of the Wright amendment," said Southwest spokeswoman Ginger Hardage.

But American Airlines Inc., which along with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has strongly opposed any changes to the law, called the chamber's thinking shortsighted.

"Southwest wants Dallas to cut off its arm," said American spokesman Tim Wagner. "The North Dallas Chamber is suggesting they start one finger at a time."

The chamber, which represents such major local employers as Texas Instruments Inc., took six months interviewing airlines, airports and other parties affected by the Wright law.

It concluded that the law limits Dallas' appeal as a place to do business. Among the task force's recommendations:

•Gradual repeal of Wright restrictions over two to five years. Southwest would add service, average fares for the region would drop and the local economy would benefit.
•Immediate lifting of rules that require passengers traveling beyond Wright states to purchase two tickets. Often, this offsets any fare advantage.
•Keeping the Love Field master plan to govern growth there. The plan cannot be changed simply because there's no Wright amendment, said Steve Joiner, who headed the chamber task force.

For now, chamber officials said, they're more concerned about Love Field shrinking.

Love Field has lost two of its four airlines since the master plan came into effect in 2001. Southwest has cut its daily flights to 117 from about 145.

Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly said this week that more cuts could come if the Wright law stays in place. And credit agencies have cut Love Field's bond ratings as passenger traffic has dropped.

Countering D/FW

The chamber's statement Thursday counters D/FW's primary argument that tinkering with the Wright amendment would harm the region's economy.

D/FW executives regularly refer to their airport as the region's main economic engine.
"D/FW has broad business community support across North Texas among those who understand the ramifications of a weakened economic engine," said Jeff Fegan, the airport's chief executive.

"We know people are beginning to understand that is not about low fares, but about a single airline trying to dictate public policy and keep new airline competition out of North Texas," he said.

D/FW released a study this month showing it could lose up to 35 percent of its passenger traffic and 204 daily flights if Love Field were opened up to long-haul flights.

The chamber's statement acknowledges the importance of D/FW, saying it would remain the region's dominant airport and the sole facility for international flights. The plan also seeks to soften any financial blow to D/FW by staggering the repeal over several years.

Repeal of the Wright amendment would not threaten D/FW's ability to pay back several billion dollars in revenue bonds used to finance its new international terminal and Skylink train system, but it would raise costs for its airline tenants and dissuade other carriers from using D/FW, airport officials said earlier this month.

Officials undecided

The chamber's findings didn't seem overly persuasive to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who had called for more study on the Wright issue.

"Sen. Hutchison appreciates the chamber's hard work and will carefully study their findings," her spokesman said. "However, in the chamber's own report, they state that the financial implications of repealing the amendment may have significant near-term implications. That is exactly what Sen. Hutchison wants to avoid."

Phillip Jones, chief executive of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, said airfare costs are something his sales team monitors, but "it's not the main reason keeping business away."

Under review

Dallas Mayor Laura Miller was reviewing the chamber's conclusions, her spokesman said.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has long backed the Wright amendment and passed a resolution supporting keeping the law in the place. A call to the Greater Dallas Chamber wasn't returned Thursday.

The North Dallas chamber wants to avoid lawsuits, hoping that leaders will broker a long-term plan to use both airports.

"We don't need a donnybrook in the metroplex at this time," Mr. Coats said. "We need level heads right now."

Staff writers Robert Dodge in Washington and Suzanne Marta in Dallas contributed to this report.
E-mail etorbenson@dallasnews.com

A Voice of Reason in FW?

2005-05-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

We don't often expect to hear this sort of thing coming out of Fort Worth, yet here it is. We have inserted some of our own offerings in the following op/ed piece from the Star-Telegram:

Airport's supporters exaggerate its impact

By Mitchell Schnurman
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Maybe Dallas/Fort Worth Airport should just declare itself Economic Engine For Life.

The airport has been claiming to be the source of our prosperity for so long, and so many government officials have parroted the line, that most people accept it as fact.
Don't buy the hype.

It's the market -- the people and the companies of North Texas -- that have made D/FW Airport into something special, not the other way around.

Obviously, the airport and American Airlines' reach make it an important, valuable asset. In its infancy, D/FW represented a genuine breakthrough in cooperation for Fort Worth and Dallas, and it's been a factor in relocations and business expansions that have fueled the region's growth.

That doesn't mean it should be the tail that wags the dog.

D/FW's staff and their supporters regularly exaggerate its impact, even calling it the economic engine of North Texas in the airport's annual report. At last week's news conference on the Wright Amendment, D/FW's chief operating officer said the airport is envied around the world and is responsible for more than 260,000 jobs.

That's 10 times the number of workers at the area's largest employer. What can they possibly be taking credit for?

We're used to plenty of self-serving promotion these days, but this isn't innocuous puffery.
By claiming to be our economic driver, D/FW can claim that any challenge to the airport is a challenge to our economy, even to our way of life.

Complete the chain of thought, and you get: "What's bad for D/FW is bad for North Texas."
It's not just the D/FW staff making such claims; the mayors say it, and members of Congress, and chamber officials, and economic development folks. So airport executives say that proves that it's true.

The numbers show otherwise, and we'll get to those later.

I say the tag line is dangerous because it lets the bureaucracy wrap itself in the flag. Oppose D/FW in the Metroplex, and you might as well be slamming America and apple pie.

(hold on just a cotton-pickin' second. have we somehow gotten so far off track that standing up for free markets has become un-American? if so, what a sad statement on the current conservative movement and on American society as a whole.)

The line has been trotted out for small issues and large. And it's the underpinning of the arguments against lifting the Wright Amendment.

Two years ago, I wrote a column against a $1 drop-off fee proposed by the airport, because it nicked consumers and did nothing to address the huge debt coming on. In an op-ed piece, airport spokesman Ken Capps defended the move and wrote, "D/FW takes very seriously its role as the economic engine of North Texas."

Well, in that case, let's not derail the economy.

(ouch...that's gotta sting)

Of much greater consequence is the debate over the Wright Amendment. D/FW paid $100,000 for a study that documents all that it could lose if the law is repealed, from passenger traffic moving to Love Field to fewer connecting flights at D/FW.

(heh heh. for a second there we thought he said they paid 100K for that piece of junk. boy if that had been true...........whats that?.........wha?............. sweet fancy moses you gotta be kiddin'. we are in the wrong business, friends.)

But it doesn't say anything about what the region might gain from lower fares and more direct service.

To me, that's the big question: What we gain versus what we lose.

Maybe that assessment is unnecessary if you accept that D/FW is the economic engine. Under that thinking, if the engine sputters, the whole region stumbles.

That's what Jeff Wentworth, the former Fort Worth city councilman who's now airport board chairman, said at the news conference.

"It is very clear that any repeal of the Wright Amendment severely weakens our No. 1 economic engine to the detriment of all of North Texas," Wentworth said, reading from a script.

He also called D/FW "the region's most treasured, most economically vital asset."

Isn't this public infrastructure we're talking about? It's not Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Alcon Labs, the convention and tourism business or a university system.

In my mind, D/FW is more like our network of highways and rail lines or the electric grid. When you talk about economic engines, I think of the auto industry in Michigan, Silicon Valley in California or Wall Street in New York.

(spot on, brother. preach it!)

In the Metroplex, consider defense manufacturing, the oil industry, electronics and logistics -- all of which were creating jobs around here well before D/FW opened.

And if D/FW is our engine today, how come our economy did just fine in the past decade, and the airport's numbers look like it's 1995?

D/FW has had a tough go of it, with 9-11, American Airlines' problems and the closing of Delta's hub. It projects 55 million passengers this year, which would be less than it handled a decade ago. Cargo and flight totals are also lower than in 1995.

In an interview Tuesday, D/FW Chief Executive Jeff Fegan said the numbers within the numbers are stronger. There's more local traffic within the total and more heavy-duty shipments in the cargo category, he said, and both add more value to the economy.

Fine, but over the same time, Metroplex jobs grew by 17 percent, the population by more than a quarter, and building permits surged.

I'll buy that D/FW contributes a lot, but the No. 1 economic engine in the region? I told Fegan that I don't see it that way.

"If you want to say the world is flat ..." Fegan said.

(pardon our english, but what a pantload.)

Any other members of the Flat Earth Society out there?

(well, we'd propose a name change but we will join nonetheless)

Mitchell Schnurman's column appears Wednesdays and Sundays. schnurman@star-telegram.com

Chamber to offer opinion on Wright

2005-05-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce will make a recommendation Thursday on whether the Wright Amendment, which restricts flights out of Dallas Love Field, should be repealed. The organization, which represents business in North Dallas, has studied the case and met with representatives of American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Dallas Love Field, neighborhood groups and area economists. Southwest Airlines is campaigning to have the federal law repealed, while American and D/FW Airport officials have lobbied to keep the restrictions.

