From Deseret News archives:
Big rewards for small airports
Billions in taxes from airline tickets diverted
Some of these "general aviation" facilities used the federal dollars more than $7 billion over the past decade for enhancements such as longer runways and passenger terminals aimed at luring traffic, an Associated Press review has found. And the money comes with little oversight and at the expense of an increasingly beleaguered air transportation system.
"They're making out like bandits," said Bob Poole, director of transportation studies at Southern California's Reason Foundation and author of several studies on air transportation costs. "It's not only that airline passengers are paying more than their fair share, but they're being overtaxed to give private jets a free ride."
Passengers pay as many as six separate taxes and fees on a single airline ticket, adding up to more than $104 billion since 1997, the AP found. Yet these assessments often are overlooked by the millions who click the "buy" button to purchase tickets online, even though they can exceed 25 percent of the total airfare.
"What are people getting for their money?" said Kenneth Button, a professor of transportation at George Mason University's School of Public Policy and an expert on air transit taxation. "Delays are increasing. How can consumers make a sensible assessment on how the money is being spent? You need an abacus to figure out all the costs."
Congress will decide later this year whether to curtail the huge public subsidy for small airports, while pilots' associations, airport managers and other interested groups are fighting to keep it.
Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association, which represents 8,000 operators of private jets and other aircraft, said all Americans benefit from the proliferation of small airports throughout the country. They aid emergency preparedness and critical services such as medical evacuations and mail delivery, he noted.
Without help from the federal government in the form of passenger taxes, many would be unable to survive, Bolen said.
"Not all aircraft are the same nor do they impose the same costs on the system," he said. "If we were grounded tomorrow, the system would cost the same."
Comments
- No. 5 Villanova beats Ole Miss 9:13 p.m.
- Al-Maliki targeting Iraq Sunnis 9:03 p.m.
- Indonesian ferry sinks, 29 die 9:03 p.m.
- Obama wasn't 1st to commit fauz pas 9:03 p.m.
- RSL, Galaxy headed to overtime 9:02 p.m.
- Jazz need to win during homestand 8:52 p.m.
- Suns race past Pistons, 117-91 8:47 p.m.
- Seussian creatures live in ocean 8:46 p.m.
- Wildcats make FCS playoffs 8:46 p.m.
- Catholic bishop shames Kennedy 8:45 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
201 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
183 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
127 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
Are you serious? MAYBE that might be remotely possible if BYU had beat FSU...
If the Cougs win by l-------That will be the greatest satifaction to me. I...
I think Max Hall will scramble 75.5 yards for the winning touchdown as time...
No wonder Bronco thinks his own fans are ignorant. There is absolutely no...
great job bro griffin ill talk to you on tuesday in your 6th period thats...
I am grateful to the deputies who put their own lives on the line trying to...
I'm impressed with Bishop Tobin's stand ! My stance on these issues is not...
BYU wins by one on a last minute safety.
Don't mess with these legislators anymore, replace them. Vote EVERY incumbent...
You're talking about the most-viewed sport in the world. You know that right?



You can be the first to comment on this story.