The second Qatar C-17 departed on a test flight at 3:32pm. The plane returned about 4:25pm.
NetJets Gulfstream G-V N502QS arrived at 3:44pm from Camarillo (KCMA) and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.
UPS brought in a 757-200 today which arrived as UPS2916 from Louisville Intl (KSDF).
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday 8-29-09
Four F/A-18 Hornets belonging to VMA-232, the Red Devils arrived at 12:05pm and parked at Signature. Two planes departed at at 12:45pm and the second two departed at 1:15pm.
Allegiant Air MD-83 N866GA arrived as AAY4291 at 7:57pm from Helena Rgnl (KHLN). The plane ferried to McCarran Intl (KLAS) as AAY4929 at 8:35pm.
Allegiant Air MD-83 N866GA arrived as AAY4291 at 7:57pm from Helena Rgnl (KHLN). The plane ferried to McCarran Intl (KLAS) as AAY4929 at 8:35pm.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
JetBlue to Add More Flights From LB to Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 27, 2009 -- JetBlue Airways will ramp up its popular service at San Francisco International Airport this winter, adding five new daily nonstop flights to its schedule in response to strong demand for its premium low-fare product.
Beginning in January, award-winning JetBlue will add two daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to its West Coast focus city at L.A.'s Long Beach Airport (for a total of five daily flights); a second daily nonstop flight to its focus city at Boston's Logan International Airport; and a second daily nonstop flight to the airline's acclaimed home at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal Five. As previously announced, JetBlue will also begin San Francisco's first nonstop service to its Fort Lauderdale, Fla. focus city beginning Nov. 17, 2009.
"JetBlue is proud to be expanding in San Francisco to give our loyal customers more flight options to their favorite destinations," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue's chief commercial officer. "What could be better for travelers than more JetBlue flights with more legroom in coach (a), unlimited free snacks and drinks, and more free live entertainment choices (b) than the other guys, not to mention some of the industry's most celebrated customer service?"
New flight for Oakland
Across the bay, JetBlue also plans to add an additional nonstop flight from Long Beach to Oakland in January (for a total of 4 daily flights).
Loss of LGB-SJC
JetBlue will end the unprofitable San Jose - Long Beach route in January. This service has underperformed since it launched and is losing money. The company will continue to offer nonstop service from San Jose to JFK -- the only nonstop flight between Silicon Valley and New York.
Beginning in January, award-winning JetBlue will add two daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to its West Coast focus city at L.A.'s Long Beach Airport (for a total of five daily flights); a second daily nonstop flight to its focus city at Boston's Logan International Airport; and a second daily nonstop flight to the airline's acclaimed home at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal Five. As previously announced, JetBlue will also begin San Francisco's first nonstop service to its Fort Lauderdale, Fla. focus city beginning Nov. 17, 2009.
"JetBlue is proud to be expanding in San Francisco to give our loyal customers more flight options to their favorite destinations," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue's chief commercial officer. "What could be better for travelers than more JetBlue flights with more legroom in coach (a), unlimited free snacks and drinks, and more free live entertainment choices (b) than the other guys, not to mention some of the industry's most celebrated customer service?"
New flight for Oakland
Across the bay, JetBlue also plans to add an additional nonstop flight from Long Beach to Oakland in January (for a total of 4 daily flights).
Loss of LGB-SJC
JetBlue will end the unprofitable San Jose - Long Beach route in January. This service has underperformed since it launched and is losing money. The company will continue to offer nonstop service from San Jose to JFK -- the only nonstop flight between Silicon Valley and New York.
(MarketWatch)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday 8-25-09
NetJets Gulfstream G-IV N460QS (c/n 1360) arrived at 2:49pm from Santa Monica Muni (KSMO) and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.
NetJets Gulfstream G450 N450QS (c/n 4046) arrived at 7:27pm from Van Nuys (KVNY) and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.
Video of a UPS 767-300ER taking off on rwy 30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4h26mXWQfw
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: VH-CCC
NetJets Gulfstream G450 N450QS (c/n 4046) arrived at 7:27pm from Van Nuys (KVNY) and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.
Video of a UPS 767-300ER taking off on rwy 30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4h26mXWQfw
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: VH-CCC
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
C-17 staff to rally for plane Thursday
LONG BEACH - The way George Burden sees it, the effort to save the Boeing C-17 is not just about those fighting to stay employed.