Nevada Senator Supports Repeal

2005-05-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

It probably wouldn't be all that difficult to find out what consideration is given by lobbyists to our congressional delegation in return for their support on a given issue. Or more precisely what Hutch and Corny receive from agents in the employ of DFW/AA in exchange for their unwavering support of Wright.

But wouldn't it be nice to have a delegation more concerned with free markets than lining their pockets. It may be posturing on his part, but outward appearances make us envious of Nevada for having Senator Ensign on The Hill.

Ensign joins battle in Southwest's Wright fight

By Richard N. Velotta/LAS VEGAS SUN

Southwest Airlines, pressing hard for the repeal of a measure that blocks it from offering nonstop service from its Dallas headquarters to several cities on its route map, including Las Vegas, has a Nevada ally on the case: the state's junior senator, John Ensign.

Through a spokesman, Ensign said he is considering introducing legislation to repeal the Wright Amendment, enacted in 1979 to encourage development at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in its formative years.

The measure, named for former House Speaker Jim Wright of Texas, restricts travel to and from Dallas' Love Field for commercial aircraft with more than 56 seats.

It affects Southwest Airlines by allowing only flights from that airport to other destinations within the state of Texas, to cities in adjacent states and to cities within the states of Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi.

The measure also prohibits Southwest from marketing connecting flights to the Dallas airport. For example, a Southwest customer in Las Vegas cannot book travel to Dallas from McCarran International Airport. The airline does not discourage customers from purchasing two tickets to make the trip.

Ensign said he isn't quite ready to introduce a bill, but he's in a fact-finding mode.

"The senator is a free-market advocate and he saw a situation where a free-market issue exists that legislation could fix," said the senator's press spokesman, Jack Finn.

"If you look at our airport in Las Vegas, it is come one, come all, and whoever can compete, can compete," Ensign told the Dallas Morning News in a recent interview.

Finn did not indicate if and when the Republican senator would introduce legislation, nor why Ensign has a desire to carry the ball on the issue, although he is on the Aviation subcommittee of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Meanwhile, Southwest has turned up the heat in an effort to win repeal of the Wright Amendment.

For years, the company maintained that it was "passionately neutral" about the measure. But late last year, the company announced that it was going to launch a bid to get it overturned.
Earlier this month, the company launched an Internet Web site, www.setlovefree.com, giving its side of the Wright Amendment issue.

"We have hard from a number of people who want more information about the Wright Amendment," said Susan Goodman, Southwest's director of legislative awareness. "Setlovefree.com will help us to educate consumers on the amendment and to update them on our efforts to get it repealed."

The Web site presents a history of the Wright Amendment, the text of the legislation as well as the text of the Shelby Amendment, which added the states of Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi to the original group covered by Wright, testimonials and invitations to forward information to friends, lawmakers and the media.

The Wright Amendment fight -- a political hot potato in the Dallas-Fort Worth area -- pits Southwest, the nation's leading low-cost air carrier, against Fort Worth-based American, the world's largest airline, and Love Field against Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

DFW, the nation's third-busiest airport, maintains that the Wright Amendment remains relevant and that repeal of the measure could result in the loss of 204 flights a day.

Airport officials commissioned a study from a Boston-based aviation consultant to review the effects of the repeal of the Wright Amendment on the Dallas area.

The study, by Simat, Helliesen & Eichner Inc., was released last week.

"We have known all along that repealing the Wright Amendment was a bad idea for DFW and the entire north Texas region," said Jeff Wentworth, chairman of the DFW International Airport Board. "But now, there is critical, independent analysis to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt. Repealing would basically wipe out all the progress that has helped make DFW the undisputed economic engine that drives north Texas."

The study also said repeal of the Wright Amendment could result in the amount of traffic at Love Field tripling, which would strain the older existing facilities there and cause traffic gridlock.

velotta@lasvegassun.com

Suspense In St. Louis

2005-05-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Airlines square off over routes to Dallas
By Tim McLaughlin
Sunday, May. 15 2005

St. Louisans who fly from Lambert Field to Dallas have a big stake in a Texas-style, bare-knuckles brawl between two of the nation's largest airlines.

American Airlines flights between Lambert and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - one of the most frequent routes from St. Louis - can cost significantly more than trips of a similar length to cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Oklahoma City and Columbus, Ohio. Fares for those four cities were 43 percent to 82 percent less than a Dallas trip, according to a Post-Dispatch review of prices posted on American's Web site.

Part of the reason for the higher Dallas fares is that St. Louis is on the wrong end of a federal law passed in 1979 that prevents low-cost Southwest Airlines from flying direct to most U.S. cities from its home base at Dallas Love Field. As a result, American holds a near-monopoly on the route between St. Louis and its superhub in Dallas.

The situation has caught the interest of Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary and Housing and Urban Development.

"Sen. Bond will assess all of the information as the facts are gathered from all sides. Obviously, a main concern of the senator's is how any legislative action will affect Missouri," Bond spokesman Rob Ostrander said in a statement.

Southwest says it wants to ease the pain of consumers by having the 1979 law called the Wright Amendment repealed; it prohibits the airline from offering for sale or providing transportation between Love Field and any point beyond Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Mississippi and Alabama.

Free from the shackles of Wright, Southwest said, it would be able to spur competition on direct flights between St. Louis and Dallas, and other city pairs, lowering ticket prices.

Southwest hopes to capture support from consumers with its newly launched Internet site titled "Wright is Wrong! Set Love Free" at www.setlovefree.com

American says Southwest's campaign is a red herring to deflect attention from its refusal to operate from nearby Dallas/Fort Worth. Instead, Southwest is keen to expand operations at Love, while avoiding head-to-head competition with American at Dallas/Fort Worth.

"We offered $22 million to attract Southwest, which equals one year of free rent," said Kevin E. Cox, chief operating officer at Dallas/Fort Worth. "In lieu of waging war ... Southwest has the freedom to fly out of here today. It doesn't take an act of Congress and they can make money. That's a pretty good deal."

Southwest doesn't think so. One of the reasons the carrier regularly turns a profit - an oddity in the troubled airline industry - is because it operates from secondary airports such as Love Field when it can, keeping its costs down and its flights away from cutthroat price wars.

"There's no reason to deviate from the only successful business model in the airline industry," said Ron Ricks, a senior vice president at Southwest. "Why would we junk it to go out to DFW airport? That's the antithesis of our business model."

He said if Southwest split operations between Love and Dallas/Fort Worth, it would end up competing against itself. He also conceded that American's buildup at Dallas/Fort Worth, which he says will approach 1,000 daily flights next year, would pose insurmountable competition.

"Any airline that tries to go up against American at DFW will lose," Ricks said. "American will have more flights than you have to any destination and prices will be so low you can't compete."

American flights between St. Louis and Dallas/Fort Worth - about 10 daily - didn't look competitive on Friday when the Post-Dispatch reviewed routes of similar length to other cities.

The review showed that Dallas/Fort Worth flights were much more expensive for travel over the Fourth of July weekend, for example.

The price of an American ticket between Dallas/Fort Worth and Lambert cost $210 for the 1,100-mile round-trip flight.

Flights to Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio, and Detroit ranged from $115.50 to $146.98 on American.

On a cost-per-mile basis, the price differences narrowed. The DFW-Lambert flight would cost passengers the equivalent of 19 cents per mile, compared with 13 cents or 14 cents per mile for the four other cities. The prices do not include taxes, security fees and federal airport levies.

The Wright amendment, named for former Texas Democratic congressman and House Speaker Jim Wright, intended to prevent Love Field from becoming a serious competitor to Dallas/Fort Worth.

As Cox of Dallas/Fort Worth explained, the federal government in the 1960s urged Dallas and Fort Worth to collaborate on one metropolitan airport rather than have taxpayers support four smaller regional venues.

Bond ordinances mandated that Dallas/Fort Worth be the only airport for airlines with federal certification. Bondholders didn't want revenue diverted from Dallas/Fort Worth, ensuring payment of the airport's construction debt.

Southwest, then a fledgling airline, remained at Love Field because it only flew inside Texas and didn't need a federal certificate.

In the late 1970s, Wright, who represented a district that included Fort Worth, wanted to shut Love Field down, but his amendment ultimately was a compromise that allowed Southwest to fly to four contiguous states from Love.

