The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a two-year lease agreement with American Airlines, paving the way for the airline to begin daily flights from McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. This decision marks the return of commercial service to the airport after a seven-year hiatus.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a lease agreement that will allow American Airlines to begin daily flights from McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad . Supervisors voted unanimously on Wednesday in favor of the two-year lease. This marks the return of commercial flights to the airport after a seven-year hiatus. The lease will permit American Airlines to operate a dual-engine Embraer 175 jet, with the first departure scheduled for 6:15 a.m. to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Jamie Abbott, county airports director, anticipates the resumption of commercial flights could generate around 150 new jobs. Abbott highlighted the significant economic impact of the airport, detailing its annual operation cost of $7 million, which supports 2,600 jobs, generates $420 million in industry activity, and contributes $72 million in tax revenue. He emphasized that reinstating commercial service would bolster the region's economic standing and secure vital ongoing financial commitments from the Federal Aviation Administration. Abbott also noted that offering flights from Carlsbad would provide residents with an alternative to commuting to San Diego International or airports in other counties. This decision follows the termination of United Express's service at the airport in 2015 after two decades of operation. Abbott informed supervisors that the county is legally obligated to negotiate in good faith with service providers seeking to lease space, warning that failure to do so could result in the loss of future FAA grants or even the necessity to repay previous grants. County staff recommended waiving the first-year fee of $351,428, reducing revenue to $255,250, and receiving $606,678 in revenue during the second year.To comply with federal Transportation Security Administration requirements, armed law enforcement officers will be present during flight departure times. During public comment, supporters championed the benefits of American Airlines operating out of the Carlsbad airport, which opened its doors in 1959. Olivier Brackett, a former McClellan-Palomar manager, shared anecdotes of frequent calls from residents inquiring about commercial service, underscoring the high demand. He recalled, 'We had to purchase a bike rack because some people rode their bicycle with a backpack to the airport to catch a flight,' illustrating the yearning for convenient air travel.Phyllis Trombi of the Gillespie Field Development Council reassured attendees that the sound of departing airplanes would be minimal, lasting less than a minute at 38 decibels, comparable to the volume of light snoring. She stressed, 'Commercial air service available to all of North County is good for all of North County.' However, not all residents were enthusiastic. Hope Nelson, representing Citizens for a Friendly Airport, raised concerns about American Airlines' alleged reluctance to adhere to noise abatement measures.A Carlsbad resident voiced opposition to commercial flights, expressing frustration that residents who had lived in the area for years were being subjected to increased aircraft noise. Corinna Contreras, a Vista City Council member, informed the board that her city council had passed a resolution opposing the commercial flights, citing concerns about environmental issues stemming from increased airport activity. Supervisor Jim Desmond, a former airline pilot himself, expressed his support for the return of commercial service to North County. While acknowledging noise concerns, he pointed out that the Embraer 175 jets are quieter than many of the business jets that currently operate at the airport. He argued that the county lacked justification for denying the lease without valid safety or other compelling reasons. 'There's really no grounds for us to justify denying them a lease ... and the voluntary noise-abatement program, unfortunately, is voluntary,' Desmond stated
American Airlines Mcclellan-Palomar Airport Carlsbad Commercial Flights San Diego County Airport Lease Economic Impact Noise Concerns
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