Bedford Minuteman
Wednesday, March 10, 2004

More flights sought
Massport eyes carriers to link Trenton

By Barbara Forster / Correspondent

Boston-Maine Airways isn't the only airline interested in flying from
Hanscom Field to Trenton, New Jersey.

"We've had discussions with other airlines" was the message from Massport's
Richard Walsh on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission.
"It's very preliminary but we have received calls."

Walsh acknowledged that the agency has "sought out other carriers to
airlines to replace Bedford-Trenton service" in order to meet customer
demand. Service to Trenton is not available at Logan.

Shuttle America is leaving Hanscom on April 30. Boston-Maine, a Pan-Am
affiliate, intends to begin service before then with flights on 19-seat
turbo-prop planes. Service to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket will be
available late spring or early summer.

"I can't imagine any real financial incentives (for Boston-Maine)," said
Lincoln Selectman Sara Mattes. "I can't imagine what prompts their
interest."

HFAC Chairman Peter Enrich of Lexington suggested that Massport subsidies
could be one reason. "We have offered no airline financial incentives," said
Walsh.

The Massport rep also stated that the agency is in the midst of business
discussions with Boston-Maine.

Enrich noted that previously Massport had maintained they were not out
looking for airlines to come to Hanscom.

Whether airlines make a profit at Hanscom is uncertain, but commercial
service at the field is a money-maker for Massport. For 10,000 annual
commercial passenger boardings, Massport receives $1 million in grant money
from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program.
Those funds are used for various projects such as ramp improvements. The
first 10,000 mark occurred in 1999.

"From a business point of view, if I had the opportunity of bringing in
revenue, I would be inclined to offer discounts to airlines that fly (out of
Hanscom)," said Bedford Selectman Sheldon Moll.

"I'm not shocked or perturbed by Massport's efforts," added Williams. "I'm
concerned about the economic vitality of the airport and the sources of
revenue needed to insure that the facilities will be maintained."

Airport fees paid by pilots are another revenue source.

Copyright by TownOnline.com and Herald Interactive Advertising Systems
==========
**NOTICE: In accordance with 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is
distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in
receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.**
==========