"Herb Kelleher, Mr. Wright will tell you, was tickled pink with the amendment," Cox said, referring to Southwest's legendary chairman. "He got more than he thought he would ever get. There was no lawsuit and he got a safe harbor that allowed him to operate out of a ... lower cost airport without competition from the big carriers."

Later, three other nearby states were added.

Kelleher apparently saw competition between Love and Dallas/Fort Worth as unhealthy, according to a study released last week by Dallas/Fort Worth. The study cites a 1990 deposition of Kelleher taken in a court case.

The study by Simat, Helliesen & Eichner Inc., an aviation consultant, concluded that repeal of the Wright Amendment would cost Dallas/Fort Worth some 204 flights a day and 21 million passengers annually and slash passenger traffic to levels seen 20 years ago.

The study predicts it would take Dallas/Fort Worth 20 years to recover.

Ricks of Southwest said an expansion by Southwest at Love would spark healthy competition, actually spurring demand for airline travel while increasing flights and passengers at Dallas/Fort Worth.

Cox and other Dallas/Fort Worth officials, however, are not ready to test that thesis.

Dallas/Fort Worth has bet a lot on maintaining the status quo. The airport holds $3.6 billion in bond debt from construction of a new international terminal, the Skylink people mover and other improvements.

"Competition between airlines is fantastic," Cox said. "But not between airports that are eight miles apart and have common ownership. When you unravel a hub, it has a negative impact on the entire community. I think the people in St. Louis know about that."

Reporter Tim McLaughlin E-mail: tmclaughlin@post-dispatch.com

Watching Closely In Memphis

2005-05-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

It makes sense that Memphomaniacs would be quite interested in the ongoing saga. One of us knows several from that great city who regularly drive to Little Rock so that they can fly Southwest. The Memphis airport is a Northwest Airlines hub and has a stranglehold there. Its frustrating for Memphians especially when their airport is located a mere 12 miles from the Wright boundary.

Memphis Business Journal

From the May 13, 2005 print edition

Southwest fights for right to fly
Amos Maki

A legal battle between two airlines in the heart of Texas could have major implications for Mid-South travelers.

Southwest Airlines, the nation's most popular and profitable discount airline, is waging a public relations and lobbying blitz on Capitol Hill to repeal a 26-year-old law that restricts flights on full-size jets from Dallas' Love Field to destinations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In 1997, the law was amended to add Mississippi, Kansas and Alabama. Southwest is based in Dallas, where American Airlines has a monopoly on Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and is fighting to keep the law in place.

Southwest officials say repealing the federal law would remove one hurdle from serving Memphis. Other barriers remain, however, including the lack of flyers who use Memphis as a destination or point of origin and Northwest Airlines' domination of the local market.

"If we made an announcement tomorrow that we're coming to Memphis, it's against the law to have traffic from Dallas to Memphis," says Ed Stewart, spokesman for Southwest Airlines.
Southwest officials say establishing service from Dallas to Memphis would improve Memphis' chance of getting service from Southwest because they could use Dallas as a destination or connecting city to establish traffic in Memphis. From Memphis, Southwest could serve Chicago's Midway Airport.

Dallas and Chicago are huge destination points for Memphis area travelers. According to data from 2003, Chicago ranked second as an origin and destination point for Memphis International Airport, while Dallas ranked fifth.

Larry Cox, president and CEO of the Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority, has courted Southwest for two decades. He is confident Southwest will one day enter the Memphis market, but he isn't so sure repealing the Wright Amendment would automatically bring the discount carrier to town.

"We've been trying to get Southwest here for a long time, but they have not made any commitment to me that the repeal of the Wright Amendment would get them in," Cox says. "It would probably help Nashville to our detriment."

Southwest is able to serve Nashville, but none of its flights are direct from Dallas. Nashville is Southwest's 10th busiest airport in terms of daily departures, with 85 daily non-stops to 27 cities with connections available to 27 other cities. The airline operates 10 gates and employs 394 people in that city.

For years, Memphis travelers have been making trips to Nashville and Little Rock, Ark. -- where Southwest offers 14 daily non-stop departures to seven cities -- to take advantage of the airline's discount prices.

Robert Dow, a controller with Acoustic and Specialties, Inc., a commercial interior contractor in Memphis, lived in Dallas for eight years and was accustomed to having price-competitive travel options. Now, he says he would rather drive to Arkansas to catch a flight.

"Northwest has a stranglehold on Memphis-based air travel," he says. "Memphis, not just Dallas, is hurt by the Wright Amendment. Why else would so many people, myself included, rather drive two hours to Little Rock and fly Southwest Airlines than to pay the exorbitantly high ticket prices commanded by Northwest?"

Southwest has heard the cries from Memphis.

"I know the pain people in Memphis probably feel and it's no small pain," Stewart says.

Northwest is the dominant carrier in Memphis. The Eagan, Minn.-based airline and affiliates Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines operated 224 of the 283 daily flights from Memphis International in March 2005. The airline offers nearly 90 destinations from Memphis.

Southwest officials acknowledge the challenge Northwest would pose if they entered the local market.

"They play hardball," Stewart says. "You better be ready to get in the ring with a heavyweight. When you go to a fortress hub, you better expect big, silver bullets to be coming your way."
Northwest, the nation's fourth-largest carrier, has no official position on the Wright Amendment and says it isn't afraid of the possible competition from Southwest. In Memphis, Northwest has some low-fare competition from Air Tran and America West and the airline competes directly against Southwest in Detroit.

"Northwest competes with those carriers on the basis of price, service, frequency and breadth of destinations," says Thomas Becher, spokesman for Northwest. "We believe that Northwest's product offers Memphis area travelers a superior experience in many ways, including international service."

The Wright Amendment was enacted to protect Dallas-Fort Worth airport and, Southwest would say, the airlines it serves, from competition. For many years Southwest was neutral on the law. Those days, however, are long gone and Southwest has no intention of backing down now.

"We've lived with this misery for 26 years and as long as it takes, this fight will go on," Stewart says.

CONTACT staff writer Amos Maki at 259-1764 or at amaki@bizjournals.com

City Of Tyler On The Fence

2005-05-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Tyler Morning Telegraph

GREG JUNEK, Business Editor
May 14, 2005

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport's boardings have fluctuated over the years, but with two stable commuter airline connections in a post 9/11 world they are on the rebound.

But city and economic development officials are wondering if a proposed repeal of the Wright amendment would be detrimental to those numbers.

City and economic development officials are keeping their eyes on whether Southwest Airlines at Love Field will find a sponsor for a bill to repeal the Wright amendment.

The amendment to federal law, introduced by former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright and passed in 1979, was intended to protect Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from competition. It allows flights from Love Field only to cities in Texas and Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Mississippi and Alabama.

Southwest initially opposed the amendment and later took a neutral position toward it. But last year it began a campaign to repeal the amendment in hopes to establish long-haul flights to East and West Coast destinations with high traffic.

Dickson and others said concern lies in whether American Eagle would curtail Pounds service to begin serving Love Field if the Wright amendment were repealed.

Dale Morris, American Airlines government affairs representative, in late April asked the Tyler Airport Advisory Board to encourage legislative representatives to oppose the repeal.
Randy Grooms, chairman of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Aviation Committee, said his committee is studying the issue, and it plans to hear from an American Airlines representative during a May 24 meeting.

"We tentatively have some concern about what the loss of air traffic would do to the airport here in Tyler," Grooms said. "If American discontinues some flights into Tyler, we feel like it may be a disadvantage to all the parties involved from a local standpoint."

Grooms said he does not know of any airline that would be willing to come "take up the slack" if American were to discontinue some Tyler flights.

Tom Mullins, chamber president and CEO, said the chamber board might take a position on the proposed amendment repeal if the Aviation Committee presents it with a recommendation.
But before chamber can take a position, "we want to hear the other side," he said.

"American has made it clear that if (the amendment) is repealed it will have to divert part of its fleet to Love Field to compete head to head with Southwest, and the fleet that they would most likely use would be the fleet that is currently serving their regional market," Mullins said.

He also said American has not said a repeal would affect Pounds service or if support for American from the chamber, city or community would guarantee the current service would continue.

D-FW is no longer in its infancy, and Mullins said he believes a feeling exists among the general public that the amendment should be repealed.

"But on the other hand, nobody wants to hurt D-FW," he said, adding Delta Airlines pulled out and airport is going through an expensive upgrade. "Nobody wants them to get into trouble because they have lost market share."

