News from Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Give the local economy a lift in 2009

The Board of Trustees and staff at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority are working diligently to maintain air service for our region despite the impacts of a global recession.

In the past year, Reno-Tahoe International (RTIA) has lost 17 flights. But our airport is faring better than many across the country. For example, by the end of the year, 97 airports nationwide will have lost all commercial air service.

But that won't happen here. While the aviation industry is facing the most devastating crisis in its history-greater than the impacts of 9/11-approximately 4 million passengers will have travelled through RTIA by the end of 2008. And the airport is committed to maintaining air service and keeping people flying to and from America's Adventure Place.

In July, the Air Transport Research Society named RTIA the 5th Most Efficient Airport in North America. This award was based on RTIA's outstanding financial structure and its commitment to economic excellence. For example, 70 percent of the airport's revenues are derived from non-airline sources. And RTIA does not operate on local tax dollars.

But even this strong financial position has not been enough to shield the airport from the current downturn. The airport began planning for the economic turbulence before it began. Last spring, RTIA created a budget contingency plan to adjust to economic issues. Positions unrelated to safety and security were frozen. Non-essential budget programs were cut. Even lay-offs took place to right-size staff. Revenues were enhanced by renegotiating tenant leases and the recent agreement to bring corporate aviation leader Dassault Falcon to RTIA.

These pre-emptive moves helped the airport weather the loss of 17 percent of its seats. There are more flight cuts anticipated next year. More lay-offs, program cuts, salary freezes or salary reductions may occur.

While RTIA is striving to maintain air service, it cannot fight alone. The key to maintaining flights is for the community to help fill the 8,520 departure seats each day. It is truly a case of use it, or lose it. If the seats are unfilled here, airlines will pull flights and put them in cities where the seats will be used.

During these difficult times, the airport's role as a regional economic engine cannot be compromised. If our gaming, ski resorts, restaurants and stores are to recover, the airport must continue to bring travelers, and their dollars, to and from our region.

What helped our nation recover from 9/11 was a patriotic sense of duty that mandated that people fly again. What will help our community recover now is a determination to work together to bring business and revenues back to our region.

If you have a chance to fly, do it! And while you're at the airport, park your car, shop, eat or rent a vehicle. Your next airline ticket will be more than a way to travel; it will be an investment in our region. Remember, when you takeoff at RTIA, you're helping provide an economic lift for not only the airport, but your friends, neighbors and community as well.

Krys T. Bart, A.A.E.
President/CEO
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority