Will Halt Love Field Service In June; Plans To Return
After Revamp
American Airlines signed a new 17-year lease at Dallas Love
Field on Thursday, which extends the airline's commitment to the
downtown airport until 2028... but then announced the carrier plans
to pull its sole remaining route from the airport until a massive
terminal rejuvenation project is completed.
That revamp is expected to be completed in 2013... though work
hasn't started yet on the massive project, according to the Dallas
Morning News. In fact, the final design for the terminal has not
yet been approved. The airline is under no time commitment to
return to the airport.
"We have every intention of returning service to Love Field when
the new terminal is completed," said Kevin Cox, American's Vice
President - State and Community Affairs, pointing out the airline
wouldn't have wasted money on a new lease agreement were that not
the case.
The terminal revamp gives American a graceful way out of Love,
while the final years of the Wright Amendment play out. That
controversial regulation -- -- which limits direct commercial
flights in and out of DAL to a handful of states -- is due to
expire in 2014, under terms of
a landmark compromise reached in June 2006
between American, Love Field home carrier Southwest, and
the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
As ANN reported, American returned to Love
Field three years ago, for the first time since 2001. The move came
after Congress added Missouri to the list of states allowed to be
served from the airport -- and as work was underway on the
agreement to repeal Wright. At various times since, American has
served a number of Texas cities from the airport, as well as St.
Louis, Kansas City and Chicago... though in recent months American
has maintained but a single route to O'Hare from Love Field.
Analysts note American lost money on flights from Love, to
remain competitive with air fares offered by Southwest. They point
out American can charge higher fares on routes to those cities out
of its main hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport... which
lies just 10 miles west of DAL, and is free of Wright
restrictions.
The airline has admitted as much... though American said it was
willing to take the hit, to maintain its presence at Love and draw
at least some traffic away from Southwest. Nevertheless, several
pundits expected American to reduce or even eliminate its service
from Love Field once the Wright compromise was reached.
American will operate its last flight to Chicago from Love Field
on June 11. The carrier says it will work to relocate affected
employees within the company.
"While we're disappointed that Eagle is leaving Love Field for
now, we understand the reasoning behind the decision," said Dallas
Mayor Tom Leppert. "And we are clearly encouraged by American's
determination to return to Love Field and the signing of its lease
extension. We look forward to seeing American again in the new
terminal at Love Field."
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