Greg Junek is Business editor. He can be reached at 903.596.6280. e-mail: business@tylerpaper.com

Love-area Citizens Slam Repeal

2005-05-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

One must question the wisdom of these people. And the stance of the City of Dallas in general. One one hand, we used to live directly under the approach path near DFW and it loud. On the other hand, for a city so intent on bringing in new businesses, it seems like a bad idea to shoot a big middle finger at one of the largest and most distinguished. If we ran an airline where we were restricted at our own home airport and got nothing but the badmouth from everyone in town, we'd consider asking San Antonio or Austin how they'd like to have relocate to their area.

Wright squabble escalates

Dallas: As neighbors fight to keep law, airline expects minimal effect

Saturday, May 14, 2005

By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News

Debate over the Wright amendment is swirling around Dallas-area airports and corporate headquarters and before congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.

But as lawmakers contemplate lifting long-haul flight restrictions at Dallas Love Field, their toughest foes may be found in neighborhoods adjacent to the airport, where residents are no strangers to battling the airlines.

"We intend to use every means at our disposal – it's the full fire drill," said Pat White, co-chair of the 25-year-old Love Field Citizens Action Committee. "If the Wright amendment is taken away, it can't be replaced."

(Yes. It can.)

In November, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines unexpectedly announced that it would seek a repeal of the Wright amendment, which restricts airlines serving Love Field to routes within Texas and its adjacent states. The law – enacted in 1979 to protect Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from competition – was amended in 1997 to add Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi.

Since that announcement, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nevada, has committed to pushing such a repeal bill. Fellow Republicans, including John McCain of Arizona and Trent Lott of Mississippi, also have expressed interest in it.

American Airlines, the Fort Worth-based industry giant, and D/FW Airport launched an immediate defense of the act, arguing that such a move could cripple the airport and throttle the large but struggling airline.

The Love Field Citizens Action Committee took Southwest's move far more personally.
What residents have dubbed the "surprise attack" on the amendment was viewed as a slap in the face to civic leaders who, four years ago, worked for a compromise with the airline on a number of neighborhood quality-of-life issues.

Success in Houston

Southwest points to Houston's Hobby Airport as an example of its intentions. That unrestricted airport has about 25 more daily departures than Love Field, officials note, and it "peacefully coexists with the larger hub airport George Bush Intercontinental."

Airline officials say increased noise won't be an issue if the Wright amendment is rescinded. The airline retired its loudest planes in January and replaced them with 737-700s, which are quieter and gain altitude more quickly.

"We have refurbished our fleet with new-generation airplanes that emit even less emissions," Mr. Kelly said. "Even with 32 gates, the noise levels will be less" than they are now.

The Love Field Citizens Action Committee has mobilized before, and it will mobilize again, Ms. Palmer said, noting that this is probably the eighth time in 20 years that it has defended the Wright amendment. Neighbors are sending out fundraising letters and accepting donations. They'll head to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress if they have to, Ms. White said, just as they have before.

"The argument that Southwest's future is being denied, that lifting the Wright amendment is an inevitability – we have never bought that," Ms. Palmer said. "It's our only protection."

More response from SWA

2005-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

From the Set Love Free website we get thoughts from SWA on the DFW "study". SWA says its not a formal response. But it really kinda is since its on the site. Either way they have an excellent point:

"Southwest Airlines does not have a formal response to DFW's recent study because there isn't any 'new' news in DFW's report. History and experience has shown us that the repeal of the Wright Amendment and consequently, the Southwest Effect will expand air service and reduce fares at both airports.

Dallas Love Field is simply a mini-mart compared to DFW's mega-mall and we do not plan to grow our Love Field operations into a hub. (In fact, Southwest Airlines does not operate a hub and spoke system, we fly point-to-point.)

The possibility of another carrier turning Love Field Airport into a hub is baseless under the Master Plan which ensures that Love Field will remain 20 percent the size of DFW. The capacity at Love does not exist and the Master Plan was designed to end unjustified complaints that Love Field might become a serious threat to DFW.

Again, our intentions have never been to turn Love Field into a full-fledged hub, we simply want to provide better service from our home airport."

And we have asked SWA to link to us on that website. Here's hoping...and we'll keep you posted as we keep posting.

Southwest reaction to the DFW sponsored study.

2005-05-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

When DFW staged their show in the empty Delta gate area earlier this week and released their paid "independent" report, there was nobody at Southwest available to comment on it. They were having their own party for the launch of their Set Love Free website (see link at right).

Now we have some reaction in the form of a website story from the fine folks at NBC 5.

http://www.nbc5i.com/travelgetaways/4471348/detail.html

Southwest Airlines officials said free competition only could be healthy, and that D/FW Airport authorities are desperate to keep the Wright Amendment in place. Officials countered by saying the airport master plan allows only 135 more daily flights out of the smaller, inner city airport.

"I don't know where they're getting their numbers from," Ed Stewart of Southwest Airlines, said. "Supposedly, they're dealing with models. We're dealing with facts."

The story also contains a link to a web poll, the results of which are quite provocative.

We freely concede that web polls are highly unscientific, but when the disparity in the numbers is this wide we cannot help but feel that it is not a wholly inaccurate barometer of the sentiment among north Texans.

Just over 2000 people weighed in with their opinion on the question "Do you support a repeal of the Wright Amendment?" Fully 90 percent said yes, they do support it. A mere 200 respondents said no, Wright should remain in place.

Maybe Americans really do support a free-market. Or maybe they just support cheaper air fare. Either way, we wonder what the numbers would say should someone decide to commission a genuine scientific poll conducted by a respectable outfit.

Someone get Ty Meighan at the SH Texas Poll on the blower!

GUEST BLOGGER: Clyde Picht

2005-05-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Clyde Picht is the outgoing Forth Worth City Councilman representing District 6. He is respected by many (including some of us) as the sole voice of reason on the Fort Worth Council. We don't always agree with him, but we always value his opinion.

The Amendment is Wright. The argument is Wrong.

Regarding House and Senate action on the Wright Amendment, we most assuredly have not heard the last of it. In all the confusion, I am not sure that we realize just what is relevant and what isn't. Here are a few of the arguments I have heard during the debate which I have chosen to succinctly rebut or endorse or on which to cleverly obfuscate.

It's anti-competitive. Wrong.
It protects American Airlines. Not the argument.
It helps maintain high ticket prices. Wrong.
If repealed, safety will be compromised at both airports. Wrong.
If repealed, delays will be longer at both airports. Sometimes.
It has served its purpose and should be repealed. Depends.
It forces Dallas to comply with a previously agreed upon pact. BINGO.

When the Federal Government agreed to build a new regional airport with the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the two cities agreed that all interstate (state to state) air carriers would use DFW and abandon operations at Love Field and Amon Carter or Greater Southwest (GSW) Airport. The CAB reasoned, no doubt, that due to the high cost of construction, it would be counter-productive to allow airlines to continue to operate out of existing city airports. Fort Worth agreed and subsequently demolished GSW. GSW had been proposed as a regional airport but was never given support by Dallas. All interstate carriers agreed to operate out of the new DFW Airport but Southwest Airlines was operating as an intrastate (within state) carrier under the authority of the Texas Aeronautical Commission and continued to operate from Love Field.

When Southwest sued to begin interstate operations out of Love Field, it won because it had not been a party to the original agreement establishing DFW, the CAB had been replaced by Department of Transportation, and airlines had been deregulated. To protect (or enforce) the agreement between the cities the Wright Amendment was passed. Southwest has always had the opportunity to move to DFW and compete on the same footing as the other carriers, but with a lock on Love Field who could blame them for staying put and tolerating the inconvenience of not flying interstate? So competition is a phony argument.

American Airlines moved its headquarters to Fort Worth in 1979 and began to expand operations at DFW. The Wright Amendment was passed in 1986. American has reached its prominent position at DFW by excelling in management and service. American and its competitors can't move to Love Field because they agreed contractually to operate from DFW. They could move anyway, and American has the gates and terminal space at Love, but they'd be sued by DFW. American, United, TWA, and all the others can argue that Dallas is blocking competition by wanting to allow only Southwest to operate from Love Field. Somewhat analogous to Fort Worth allowing only one cab company to serve Fort Worth.

Obviously, ticket prices are set by free market forces. It is frequently said that ticket prices at DFW would drop if the Wright Amendment were repealed. Even if they did, it is equivalent to allowing one taxi company to park at the hotel front door and requiring the competitor (if the city is lucky enough to have one) to park a block away. The advantage accrues to Dallas travelers. What if prices don't drop at all? What kind of differential would induce you to drive to Dallas from Tarrant County? If Southwest Airlines were forced to operate from DFW (an inconvenience to Dallas travelers), then ticket prices would be competitive on competing routes. That would require Southwest to abandon its niche. But that is a business decision, not a political decision.

