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Commercial Service 83
that it has led to industry consolidation among some of the weaker carriers and a revamping of
the legacy carriers' business models in most cases so that they could stay competitive.
Developed during this same time frame was the regional airline. Although it could be argued
that this type of service goes back to the beginning of commercial air service, regional service has
traditionally been local air service or small airlines operating smaller passenger aircraft serving
smaller communities in a particular region of the country. During the 1980s and 1990s this type
of airline service flourished as legacy carriers withdrew much of their jet service from smaller
markets and fostered the development of regional airlines to help feed their respective hub-and-
spoke systems. Over the last several years aircraft used by regional airlines have evolved from 20-
seat turboprops into 50-seat jets. The situation is further evolving, such that only 22 turboprop
aircraft have been ordered by airlines for the future, and those are for 70-seat (or more) aircraft.
Additionally, the 50-seat jet aircraft are being replaced with 70- to 90-seat jets. These regional
carriers are equipping themselves with aircraft that can carry larger numbers of passengers and
travel beyond regional boundaries, in some cases serving coast-to-coast markets.
Positives of Air Service for a Community
Even though the aviation industry, especially the airlines, has experienced many growing pains
during its history, it is still a huge economic generator nationally, internationally, and locally for
a community and its surrounding area. Some of the benefits that air service brings to a commu-
nity are transportation to virtually anywhere in the world, new business development, market
expansion possibilities for all businesses, increased local employment, and tourism. Air service
also brings many benefits to a community that are not readily noticed by the public at large, such
as enhanced medical and educational facilities and timely delivery of goods and services, which
contribute to an enhanced quality of life.
Airport management at smaller airports should be aware of what air service can do for the
community, even if there is no commercial service at the airport or if the service offered is min-
imal. Except in the smallest of communities, elected officials, business owners, and others will
have questions about bringing air service to the community and what that entails. What it takes
for a community to attract air service is not necessarily a straightforward answer, and for each com-
munity it will differ somewhat. This guide is not meant to cover that issue in detail; however, air-
port management can find several good references listed in the appendices to help explain the
intricacies of air service and how a community can determine if air service is realistic for its sit-
uation. However, some of the federal requirements, physical facilities, and administrative duties
that go along with accommodating air service are briefly highlighted in the following subsection.
14 CFR Part 139, Airport Certification
Scheduled commercial aircraft with 10 or more seats cannot operate at an airport unless the
airport has an airport operating certificate issued by the FAA. This certificate is a requirement of
FAR Part 139. These operating certificates ensure safety in air transportation. To obtain a certifi-
cate, an airport must agree to meet certain airport management, operational, and safety standards.
To comply with Part 139 regulations, each certificate holder (airport) must create, adopt, and
comply with an airport certification manual (ACM). This manual details compliance regulations
for Part 139 and must be kept current at all times. A certificate is issued when the applicant
· Submits written documentation that an airline will begin service on a certain date;
· Submits an application, including the ACM, that meets FAA requirements; and
· Is found, after investigation by the administrator, to be properly and adequately equipped and
able to provide a safe airport operating environment.
