What’s next for Gallup air service?

By Kevin Killough
Staff writer

GALLUP — The city has decided to pass on seeking compliance with FAA requirements that would have allowed for medium-sized airlines like Great Lakes Air to provide service out of Gallup Municipal Airport. The city is now looking into the possibility of bringing in a smaller air carrier, which would most likely only provide service to Albuquerque.

According to the FAA, for an airport to have scheduled service on aircraft with more than nine seats but less than 31, it needs to be in compliance with Part 139 regulations. There are a wide range in requirements to the moving area, terminal facilities, and fire services.

“There are a bunch of stipulations,” City Manager Gerald Herrera said.

Several items were needed to bring the Gallup airport into compliance with Part 139, according to the last FAA inspection. After budget considerations, the city has decided to surrender its Part 139 certificate. This decision also influenced the city’s decision not to fund a $60,000 request for improvements to the terminal parking lot in the FY 2009 budget.

“We can still go out for a smaller air service. That’s probably the only option, unfortunately,” Herrera said.

Last year, Great Lakes Air had only 642 passengers utilize its service to Denver, Phoenix, and other destinations. The airline was hoping to carry around 300 per month. The plan was to make $800,000 in subsidies last over a three-year period. By the time the service was terminated in March, the city had spent $650,000 of the funds.

“It’s the same old story. The needs are many, and the resources are few,” said Herrera.