"We're concerned about our state, Long Beach and the impact it would have on us," said Burden, political director of the United Auto Workers Local 148, which represents C-17 line workers.
"With me, it's not about jobs, jobs, jobs. Everybody's looking for a job these days. It's about why would we cede the airplane we build to a foreign country?"
The UAW plans to stage a rally in support of the threatened cargo plane program at 2:45 p.m. Thursday in front of the Boeing Fitness Center, 2019 E. Wardlow Road. The event, which will take place during a shift change to maximize attendance, is expected to draw 700 to 1,000 people.
Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, members of the City Council, the Teamsters Union and business people that depend on Boeing employees are expected to attend.
Though the event is being organized by the Lakewood-based union local, Boeing management also plans to participate. Jean Chamberlin, Boeing's vice president and manager of global mobility programs, the head of the C-17 program, accepted an invitation to address the workers.
"She's very appreciative of the effort by the union and the employees," said Boeing Co. spokesman Jerry Drelling.
The goal is to call attention to the federal budgetary threats to the C-17 and the effect it could have on Long Beach, Lakewood and surrounding areas, as well as communities nationwide dependent on the program.
Boeing employs about 5,800 workers in the Long Beach-based C-17 program. About 1,700 workers are represented by the UAW.
"We're really in kind of a predicament with sales," Burden said.
Boeing has said it needs 15 U.S. Air Force orders next year to keep the program going.
The House of Representatives included only three orders for the airlifter in its 2010 budget.
"The Senate reconvenes next month, so we're hoping they will add 15 C-17s to the budget when all is said and done," Drelling said.
Foreign orders alone cannot keep the program running because costs rise when fewer C-17s are built, he added.
"We're concerned about our state, Long Beach and the impact it would have on us," said Burden, political director of the United Auto Workers Local 148, which represents C-17 line workers.
"With me, it's not about jobs, jobs, jobs. Everybody's looking for a job these days. It's about why would we cede the airplane we build to a foreign country?"
The UAW plans to stage a rally in support of the threatened cargo plane program at 2:45 p.m. Thursday in front of the Boeing Fitness Center, 2019 E. Wardlow Road. The event, which will take place during a shift change to maximize attendance, is expected to draw 700 to 1,000 people.
Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, members of the City Council, the Teamsters Union and business people that depend on Boeing employees are expected to attend.
Though the event is being organized by the Lakewood-based union local, Boeing management also plans to participate. Jean Chamberlin, Boeing's vice president and manager of global mobility programs, the head of the C-17 program, accepted an invitation to address the workers.
"She's very appreciative of the effort by the union and the employees," said Boeing Co. spokesman Jerry Drelling.
The goal is to call attention to the federal budgetary threats to the C-17 and the effect it could have on Long Beach, Lakewood and surrounding areas, as well as communities nationwide dependent on the program.
Boeing employs about 5,800 workers in the Long Beach-based C-17 program. About 1,700 workers are represented by the UAW.
"We're really in kind of a predicament with sales," Burden said.
Boeing has said it needs 15 U.S. Air Force orders next year to keep the program going.
The House of Representatives included only three orders for the airlifter in its 2010 budget.
"The Senate reconvenes next month, so we're hoping they will add 15 C-17s to the budget when all is said and done," Drelling said.
Foreign orders alone cannot keep the program running because costs rise when fewer C-17s are built, he added.
(Press Telegram)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
August 18th Long Beach Aviation History
Aug. 18, 1958 – The first United Airlines jetliner was a Douglas DC-8-21, N8004U (c/n 45281/8) and was christened “City of Long Beach”. The plane was delivered 5/29/59.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday 8-17-09
DIHE Inc Cessna Citation N191VE (560-0150) arrived at 3:14pm from Henderson Executive (KHND) and had its nose gear collapse upon landing and stopped just short of taxiway Kilo on rwy 30. All traffic for rwy 30 was reallocated to rwy 25R.
Here is a link to a video taken this afternoon of JetBlue flight 283 landing on rwy 25R: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jI5I3JmWbQ
It has been reported that Gulfstream G550 B-KCK (c/n 5228) delivered from LGB via Luton, England. The plane departed at 5:57pm local. Any confirmation is welcome.