The safety factor is moot. The FAA has separation standards that apply in different circumstances and which aircraft operate from what airports isn't an issue. At least not to flying travelers. Those on the ground near the airport might have more cause for concern. Timely arrivals and departures is an issue. When weather conditions require the greatest separation between planes, more traffic in and out Love Field could cause delays in and out of DFW. More people would be affected who are flying in and out of DFW because that's where the intercontinental traffic operates with aircraft carrying 150-400 people versus 50-100 on the aircraft operating at Love.

If the city of Dallas were to limit the use of Love Field to non-airline aircraft, there would be no need for the Wright Amendment. That's not too likely because there is strong support in Dallas for commercial air service from Love to major cities outside Texas. Some want to have their cake and eat it. Some politicians may feel that they can win votes by reducing air fares in and out of Dallas, and they probably can. The pact between Fort Worth and Dallas is a business agreement intended to concentrate competition among airlines at a regional airport serving the DFW metroplex. DFW provides high volume domestic and international traffic with maximum safety. Love Field is limited in growth potential and operates over a large metropolitan area with close proximity to the airport. It is environmentally deficient and marginally safe in the event of a landing or takeoff accident. It should be limited to general aviation.

This is not a question of free market competition. That exists at DFW, though not at Love Field. This is not a question of ideology. If it was, local contracts without federal intervention would carry the argument. This is a question of whether a mutual agreement to create economic growth and development throughout the Metroplex should be compromised to benefit the travelers who want to save money and fly direct to Dallas. This is a question of federal intervention in a local agreement.

There is a solution:
Repeal the Wright Amendment.
Force all interstate air carriers to operate from DFW.
Equalize representation on the DFW Airport Board between Fort Worth and Dallas.

Will Dallas agree to agree? Not likely.

It is very difficult to say, with any certainty, what will happen with Wright repealed, but a best guess would be that it's a win for Dallas and a loss, or at best, a break even for Fort Worth. We're surely going to find out.

Footnote. What do I know that others don't. Not much, but I do have the experience and perspective of a fighter pilot, transport pilot, FAA licensed air traffic controller, manager of communications and air traffic control facilities, and flight instructor for a major airline. And, of course, city council members know it all.

What the.......?

2005-05-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Why in tarnation would DFW be the site of this press conference? Its about seatbelts on the roadways not in the air. Perhaps they now paying the state to help keep the DFW name in the news? Or may their penchant for PROTECTION extends even to inane laws designed to protect us from ourselves.

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2005

"CLICK IT OR TICKET" SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR NORTH TEXASKICKS OFF AT DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

More Than 30 Area Police Departments To Join Campaign; Special Emphasisin 2005 on Teens, Pickup Truck and Rural Drivers

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (May 12, 2005) - Police departmentsfrom across North Texas will be joining forces with the nationwide ClickIt or Ticket 2005 Mobilization, running from May 23 to June 5. DFWInternational Airport today hosted the kickoff event for the North Texascampaign, with representatives from about 30 local law enforcementagencies on hand to announce they will increase enforcement of Texassafety belt laws over the Memorial Day weekend.

The goal of Click It or Ticket is to boost the rate of safety belt useamong North Texas motorists and to reduce fatalities.

"Because we've seen first hand the severe injury and death that oftenresult from not wearing a safety belt, we will be showing zero tolerancefor anyone not buckled up," said Alvy Dodson, DFW vice president ofpublic safety. "We want everyone on the road to remember to buckle up -every trip, every time."

Teenagers and young adults, and those driving pickup trucks, and livingin rural areas are particularly at risk. Motor vehicle crashes are theleading cause of death for teens and young adults in the United Statesfrom age 16 through 34, and safety belt use by pickup truck occupants isabout 70 percent, among the lowest for any demographic group. Safetybelt use in rural areas was a little better at 76 percent in 2004, butstill below the national average. As a result, special emphasis will beplaced on teenage drivers, pickup truck drivers and rural motoristsduring the 2005 campaign.

"This isn't about just having to obey a law, it's about doing the rightthing to safeguard yourself and your children," said Jim Crites, DFW'sexecutive vice president of operations. "We all love our children andsometimes that means telling them to do something that may inconveniencethem."

For the past several years, the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration has helped states implement the Click It or Ticketprogram across the country, aiding law enforcement agencies inconducting intensive, high-publicity Click It or Ticket campaigns withincreased enforcement of safety belt laws.

The Click It or Ticket efforts are an effective tool in raising safetybelt use rates. In 2004, the Mobilization efforts helped to increase thenational belt use rate to a record high of 80 percent. The combinationof active law enforcement, coupled with paid advertising and communitysupport has proven to be an extremely effective means for increasingsafety belt use - and saving lives - across the country.

More than 30 law enforcement agencies in North Texas will take part inthe stepped up patrols, including police departments in Arlington, Azle,Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Boyd, Burleson, Colleyville, Decatur,Dublin, Euless, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Glen Rose, Godley, Grandview,Haltom City, Hudson Oaks, Hurst, Jacksboro, Joshua, Keller, Lakeside,Mineral Wells, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, Reno, Rio Vista,River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, and the UNT Health Science Center.Also taking part are Sheriff's Departments from Hood, Johnson, Parker,Somervell, Tarrant and Wise counties, along with the Granbury DPSoffice.
About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFWInternational Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly1,800 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFWInternational Airport provides non-stop service to 130 domestic and 37international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-timeflight information, parking availability or further details regardingthe many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on towww.dfwairport.com.

###

No Big Deal

2005-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Governor showed up. But it was not what we thought:

DFW International Airport to Host a 'Lone Star First' as Dallas Symphony and Fort Worth Symphony Come Together in Celebration of New International Terminal DedicationThursday

May 5, 4:00 pm ET

Two World Class Orchestras Perform Together for First Time Ever Ushering in a New Era of World Class Travel

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- DFW International Airport's new International Terminal D will be the site of an historic event even before it opens to millions of passengers. DFW announced today that the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) will join together on one stage for the first time ever in their combined 180-year history as part of International Terminal D's dedication on June 13, 2005. International Terminal D will be the largest international airline terminal opened anywhere in the world in more than six years and will be one of the most business-friendly and passenger-focused facilities ever built.

SWA had a press conference yesterday too!

2005-05-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Southwest Airlines Invites Public to Say Wright Amendment is Wrong

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

Southwest Employees rally behind anti-Wright Amendment Web site.

Dallas, TX
May 5, 2005 -- Today, Southwest Airlines Employees gathered at the airline's Headquarters Building in Dallas to celebrate Southwest's latest tool in educating consumers on the importance of repealing the Wright Amendment, www.setlovefree.com. Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, President Colleen Barrett, and Senior Vice President Law, Airports, and Public Affairs Ron Ricks lead the festivities, declaring May 5 "Set Love Free Day" for Southwest Airlines Employees.

For downloadable photos of the event, please visit: http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/050505_setlovefree_photos.html

For screen shots of setlovefree.com, please visit: http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/050505_setlovefree.html

The Web site will be used to educate the public on the Wright Amendment and to keep consumers informed on the airline's efforts surrounding the issue. Eventually, the web site will be used as a call to action for consumers who support repeal of the Wright Amendment.

"We have heard from a number of people who want more information about the Wright Amendment," said Susan Goodman, Southwest Airlines Director of Legislative Awareness.

"Setlovefree.com will help us to educate consumers on the amendment and to update them on our efforts to get it repealed." Within the first few hours of setlovefree.com going live, more than 600 users have registered on the web site's "Action E-List."

This list is used to communicate updates and action alerts regarding Southwest Airlines fight to repeal the Wright Amendment.

Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 60 airports in 31 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates nearly 3,000 flights a day and has 31,000+ Employees systemwide.

AA weighs in...

2005-05-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

And what they have to say is exactly what we would have expected. We particularly enjoyed the underscored quote from VP John Carpenter. Would he moon over the consultants had they come back in favor of repeal? It's possible but not highly likely. Here's the release:

Press Release
American Airlines

American Concurs With Study on Potential Wright Repeal ImpactTuesday

FORT WORTH -- After a preliminary study of SH&E's analysis of the impact of a potential repeal of the Wright Amendment, American Airlines believes it validates the company's long-held position that a repeal would result in a disastrous setback to North Texas' growth and progress.

