REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 22, 2021
FROM: KEVIN R. MEIKLE, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to the Airline Operations Agreement with Southwest Airlines:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Article 19, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines to authorize a new Airline Operations Agreement with Southwest Airlines Co. to provide Commercial Air Service at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
2. Approve a new Airline Operations Agreement between the City of Fresno and Southwest Airlines Co. at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. (Council District 4)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a finding of Class 1 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, and authorize the Director of Aviation, or designee, to execute a new Airline Operations Agreement (AOA) between the City of Fresno and Southwest Airlines Co. (Southwest), for operations at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Southwest is a Texas-based airline that will commence commercial air service at FAT on April 25, 2021. Executing the AOA will provide the operational, financial, and legal framework for Southwest to operate at FAT. Southwest will have four (4) daily scheduled flights to Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV. From these locations, Southwest flies to destinations throughout the United States. As FAT's ninth airline, Southwest will provide additional travel opportunities for Fresno and the surrounding region.
BACKGROUND
AOAs allow the airlines to provide commercial air service at FAT, which include, but are not limited to, provisions for, (i) use of the airfield and terminal facility, (ii) payment of rates and charges in accordance with the City of Fresno adopted Master Fee Schedule, (iii) insurance and indemnification, (iv) term and termination provisions, and, (v) operations and maintenance prot...
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