On the recordMarch 22, 2010
expanding air service to metropolitan airports is always a very contentious issue. I believe it is important that we give due consideration to local interests when considering the addition of slots, particularly at National Airport. Senators Warner and Webb have significant reservations about moving forward on any changes to existing policy at this time, and I have worked to address these concerns. I believe the agreement reached between Senators Dorgan, Warner, Hutchison, Kyl, Ensign, and DeMint is a reasonable way forward. It will allow us to balance the desire for additional slots against the opposition from local residents. Pursuing a more abrupt policy change such as eliminating the perimeter rule altogether has significant implications for competition, small community air service, congestion, and delay. Going forward, we need to make sure there are not unintended consequences from such changes and that service to small communities is preserved. Obviously, service to small communities is very important to me. I also wish to make clear that the Federal Government's role in this process is specific. Air carriers sometimes treat airport slots as though they are their own property. It is not. It is their privilege. The air transportation system is operated for the benefit of the public interest, not for the private interests. Too often, the air carriers abuse the rights they have been granted.