"SH&E is a highly respected organization in the aviation community," said John Carpenter, American's Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "The study appears to be very thorough and its conclusions are consistent with what we have said would result from a repeal of the Wright Amendment. In fact, the study may even be conservative in some respects."

American Airlines continues to support the community coalition of the North Texas Commission, DFW International Airport, the mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as others who oppose damaging North Texas' aviation infrastructure.

- 30 -

The Governor is coming!

2005-05-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

No editorials yet. But look at this:

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Rick Perry

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY NOT FOR PUBLICATION

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Wednesday, May 11

Gov. Rick Perry will make an important economic development announcement at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday, May 11.

Wednesday, May 11 3:00 p.m. – DFW Airport

Gov. Perry to make an important economic development announcementDallas Fort Worth International AirportTerminal DInternational Parkway

# # #

Not sure what it will be. But we have an idea. Probably it will have something to do with talking up the importance of DFW in landing another corporation in Texas. Extra tax breaks can be arranged for any company directing their media relations people to include lines such as that underscored below. Here is the item from the AP wire:

AP-TX--Fluor Move
Engineering giant plans to move headquarters to N. Texas

DALLAS (AP) _ Fluor Corporation has announced that it plans to move its corporate headquarters from Southern California to North Texas. The Fortune 500 engineering and construction firm says it chose the Dallas-Forth Worth area because of its central location and international airport. Fluor also wanted to be located closer to its major customers in Texas and on the East Coast, which makes up about 80 percent of its North American revenue. The company plans to move by early 2006. Based on revenue, Fluor would be the 13th largest firm based in North Texas. It employs about 30-thousand people worldwide in 25 countries.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Tomorrow's newspaper coverage of the DFW "study"

2005-05-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

There may be some interesting editorials tomorrow. Meantime this is what's out there so far. And take note of the very slight difference in the headlines. One word. Guess it really all depends on your perspective, eh?

Wright repeal would devastate D/FW, study says

By Bryon Okada

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

D/FW AIRPORT -- If the Wright Amendment were repealed, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport could lose between 14 million and 21 million passengers annually, setting the airport back 20 years, a gloomy new study found.

D/FW Airport also could lose international flights.Traffic at Dallas Love Field could triple as service shifts from D/FW, overrunning nearby neighborhoods with congestion.

The regional economy could lose thousands of jobs as the Metroplex loses its global reach and profile.

It could take D/FW Airport 19 years to recover from the 35 percent decrease in service, said Christina Cassotis, vice president with Boston-based aviation consultant Simat, Helliesen & Eichner.

"We'll see the hub start to splinter," Cassotis said.On the other hand, North Texas travelers would also likely see lower air fares from airlines trying to compete with Southwest Airlines, she said.

The $100,000, D/FW-commissioned study released Tuesday attempts to measure the economic impact of repealing the Wright Amendment, the 16-year-old piece of legislation that restricts long-haul flights at Love Field.

But it also goes further than that, openly advocating the continued growth of D/FW Airport as the region's best economic option.

Recently, officials with Southwest Airlines have been lobbying members of Congress to repeal the Wright Amendment, which limits direct flights from Love Field to Texas and its contiguous states. (A subsequent amendment added three states.)

D/FW and its major tenant, American Airlines, have been trying to convince the same members of Congress that a repeal would be ill-timed and ill-conceived.

D/FW officials say they hope the study will bolster the credibility of their argument that removing the Wright Amendment at this time would further exacerbate the economic instability of the aviation industry -- and communities that depend on the industry."

A repeal of the Wright Amendment has a negative effect, not only on D/FW, but a negative impact on the whole of the North Texas region," D/FW chairman Jeff Wentworth said.

In an extra gig at Southwest, which ironically is an airline D/FW is trying to woo into occupying empty gates in Terminal E, airport officials released several quotes from the airline's former head, Herb Kelleher, that either show support for the Wright Amendment, or indicate an understanding of D/FW's economic position.

Wright repeal would hurt D/FW, study says

By ERIC TORBENSON

The Dallas Morning News

Repealing the Wright amendment would lower airfares in North Texas but also cut service domestically and internationally from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, according to a study released Tuesday.

D/FW would lose 204 flights a day and 21 million passengers per year in the worst-case scenario outlined in the study paid for by D/FW officials.

The study modeled four scenarios relating to different outcomes from the current effort to repeal the Wright amendment.

D/FW Chief Operating Officer Kevin Cox invoked Southwest Airlines Chairman Herb Kelleher's own words in defending the utility of the Wright amendment during a news conference Tuesday.

Mr. Cox quoted Mr. Kelleher as saying that two hub airports competing against each other would hurt North Texas.

"The study provides further evidence that repealing the Wright amendment would be a devastating economic blow to the entire North Texas region," Mr. Cox said. "D/FW is a world-class airport equipped to meet the needs of both domestic and international travelers and grow new business and tourism for Dallas and Fort Worth. Repealing the Wright amendment not only means a huge loss of air traffic, it means a loss of jobs, convention business and economic growth. We need competition between airlines, not airports that are a mere eight miles apart."

Southwest Airlines has said lower fares would benefit the local economy, and it's having its own study prepared. Southwest Airlines officials were not immediately available for comment.

The $100,000 study was done by New York-based Simat, Helliesen & Eichner, an airline consulting firm.Findings include:

D/FW will lose substantial traffic — The airport could lose up to 204 daily flights and up to 21 million passengers annually, representing a 35 percent decline. With this substantial loss, D/FW airport passenger levels will decrease to levels last seen 20 years ago and it will take up to 19 years for traffic to recover to current levels.
Traffic at Love Field could triple — Love Field operations could triple and Love Field passengers could increase by as many as 16 million passengers a year. Tripling Love Field's use would strain older existing facilities and cause local traffic gridlock.
D/FW will lose international air service — Current international air service would be substantially reduced because of a loss of international connecting traffic through D/FW. Flights to Latin America are particularly vulnerable.
D/FW would lose domestic destinations — With the repeal of the Wright amendment, up to 15 current markets with low frequency could see service cuts or elimination.
D/FW has significant growth capacity — D/FW airport was designed and built to handle 100 million passengers and 1.4 million airport operations annually and can accommodate low-cost carrier growth that won't cost taxpayers more money. In contrast, if the Wright amendment is repealed, costly improvements will be needed at Love Field to accommodate increases in traffic; meanwhile, airport capacity investments already made at D/FW airport will sit idle.
Growth at D/FW is the preferred option — The growth of low-cost carrier service at D/FW will add more passengers and more long-term economic growth to the Dallas-Fort Worth area than any scenario in which the Wright amendment is repealed - without disrupting facilities, neighborhoods or taxpayer commitments.

DFW pays for a Study. Wow!

2005-05-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Big news today from DFW. The press release was sent out yesterday but they were tight lipped when asked about it. No details until today's press conference. Didn't matter though because most local media guessed correctly:

http://www.dfwairport.com/mediasite/pdf/05/05/050510-study.pdf

But there are issues with this report, not the least of which is that they paid for it. What would this same group have said if it was Southwest footing the bill. Yeah, that's what we think too. But let's have a little fun and take it piece by piece.

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) — In the darkened terminal where Delta Air Lines once serviced more than 220 flights a day, DFW International Airport officials, members of the North Texas Commission and aviation industry experts from Simat, Helliesen & Eichner, Inc. today released an independent economic analysis of potential impacts if the Wright Amendment were repealed.

Very dramatic. In the darkened Delta terminal that Southwest could have if they were only considerate enough to uproot their entire operation at Love and move it west.

Key SH&E study findings:

1. DFW will Lose Substantial Traffic. With repeal of the Wright Amendment, DFW Airport could lose up to 204 daily flights and up to 21 million passengers annually, representing a 35 percent decline. With this substantial loss, DFW Airport passenger levels will decrease to levels last seen 20 years ago and it will take up to 19 years for traffic to recover to current levels.

Hope they didn't pay too much for the study. We could have told them something similar for a much lower price. Besides the painfully obvious, though, there's another issue in number One. They ADMIT that the airport would recover from a repeal of Wright. Worst case, it may take awhile but it WOULD RECOVER.

Then there's this. If Starbucks moved in across the street from our coffeehouse we would expect to lose some business. But maybe if our prices were competitive and our coffee was just as tasty it would stand on its own. We know this...we wouldn't expect the government to come in and tell Starbucks what it could and could not sell.

2. Traffic at Love Field Could Triple. With the repeal of the Wright Amendment, Love Field operations could triple and Love Field passengers could increase by as many as 16 million passengers a year. Tripling Love Field’s use would strain older existing facilities and cause local traffic gridlock.

