LISA WAHLA HOWARD, Valley Press Staff Writer
January 18, 2006
County supervisor aims to save Palmdale Airport
 
LOS ANGELES - County supervisors agreed Tuesday to a motion by Michael D. Antonovich to urge the operators of Palmdale's underused airport to implement a number of airline-baiting incentives. Antonivich, whose 5th District includes the Antelope Valley, wants to see Los Angeles World Airports reduce or eliminate taxes and fees for airlines venturing into the terminal. He also hopes to see some sort of free shuttle transportation from the Van Nuys Park-and-Ride and a transportation system to connect the airport with the Palmdale Transportation Center.
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In addition, Antonivich is pushing for advance ticket purchase for the airlines and improvements at the airport to make it more efficient for cargo transport., "Palmdale Airport is located in the heart of one of the fastest growing areas of the country. It has a fully equipped and operational terminal poised for full utilization," Antonivich said in the motion.
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Los Angeles World Airports, also known as LAWA, operates Palmdale, Ontario and Los Angeles International airports, and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villarigosa publicly has advocated a more regional approach to Southern California air travel, with LAWA's smaller airports helping relieve congestion at LAX.
 
Valley leaders long have wished for Palmdale's airport to offer regular flights to a number of hub cities such as Sacramento, Dallas, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Palmdale airport supporters, including Antonivich, believe the airport still is well suited to attract passengers if the right destinations were available. Past studies have estimated Palmdale could support 2 million passengers annually, growing to 12.8 million by 2030.
 
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