HFAC Questions to and Responses From Mark Cestari, Shuttle America

 Feb 10, 2002

1. When you consider possible/probable increases or decreases in your operations, or even schedule changes, how is that information relayed to Massport? And to whom?

We are constantly making route planning and schedule change revisions based on traffic, competitive moves, seasonality and other factors. We do not consult with MASPORT, or anyone else on these matters. As a courtesy to MASSPORT, we try to advise them of any substantive changes to our operation which might affect the other tenants, require staffing or security adjustments. I meet with the Airport Director and Airport Operations Manager at least once a week to exchange this information. They give us feedback as well.

2. Are you willing to yield some operational slots to B&M if Massport limits the operations to 48 prior to an environmental review?

The system, as we understand it does not work that way, this is not a "slotted" airport, per se. We are selling seats for 23 departures per day from BED/Hanscom Field to TTN ( Trenton ), PHL ( Philadelphia International), LGA (NYLaGuardia) and HPN ( White Plains ,) effective March 4, 2002 .

3. According to the Boston Globe, both you ( 12/10/01 ) and Scott Durgin ( 12/1/01 ) have said that Shuttle America expects to have 16 or 17 leased planes by the spring of this year.  You don't need that many aircraft to conduct 48 operations a day.  If Shuttle America doesn't plan to add new destinations from Hanscom until Massport says it's okay, what does it intend to do with these planes?  Or have you changed your aircraft acquisition plan?

Shuttle America currently plans to have 18 turboprop aircraft in our fleet by June 1. We will deploy these aircraft into service in various markets from BED/Hanscom and elsewhere. These planning decisions are proprietary in nature and are driven by our Planning Department in concert with USAirways Express.

4. Following is a quote from an article in the Boston Globe on 1/20/02: "Shuttle America spokesman Mark Cestari, who did not attend the Jan. 15 advisory commission meeting, said later that the airline 'does not
contemplate' adding further to its Hanscom schedule -- at least through July."  What happens in July, if Massport has not completed its environmental review [ESPR]?

Currently, our planning horizon only extends through July, 2002.

5. The same article states that Boston-Maine plans to offer three departures a day from Hanscom to Westchester .  My understanding is that Boston-Maine will not have its own facilities at Hanscom, that it will be using Shuttle America 's ticket counter, baggage carts, etc.  Why is Shuttle America allowing another airline to use Shuttle America 's facilities to compete with Shuttle America for passengers to the same destination?

It is very common, at smaller airports with limited terminal space, for carriers to work collaboratively in this manner. In fact, MASSPORT has an obligation, as the airport operator, to try to accommodate new services, to promote competition and equal acesss. As stated earlier, we have provided B & M with a proposal for providing handling services. As of this date, that is agreement has not been executed.

6. Assuming Massport authorizes additional operations, what new destinations from Hanscom does Shuttle America have in mind?

We are constantly receiving suggestions and requests from passengers, many of whom live in the HATS towns, for service to new destinations. We review and evaluate them as part of our ongoing planning process.

7. Will Shuttle America agree to tell HFAC whenever it starts selling tickets between Hanscom and a new destination, so the community doesn't have to find out about it from the newspapers?

Shuttle America made a formal offer and requested  to serve on HFAC as a means of fostering constructive, ongoing communication between the airline and our neighbor towns. That request was not only rebuffed, but met with outrage and resistance by many of the representatives of "the community." That not withstanding, we have corporately (and I have personally) made it our policy to be available, open and direct in our communication about our operation and our plans at Hanscom---and that will not change. We will not, however, allow our Airline, or any of our employees, to be harrassed or made sport of, as has been the acceptable local pattern of behavior at previous unruly gatherings.

8. Does Shuttle America / US Airways management instruct its pilots to be considerate of people on the ground by avoiding populated areas, where possible, on landing approach and after takeoff?  For example, Routes 3 and 128 form natural nonresidential corridors that permit avoidance of residential areas closer to the runways.  While adding slightly to fuel consumption, the reduction in noise would be welcomed and improve the image of Shuttle America/US Airways.

Shuttle America does not determine approach or departure paths to/from Hanscom Field. We follow all rules and regulations for BED Hanscom as established by the FAA and local ordinances. To do otherwise would be, frankly, unsafe and irresponsible.

9.  We understand your desire to increase the number of operations as the market develops [or has developed] towards the magic number of 48. We also note that B&M has attained some level of approval for at least a few operations. What are the considerations you face for sharing or renting space with them, if necessary?

(I'm not sure I understand this question.) We have provided a proposed "handling agreement" to B&M based on their proposed schedule of flights, effective March 4. It is very common, at airports small and large, for a carrier with a major operation (many flights) to handle passengers for another (limited service) carrier. As of today we have not finalized our handling agreement with B&M, but if/when we do, we will as outlined in the terms set force in our operating agreement with MASSPORT.
I hope the Committe finds this information helpful and I am sorry that I am unable to attend the February meeting personally due to family obligations/vacation. I also would be happy to respond to any follow upquestions which might be generated at the meeting and will plan on attending the March 19 meeting.

Sincerely,

Mark Cestari, Vice President & Officer
Shuttle America / US Airways Express   781.274.0428