Oh, so they aren't so much concerned over losing business at DFW as they are with all of the poor Dallasites having to deal with increased traffic. That's big of them.

3. DFW will Lose International Air Service. With repeal of the Wright Amendment, current international air service would be substantially reduced due to a loss of international connecting traffic through DFW. Flights to Latin America are particularly vulnerable.

If the service is viable it would survive without government PROTECTION. If its not it won't. Let the market decide.

4. DFW Would Lose Domestic Destinations. With the repeal of the Wright Amendment, up to 15 current markets with low frequency could see service cuts or elimination.

Seems they have big enough problems as it is without having to also run around all worried about those unfortunate and underserved fliers in Lexington, Kentucky.

5. DFW has Significant Growth Capacity. DFW Airport was designed and built to handle 100 million passengers and 1.4 million airport operations annually and can accommodate low-cost carrier growth that won’t cost taxpayers more money. In contrast, if the Wright Amendment is repealed, Costly improvements will be needed at Love Field to accommodate increases in traffic; meanwhile, airport capacity investments already made at DFW Airport will sit idle.

We have all made poor decisions in our lives. But how many of us expect the government to back our play when we step up to the craps table to roll the dice? DFW built and added-on all while knowing Wright would be under assault. You pays your money and you takes your chances. DFW rolled craps and its not our worry.

6. Growth at DFW is the Preferred Option. The growth of low-cost carrier service at DFW will add more passengers and more long-term economic growth to the Dallas-Fort Worth area than any scenario in which the Wright Amendment is repealed – without disrupting facilities, neighborhoods or taxpayer commitments.

Preferred by whom? Downright presumptuous if you as us. Then we see some quotes from Community Leaders. You've heard of Mike Moncrief. He's the mayor of Fort Worth. Nice guy...but an idiot:

"Fort Worth and Dallas came together to create this global transportation hub and it is in great part made us who we are today."

How's that now? Knew there was a reason we voted against him. Who are we today, Mike? Don't know about you, but our set is made up of people who will gladly drive the extra 8 miles east to save 50 bucks on a trip to Nashville.

Mike has a buddy named Dan Petty. He is the big cheese at some outfit that calls itself the North Texas Commission. Yeah, we've never heard of them either but we suspect its another group of millionaires that want the government (read: taxpayers) to shield them from competition. Here's what this pantload has to say:

"Almost all of the 18 FORTUNE 500 companies headquartered in the North Texas region list DFW International Airport as one of the primary reasons to locate in the Metroplex."

REALLY. Maybe the restaurants are better at DFW? Or do they prefer the inflated business rate at AA? Or maybe, just maybe, Dan, you are making this up.

But dan is backed up by UNT economist Bernie Weinstein. We've spoken with Bernie on the phone and he seems to be a nice enough guy. Full of BS but quite affable. Here's what he says:

"As the SH&E report clearly documents, repeal of the Wright Amendment in today's changed commercial aviation environment could seriously impair the future growth and competitive cost structure of DFW International Airport. Consequently, the entire Metroplex could become less attractive to relocating and expanding businesses."

I'm up for the challenge, Bernie. Let's let the market decide. As an added bonus we'll get to see whether you know what you are talking about. The proof is in the pudding as they say...and I'm ready for some desert. If you are right then the free market has done its job. If you are wrong then you haven't been doing yours.

Most of us have heard of Jethro Pugh. We all know him as a member of the Dallas Cowboy's feared "Doomsday Defense" and he is a hero to many. Uncluding us. So normally we'd let him slide but not this time:

"Since the Delta pull-out, I have lost my number one shop at DFW. Repealing the Wright Amendment would mean DFW loses more airline business, which means I lose more business."

That is a shame, Jethro. Really it is. But there are not guarantees in business and your beef lies with a poorly run airline that is struggling for its life in the shadows of 9/11 and a fiscally inept administration responsible for a huge economic downturn.

There is a statement from a newstand owner at DFW and a Love Field area resident but they are so inane we're not even going to pay heed.

After that, this group has the gall to actually dig up and print 15 and 25 year old quotes from Southwest and its founder, Herb Kelleher. Do we need to point out that what may have been true in 1980 is not necessarily so today? There are those among us who, in 1980, thought Grease was a really good movie. Some of us, in 1990, took a couple of tokes and thought we had the solution to all of the world's problems. Guess what? We were wrong on both counts.

Blowing their own horn, Simat, Helliesen & Eichner, Inc. point out that they are a global aviation consulting firm with more than 40 years experience providing management assistance, expert counsel, and research regarding operations, economics, and finance of airlines and aviation-related industries.

Translation: S,H & E are consultants. They will say whatever they are paid to say and it is highly likely they don't work cheap. The result, a poorly written 7 page "study".

DFW got ripped off.

To PROTECT D-FW International Airport

2005-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

In any discussion of the Wright Amendment, for or against, you will invariably hear that phrase.

But we purportedly live in a capitalist society where the market dictates necessity.

With that said, we should all be offended by the very existence of this amendment regardless of whether we have an interest in the viability of D-FW International.

The fight is just beginning and at the very least it will be interesting to watch it play out. At the most, we will someday be able to pop the cork on a bottle of Dom and celebrate the repeal of Wright and a return to The American Way.

This blog welcomes all comments from both sides of the issue. However we invite submissions from would-be guest bloggers who are opposed to Wright or even its ugly cousin Shelby. Those in favor will have to be satisfied to leave comments.

E-mail submissions to wrightiswrong@gmail.com.

From the Dallas Business Journal

2005-05-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Guest Columnist

Wright Amendment: a $200 million `yoke'

Jerry Bartos

Archival documents dating back to the days of the oxcart show that Dallas leaders were concerned about competitive rates and their impact on commerce.

This concern continued to the introduction of the railroad, the city's first major avenue for success. Not satisfied with only one rail line, immediate efforts were begun to have competing rail connections.

It is out of character that Dallas is not concerned with competitive air transportation when flight has become the dominant mode of travel and trade.

The root cause of noncompetitive air travel to and from Dallas is the out-of-date, leaden yoke known as the Wright Amendment. The amendment prohibits commercial planes with 56 seats or more leaving Dallas Love Field from traveling nonstop beyond the states bordering Texas. It forces passengers to disembark -- with their baggage -- during the mandated stops.

The amendment does not regulate noise, number of flights or safety. It only regulates consumer destination and choice. The Wright Amendment was enacted in 1979 strictly as a means of market control. Ironically, this was done during the deregulation of commercial aviation in this country.

Why? The Wright Amendment prevents level competition between airlines using Love Field and those using Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Airlines at D/FW are protected by the amendment's restrictions, which exist only in Dallas. This makes D/FW the most expensive airport of its size in America. As Business Travel News recently reported, "Airlines have long been known to take advantage of the dominant market position by hiking fares."

A 1996 Department of Transportation study of 60 hub cities listed those burdened with above-average air fares. The Metroplex's excessive fares stood alone when compared to those available in similar markets. Cities such as Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and St. Louis were conspicuously absent from the list.

Since deregulation, few large markets have experienced higher air fares than during regulation. Dallas-Fort Worth is one where fares have escalated.

Fares per passenger mile to and from D/FW were 22.7 cents before deregulation, 25 cents and rising in 1995. By comparison, Houston Hobby's fares per passenger mile were 22.3 cents in 1979, 16 cents in 1994; Kennedy International Airport's (New York), 15.6 cents in 1979, 12.7 cents in 1994; and Miami International Airport's fares per passenger mile fell from 18 cents to 15.9 cents over the same period.

Manipulation of D/FW fares through the Wright Amendment is easily illustrated.
A Dallas businessman recently traveled to Los Angeles, but had to make a sudden return trip. His return fare dropped from $296 to $75 when he decided to fly through Dallas to Austin, then back to Dallas. Why? In Austin, major airlines must compete with Southwest's fares to and from the West Coast. But try to rationalize saving $221 by flying the additional miles to Austin!

Another Dallas businessman experienced this situation. "I flew to Salt Lake City on American Airlines at a cost of $356.50," he reported. "Out of curiosity, I priced Southwest Airlines' cost for the same route." The Southwest fare, including stopping in Albuquerque, changing planes and buying another ticket (as required by the Wright Amendment), was $231, a 35% savings.

The Wright Amendment has spawned a new business in Arkansas. The cost to travel nonstop from D/FW to Memphis, a non-border state, is so out of line that a regular bus-van service has started between Little Rock and Memphis. Travelers fly from Love Field to Little Rock and catch a bus to Memphis, saving up to 75%.