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: N748GA (green, c/n 5248), B-KCK (c/n 5228)
Here is a link to a video taken this afternoon of JetBlue flight 283 landing on rwy 25R: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jI5I3JmWbQ
It has been reported that Gulfstream G550 B-KCK (c/n 5228) delivered from LGB via Luton, England. The plane departed at 5:57pm local. Any confirmation is welcome.
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: N748GA (green, c/n 5248), B-KCK (c/n 5228)
August 16th Long Beach Aviation History
Aug. 16, 1930 – 1st Women’s Air Derby begins. Starting point is the Long Beach airport.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Long Beach Airport to get $4.3 million for improvements
LONG BEACH - Long Beach Airport will receive $4.3 million in federal grant money to upgrade the area where planes idle during the boarding process, officials said Thursday.
The office of U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, announced the federal grant to improve the air carrier ramp.
Christine Edwards, the airport's operations bureau manager, said the new funding is essential to move forward with the improvements.
"It's basically what is getting us going with the project," she said.
In a statement, Richardson said, "This funding is a welcome relief for Long Beach and the businesses that support the local travel industry as well."
The money will be used to fully replace the asphalt areas of the air carrier ramp with concrete, which is more durable and longer-lasting, Edwards said.
Besides its shorter life, asphalt is inferior because depressions can develop over time as planes sit on the surface, Edwards said.
"We are constantly patching an asphalt ramp," Edwards said. "And a normal life of asphalt pavement is somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
"We have concrete pavement on the airport in some areas that dates back to the late 1930s and is still in use," she added.
Edwards said that the work will be done in phases, with a target completion date of 2013. The project will create about 120 jobs, she added.
"These are jobs that are not going to go away real quickly," she said. "Somebody is going to be hired and have work likely for several years."
The funding also will be used to electrify the air carrier ramp, allowing idling aircraft to operate on auxiliary power rather than engine fuel as they wait for passengers to board and deplane, she added.
The new system also will pump air into the planes so that they won't have to run their air-conditioning on the ground, she said.
It's cheaper for air carriers to use electricity, rather than fuel, to power airplanes on the ramp, she said.
The new system also would be better for the environment, as it would reduce fuel emissions, Edwards added.
"Because of the concerns about the environment and global warming, more and more airports are transitioning to this," she said. "As far as smaller airports go, we are probably one of the earlier ones to go to in-ground air and in-ground power."
The office of U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, announced the federal grant to improve the air carrier ramp.
Christine Edwards, the airport's operations bureau manager, said the new funding is essential to move forward with the improvements.
"It's basically what is getting us going with the project," she said.
In a statement, Richardson said, "This funding is a welcome relief for Long Beach and the businesses that support the local travel industry as well."
The money will be used to fully replace the asphalt areas of the air carrier ramp with concrete, which is more durable and longer-lasting, Edwards said.
Besides its shorter life, asphalt is inferior because depressions can develop over time as planes sit on the surface, Edwards said.
"We are constantly patching an asphalt ramp," Edwards said. "And a normal life of asphalt pavement is somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
"We have concrete pavement on the airport in some areas that dates back to the late 1930s and is still in use," she added.
Edwards said that the work will be done in phases, with a target completion date of 2013. The project will create about 120 jobs, she added.
"These are jobs that are not going to go away real quickly," she said. "Somebody is going to be hired and have work likely for several years."
The funding also will be used to electrify the air carrier ramp, allowing idling aircraft to operate on auxiliary power rather than engine fuel as they wait for passengers to board and deplane, she added.
The new system also will pump air into the planes so that they won't have to run their air-conditioning on the ground, she said.
It's cheaper for air carriers to use electricity, rather than fuel, to power airplanes on the ramp, she said.
The new system also would be better for the environment, as it would reduce fuel emissions, Edwards added.
"Because of the concerns about the environment and global warming, more and more airports are transitioning to this," she said. "As far as smaller airports go, we are probably one of the earlier ones to go to in-ground air and in-ground power."
