Durango-La Plata County Airport is seeing very little market “leakage” to Albuquerque and other airports, Director of Aviation Kip Turner told the Airport Commission on Thursday.
Durango residents who drive to Albuquerque have long been a concern of local airport, business and government officials. Turner said only 8 to 10 percent of potential customers drive to Albuquerque, citing a report by Boyd Group International, an Evergreen-based consulting firm, that has yet to be released in final form.
Turner called the leakage rate “a very low number.” The leakage that is occurring is largely group travel, he said.
Fares to Durango’s top 25 markets are within $25 to $50 of fares from Albuquerque to those cities, Turner said. More flight capacity would only help reduce leakage, he said.
“The more capacity we get, the more we can cut down on leakage because our fares are very much in tune with Albuquerque,” he said.
Durango-La Plata County Airport also is seeing little effect from Frontier Airline’s move to end winter flights to and from Denver, Turner said.
“We’re not seeing a big fare change with Frontier taking a hiatus during the winter,” he said.
Turner’s perspective was challenged by commissioners, who said they’ve noticed higher fares.
“It’s $780 to Denver,” said Gary Derck, CEO of Durango Mountain Resort, who serves on the commission. “If that’s reasonable, you let me know.”
Turner acknowledged fares to Denver might be higher, but he said prices to Durango’s top 25 markets largely haven’t changed.
Joe Kerby, county manager and a member of the commission, said it’s important to focus on Denver, Durango’s top destination for flights.
“We’d be remiss if we don’t look at the Denver market,” he said.
Commissioners also questioned the abrupt shutdown of National Weather Service forecasting equipment Nov. 7. The shutdown, done by National Weather Service personnel to conduct maintenance, disrupted three flights.
Turner said the airport had backup equipment on hand, but its certification had lapsed and staff members were not trained on it.
Turner said he had little notice from the National Weather Service of the shutdown – only a voicemail the night before. Airlines need at least seven days to prepare for such a shutdown, he said.
Turner said the backup system’s certification will be renewed and airport personnel will be trained and certified on the equipment.
“As long as I’m here, you’ll never have to worry about it again,” he said.
Turner said the recently approved merger of U.S. Airways and American Airlines should not affect service in Durango. The merger more directly relates to access in New York and Washington, D.C., he said.
“As far as the feedback I’ve gotten so far, and I have inquired, we’re good to go,” Turner said.
Turner also gave an update on United Airlines’ performance in Durango. Delays on United flights have prompted concerns locally.
Turner said United improved in October. The airline had 21 days with no delays, and no United flights were canceled during the month.
“They are making a concerted effort,” he said.
cslothower@durangoherald.com