Similar instances abound. Why does Dallas have to endure this unique, Congress-enacted burden? Feeble attempts to explain the unfair anomaly continue, but you will not find it elsewhere. It's a special "treat" for Metroplex travelers, served by a Congress insensitive to consumers and small business. Congress bows to big business' influence and political action committees.

Large Dallas businesses are able to negotiate directly with the airlines for annual contracts more in line with average national fares. But more than 80% of new and existing jobs are created by small business, and that makes the negative effect of this outdated, market-control law critical to the Metroplex's future.

The regulation is excused by some on the basis of a Dallas-Fort Worth inter-city agreement made 30 years ago, before deregulation, before short-haul, low-cost service, even before hub service. But today's realities cannot be ignored. The effects of maintaining the Wright Amendment are:

Personal air travel opportunities are restricted to fewer and less economically diverse groups.
A $200 million annual cost, in 1996 dollars, to the local traveling public, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation study.

That $200 million subsidizes lower fares in more competitive markets.

Exorbitant fares depress the tourism, convention and meeting businesses in the Metroplex.
Metroplex professionals cannot fly directly to meetings in Chicago, Phoenix, St. Louis and other low-cost centers because companies are unwilling to shoulder the unique cost of D/FW's nonstop fares.

Entrepreneurs and small-business people who travel regularly will locate in more competitive markets to avoid not only the expense, but also the time-consuming delays that are part and parcel of cheaper fares here.

The effect for the future is certain: As truck regulation burdened Texas businesses (exemplified by the closing of Proctor & Gamble's Dallas plant), so will the Wright Amendment deter travel and commerce.

Repealing the amendment, in addition to the $200 million savings in air fares, would result in a $250 million, 2,500-job boost to inner-city Dallas. Similar results occurred in the area surrounding Chicago's Midway Airport. The effect on D/FW airport would be minor, as stated by a former D/FW executive director: "With (D/FW Airport's) growth," he said, "we wouldn't even know (Love Field) was there."

When defenders of the Wright Amendment present complex justifications, sermons about the "economic engine" that is D/FW Airport and studies compiled by specially hired consultants, simply compare fares at D/FW airport to those at other major airports. Common sense will make the truth clear.

Bartos, a former Dallas city councilman, is owner of Bartos Inc.

From: "Beyond Stupidity" blog

2005-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Wright Amendment

Dallas: Thw world of aviation is filled with strange protectionist laws, but none is stranger or more questionable that the infamous "Wright Amendment" and it's cousin the "Shelby Amendment".

When Dallas and Ft. Worth set out to build a massive new airport, DFW, there was concern that airlines would be reluctant to give up flying from the far more convinient Dallas Love Field. American Airlines finally agreed to move operations to DFW in exchange for a federal law that prevented any airline from flying out of Love field to anywhere outside states bordering Texas... confused yet?

See, a fledgling airline known as Southwest had arrived on the scene and started service at Love field, much to the chagrin of the vastly more powerful AA. To this day, Southwest's home base at Dallas Love Field is prevented from offering flights to anywhere outside the hops you see on that map (although the Shelby amendment added AL and MS to the list). Even more bizarrely, you are not allowed to buy a ticket to Dallas Love Field from anywhere out side the map - so if you want to go to New York, you have to buy two separte tickets, one to, say, Little Rock, then recheck yourself onto a new flight from there to New York.

Of course, Southwest's had the last laugh, managing to overcome the burden and enjoy profitability at a time when AA is struggling. Nonetheless the cost of this law is pegged at $200 Million a year to the people of Dallas.

What is the Wright Amendment

2005-05-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

The "Wright Amendment" is an addendum to Public Law: 96-192, the short
title of which is the "International Air Transportation Competition Act of
1979". The bill was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on February
15th, 1980 (less than one month after his first inauguration).

The amendment itself is section 29 of the act and it limits service at Dallas Love Field to flights within Texas and states contiguous to it to use only airplanes that have a capacity of 56 passengers or fewer. A recent modification to this amendment is as follows:

Section 337 of H.R. 2169 (Department of Transport Related Agencies
Appropriations Act of 1998

SEC. 337.

(a) In General - For purposes of the exception set forth in section 29 (a)(2) of the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 (Public Law 96-192; 94 Stat. 48), the term "passenger capacity of 56 persons or less" includes any aircraft, except aircraft exceeding gross aircraft weight of 300,000 pounds, reconfigured to accommodate 56 or fewer passengers if the total number of passenger seats installed on the aircraft does not exceed 56.

(b) Inclusion of Certain States in Exemption - The first sentence of section 29(c) of the International Transportation Competition Act or 1979 (Public Law 96-192; 94 Stat. 48 et seq.) is amended by inserting "Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi," before "and Texas". (c) Safety Assurance - The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall monitor the safety of flight operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and take such actions as may be necessary to ensure safe aviation operations. If the Administrator must restrict aviation operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to ensure safety, the Administrator shall notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations as soon as possible that an unsafe airspace management situation existed requiring the restrictions.

So, in a nutshell what we have here is a federal law that prohibits any airline (mainly Soutwest) from operating flights with more than 56 passengers out of Love Field if the destination is outside of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and now Kansas, Mississippi and Alabama.

Have there been previous attempts to repeal it? Sure. Court Battles? Yep. In fact Wright has gone before the U.S. Supreme Court. I guess it is smart to make sure those bribes are paid and paid on time. Here are some highlights:

In the Supreme Court of the United States

QUESTIONS PRESENTED

1. Whether the City of Dallas is precluded by the preemption provision of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, 49 U.S.C. 41713(b), or by two subsequent Acts of Congress, the Wright and Shelby Amendments, from restricting routes and services operated by airlines from its Love Field airport.

2. Whether agreements between the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board and various airlines, which provide that the airlines will not use competing airports such as Love Field without the Board's permission, are preempted by federal law.

3. Whether the Department of Transportation was bound by a state court judgment, recently reversed on appeal, in a suit brought by the City of Fort Worth against the City of Dallas, to which the United States was not a party and in which the state court interpreted federal statutes governing Love Field service.

4. Whether the Department of Transportation correctly construed the Wright and Shelby Amendments as permitting "through service" from Love Field when the initial portion of the trip is to another location within Texas and is made on an aircraft with a capacity of no more than 56 passengers.

For many years, the twin cities of Dallas and Fort Worth each operated their own airports, which competed to be the area's principal airport. Love Field was the local airport for Dallas. The cities resolved the dispute by agreeing to build Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport). The cities' agreement, set forth in their 1968 Regional Airport Concurrent Bond Ordinance, required the cities to phase out virtually all interstate scheduled service at their local airports to the extent "legally permissible." After DFW Airport opened, Dallas continued to operate Love Field. The interstate airlines moved to DFW Airport, but Southwest Airlines, then a new airline that provided service only within Texas, refused to move. After extensive litigation, Southwest Airlines won a judgment entitling it to continue using Love Field for flights within Texas. Although Southwest Airlines initially operated only intrastate routes, after the enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act (1978), the Civil Aeronautics Board ruled, over the objection of Dallas and Fort Worth, that Southwest Airlines could operate a Love Field-New Orleans route. In response to that decision, Congress enacted the Wright Amendment, which was designed as a compromise between the two cities and Southwest Airlines. In 1997, Congress enacted the Shelby Amendment, which expands the interstate service authorized at Love Field. The Shelby Amendment clarifies subsection of the Wright Amendment as including large aircraft of up to 300,000 pounds gross aircraft weight if they are configured or reconfigured to have no more than 56 seats. The Shelby Amendment expands subsection to add three more States -Mississippi, Alabama, and Kansas-to those to which service from Love Field is permissible on an aircraft of any size. After the enactment of the Shelby Amendment, Fort Worth sued Dallas in Texas state court, contending that Dallas was constrained by the 1968 Bond Ordinance from allowing the expanded service at Love Field authorized by the Shelby Amendment. Fort Worth was supported by the DFW Airport Board and American Airlines(hello!), which has a major hub at DFW Airport. In December 1998, the state court issued a judgment holding that Dallas was obligated by the 1968 Bond Ordinance to prohibit airlines from using Love Field to serve points outside Texas and the four States identified in the Wright Amendment.

(Then a bunch of boring legalese)

CONCLUSION

The petitions for a writ of certiorari should be denied.

It is interesting that The Court brought up Houston. Seems like those filling their pockets out at IAH could make the same arguments about Hobby as those at DFW do about Love.

But they don't.