(Press Telegram)
JetBlue Offers Unlimited Flights for $599
-- Today through Aug. 21*, customers can purchase a flight pass to visit as many destinations as often as they like between Sept. 8 and Oct. 8, 2009(a) --
-- Jetters will have access to every available seat, on every flight and can book travel or make changes up to three days before departure --
NEW YORK, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- What would you do with an All-You-Can-Jet pass on JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU)? Today through August 21*, customers can purchase an unlimited travel pass for only $599(a), which will allow them to visit any of the airline's 56 international and domestic destinations as often as they like between September 8 and October 8, 2009. Pass holders will have access to every available seat on every flight with no blackout dates, and can book travel up to three days prior to departure through October 5(a). Thirty-five TrueBlue points from the airline's customer loyalty program will also be awarded with the purchase of an All-You-Can-Jet pass.
"The All-You-Can-Jet pass gives jetsetters access to a bigwig lifestyle, with 56 destinations and more than 150 jets available at a moment's notice," said Robin Hayes, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for JetBlue Airways. "Get extra face time with an important client; become a groupie for your favorite band; grab a ticket to the away games; extend summer with some extra rays in the Caribbean; take a spontaneous trip to see the extended family; or grab some genuine jambalaya or clam chowder. You can do it all as often as you like in a month without emptying your pockets. It's our answer to the ultimate road trip."
Customers who purchase a pass can book new travel or make changes or cancellations to previous pass reservations without penalty up to three days before departure. All travel using the All-You-Can-Jet pass must be booked between Aug. 12 and Oct. 5(a). Changes or cancellations made less than three days before departure will be subject to JetBlue's $100 change/cancel fee. All pass purchases can be made by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).
Customers must be TrueBlue members to take advantage of the pass. For more information about TrueBlue, or to register to become a member, visit www.jetblue.com/trueblue.
All-You-Can-Jet pass holders can book flights by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and providing reservations crewmembers with their pass holder number, which they will receive after purchasing the pass. The pass is inclusive of taxes and fees for all domestic flights.
Additional taxes and fees for Puerto Rico and international flights are not included. Customers can upgrade to Even More Legroom seats on each flight for an additional $10, $25 or $40, depending on the flight length. Other terms and conditions apply(a). Additional information is available at http://www.jetblue.com/deals/all-you-can-jet/tc.pdf.
-- Jetters will have access to every available seat, on every flight and can book travel or make changes up to three days before departure --
NEW YORK, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- What would you do with an All-You-Can-Jet pass on JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU)? Today through August 21*, customers can purchase an unlimited travel pass for only $599(a), which will allow them to visit any of the airline's 56 international and domestic destinations as often as they like between September 8 and October 8, 2009. Pass holders will have access to every available seat on every flight with no blackout dates, and can book travel up to three days prior to departure through October 5(a). Thirty-five TrueBlue points from the airline's customer loyalty program will also be awarded with the purchase of an All-You-Can-Jet pass.
"The All-You-Can-Jet pass gives jetsetters access to a bigwig lifestyle, with 56 destinations and more than 150 jets available at a moment's notice," said Robin Hayes, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for JetBlue Airways. "Get extra face time with an important client; become a groupie for your favorite band; grab a ticket to the away games; extend summer with some extra rays in the Caribbean; take a spontaneous trip to see the extended family; or grab some genuine jambalaya or clam chowder. You can do it all as often as you like in a month without emptying your pockets. It's our answer to the ultimate road trip."
Customers who purchase a pass can book new travel or make changes or cancellations to previous pass reservations without penalty up to three days before departure. All travel using the All-You-Can-Jet pass must be booked between Aug. 12 and Oct. 5(a). Changes or cancellations made less than three days before departure will be subject to JetBlue's $100 change/cancel fee. All pass purchases can be made by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).
Customers must be TrueBlue members to take advantage of the pass. For more information about TrueBlue, or to register to become a member, visit www.jetblue.com/trueblue.
All-You-Can-Jet pass holders can book flights by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and providing reservations crewmembers with their pass holder number, which they will receive after purchasing the pass. The pass is inclusive of taxes and fees for all domestic flights.
Additional taxes and fees for Puerto Rico and international flights are not included. Customers can upgrade to Even More Legroom seats on each flight for an additional $10, $25 or $40, depending on the flight length. Other terms and conditions apply(a). Additional information is available at http://www.jetblue.com/deals/all-you-can-jet/tc.pdf.
