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OST-99-6654

Des Moines International Airport

In short, with the ceasing of operations by Des Moines-based Access Air in late-November 1999, Des Moines has lost its only single plane, direct access to La Guardia. Among other things, this loss is a tremendous blow to the business community of Des Moines and Iowa. In light of this extraordinary circumstance, Des Moines seeks to fill this critical void as rapidly as possible and is pleased to inform the Department that it has joined with Midwest Express to fill this void. If the Department approves Des Moines' request, the community understands that Midwest Express can implement the entire service pattern by June 2000 and potentially start the single plane service via Indianapolis as early as March 2000.

By approving Des Moines' request, the Department will provide a strong boost to both the local and state economy and inject much-needed airline competition. Indeed, the Department would help redress one of the most glaring and well-documented shortcomings of the otherwise beneficial Airline Deregulation Act--the uneven distribution of benefits in certain geographic regions of the county. Just as importantly, Midwest Express currently does not serve Des Moines, although its commuter affiliate Skyway provides turboprop service to Milwaukee. As a result, favorable Department action on Des Moines' petition will bring a new jet air carrier to Des Moines.

Counsel:  Des Moines International Airport, John Fitzgibbon, 515.256.5100

Des Moines International Airport and Midwest Express Airlines, Inc.

Accordingly, and with the concurrence and support of Des Moines, Midwest Express by this Joint Supplemental Application request; that the award of six LaGuardia slots be made to Midwest Express under section 41714(c). Under this section of the transportation code, the Secretary is authorized to grant exemptions from the FAA's High Density Airport Rule (Subparts K and S of Part 93 of the FAR' s) to new entrant and limited incumbent carriers upon a showing of exceptional circumstances. Such circumstances are carefully described in the Des Moines application, and Midwest Express will not repeat those arguments in this supplemental filing. It is sufficient to note that the community of Des Moines recently, lost its direct, single plane access to New York when Access Air ceased all operations last month. This has created a service void that Midwest Express is prepared to fill upon the grant of this application. Assuming timely consideration of this application, Midwest Express may be able to commence twice daily single plane service to New York via Indianapolis as early as March, 2000. Nonstop Des Moines-New York service would commence as early as June, 2000. The service would be provided with Midwest Express's Stage 3 aircraft, with its renowned two-plus-two seating configuration, superior meal service and competitive low fares. Midwest Express has earned the reputation as the best domestic air carrier for five years running and it is honored that Des Moines has joined with it to ensure that the growing Des Moines-New York market is not downgraded to a connecting market

Counsel:  Silverberg Goldman, Robert Silverberg, 202.944.3300

Des Moines International Airport

Counsel: Office of the Queens Borough President, Hugh B. Weinburg

Counsel: Office of the Queens Borough President, Hugh B. Weinburg

Des Moines International Airport and Midwest Express Airlines, Inc.

Counsel: Silverberg Goldman, Robert Silverberg, 202.944.3300 and Des Moines Airport Board, John Fitzgibbon

Establishment of Slot Exemptions Proceedings 

By:  Bradley Mims

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