August 14th Long Beach Aviaition History
Aug. 14, 1940 – Douglas announces plans for new plant in Long Beach, which will employ 20,000.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 12th Long Beach Aviation History
Aug. 12, 1930 – Frank Hawks of Long Beach sets west-east flight mark, crosses US in 12 hrs. and 25 min.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday 8-9-09
3 F/A-18 Hornets were parked at Signature and departed at 10:54am. They arrived back at 11:45am and then departed again at 12:35pm. 2 of them returned at 1:45pm and departed for the final time at 3:12pm.
Gulfstream G550 N928GC (c/n 5239) was towed from the Gulfstream paint shop to the Gulfstream ramp at 3:26pm.
Southwest Sportsjet LLC Boeing 757-236 N757SS departed at 5:14pm to Cleveland-Hopkins Intl (KCLE) with the Texas Rangers Baseball team.
Continental Airlines Boeing 737-824 N39297 arrived from Boeing Field Intl (KBFI) as COA1911 at 8:02pm and parked at Signature. The plane brought in the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball team. The plane then had a maintenance issue and ferried to Denver Intl (KDEN) as COA1931 at 9:43pm.
Gulfstream G550 N928GC (c/n 5239) was towed from the Gulfstream paint shop to the Gulfstream ramp at 3:26pm.
Southwest Sportsjet LLC Boeing 757-236 N757SS departed at 5:14pm to Cleveland-Hopkins Intl (KCLE) with the Texas Rangers Baseball team.
Continental Airlines Boeing 737-824 N39297 arrived from Boeing Field Intl (KBFI) as COA1911 at 8:02pm and parked at Signature. The plane brought in the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball team. The plane then had a maintenance issue and ferried to Denver Intl (KDEN) as COA1931 at 9:43pm.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday 8-6-09
The first Boeing C-17 (F-208) destined for the Qatar Emiri Air Force was towed from the C-17 yard to the north blast walls. The plane currently carries the registration of N9500H.
Southwest Sportsjet LLC 757-236 N757SS arrived from Metropolitan Oakland Intl (KOAK) at 6:08pm and parked at Signature. The plane brought in the the Texas Rangers Baseball team.
Southwest Sportsjet LLC 757-236 N757SS arrived from Metropolitan Oakland Intl (KOAK) at 6:08pm and parked at Signature. The plane brought in the the Texas Rangers Baseball team.
Photos from last couple of weeks
The above photos were taken over the last couple of weeks. I have just not had time to transfer them from my phone.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
LGB Special Event: Plane Pull
The 2009 Plane Pull is right around the corner!
On August 8, 2009, men and women will test their strength and endurance against machine, as teams of 25 play tug-of-war with a FedEx Airbus 310 aircraft.
There is still time left for teams and individuals to sign up and display their strength while attempting to muscle a plane 25 feet. Every participant receives a commemorative Plane Pull t-shirt. The winners will receive valuable prizes and a year's worth of official bragging rights!
You can register here: http://www.socalplanepull.com/
Date: August 8, 2009
Registration: 8:45 a.m.
Pull begins: 10 a.m.
Location: Long Beach Airport
2019 E Wardlow Rd. (across from Boeing) Long Beach, CA 90807
Fundraising Requirements:
Team: $1000
Individual: $50
Teams Participating in the 2009 Plane Pull:
- Tesoro
- Team Beaumont (Beaumont PD)
- Women with Pull
- Wescom WeCare Foundation
- Long Beach Airport
- FedEx LAX
- FedEx (Ontario)
- University of Redlands
- SOSC Long Beach Team 1
- SOSC Long Beach Team 2
- US Bank
- CHP
- UPS
- LAUSD
- TEAM SOSC
- Wild Hearts
On August 8, 2009, men and women will test their strength and endurance against machine, as teams of 25 play tug-of-war with a FedEx Airbus 310 aircraft.
There is still time left for teams and individuals to sign up and display their strength while attempting to muscle a plane 25 feet. Every participant receives a commemorative Plane Pull t-shirt. The winners will receive valuable prizes and a year's worth of official bragging rights!
You can register here: http://www.socalplanepull.com/
Date: August 8, 2009
Registration: 8:45 a.m.
Pull begins: 10 a.m.
Location: Long Beach Airport
2019 E Wardlow Rd. (across from Boeing) Long Beach, CA 90807
Fundraising Requirements:
Team: $1000
Individual: $50
Teams Participating in the 2009 Plane Pull:
- Tesoro
- Team Beaumont (Beaumont PD)
- Women with Pull
- Wescom WeCare Foundation
- Long Beach Airport
- FedEx LAX
- FedEx (Ontario)
- University of Redlands
- SOSC Long Beach Team 1
- SOSC Long Beach Team 2
- US Bank
- CHP
- UPS
- LAUSD
- TEAM SOSC
- Wild Hearts
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday 8-4-09
Abraxis Bioscience Inc Gulfstream G550 N378L (c/n 5008) arrived at 2:15pm and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: N673P
Tail numbers noted on the Gulfstream ramp: N673P
Long Beach Airport has nation's lowest fares
LONG BEACH - Flying doesn't get any cheaper than Long Beach Airport.
The city-owned airport offered the lowest fares of the top 100 airports in the nation, according to a federal transportation study that examined changes from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.
Long Beach's average fare landed at $207 compared with $315 nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Data were calculated using both one-way and round-trip fares charged by airlines, as well as fees and taxes charged by airports. Frequent flier and other promotions were not included.
Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez said Long Beach's fares are lower in part because the cost of doing business here for airlines is the second lowest in the state.
Rodriguez said it runs airlines about $5.30 cents a passenger to fly out of Long Beach - about half of the cost at Los Angeles International Airport.
Competition from LAX, John Wayne, Burbank and other airports helps bring down prices.
"We are in an incredibly competitive market," Rodriguez said. "It's a very strong aviation market. It has wonderful demand. Long beach offers a very competitive product with JetBlue, Alaska, Delta and US Air."
The recession has had an impact. Ticket prices dropped 9.1 percent nationwide from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.
California's suburban airports offered some of the lowest prices in the country. Oakland ($227) and Burbank ($231) ranked right behind LGB. Rounding out the top 5 were Dallas Love ($231) and Las Vegas ($235).
The most expensive airports were in smaller markets: Huntsville, Ala. ($505), Cincinnati ($446), Grand Rapids, Mich. ($418), Savannah, Ga. ($405), and Des Moines, Iowa ($403).
Higher prices are generally based on a lack of competition in smaller markets, Rodriguez said.
Long Beach fares experienced a 16 percent drop - from $247 to $207 - the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009. Prices at LGB were also among the slowest to increase since the mid-1990s.
"If we can provide higher quality service at a lower cost we've done our job," Rodriguez said.
The city-owned airport offered the lowest fares of the top 100 airports in the nation, according to a federal transportation study that examined changes from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.
Long Beach's average fare landed at $207 compared with $315 nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Data were calculated using both one-way and round-trip fares charged by airlines, as well as fees and taxes charged by airports. Frequent flier and other promotions were not included.
Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez said Long Beach's fares are lower in part because the cost of doing business here for airlines is the second lowest in the state.
Rodriguez said it runs airlines about $5.30 cents a passenger to fly out of Long Beach - about half of the cost at Los Angeles International Airport.
Competition from LAX, John Wayne, Burbank and other airports helps bring down prices.
"We are in an incredibly competitive market," Rodriguez said. "It's a very strong aviation market. It has wonderful demand. Long beach offers a very competitive product with JetBlue, Alaska, Delta and US Air."
The recession has had an impact. Ticket prices dropped 9.1 percent nationwide from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.
California's suburban airports offered some of the lowest prices in the country. Oakland ($227) and Burbank ($231) ranked right behind LGB. Rounding out the top 5 were Dallas Love ($231) and Las Vegas ($235).
The most expensive airports were in smaller markets: Huntsville, Ala. ($505), Cincinnati ($446), Grand Rapids, Mich. ($418), Savannah, Ga. ($405), and Des Moines, Iowa ($403).
Higher prices are generally based on a lack of competition in smaller markets, Rodriguez said.
Long Beach fares experienced a 16 percent drop - from $247 to $207 - the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009. Prices at LGB were also among the slowest to increase since the mid-1990s.
"If we can provide higher quality service at a lower cost we've done our job," Rodriguez said.
(Press Telegram)
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