APPENDIX B

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APPLICATION UNDER

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DOCKET DOT-OST-2020-0231

SUMMARY INFORMATION

All applicants must submit this Summary Information schedule, as the application coversheet, a completed

standard form SF424 and the full application proposal on www.grants.gov.

For your preparation convenience, this Summary Information schedule is located at https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air- service/SCASDP

A. PROVIDE THE LEGAL SPONSOR AND ITS DUN AND BRADSTREET (D&B) DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING

SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER, INCLUDING +4, EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN) OR TAX ID.

Legal Sponsor Name: City of Valdosta, Georgia

Name of Signatory Party for Legal Sponsor: Scott James Matheson

DUNS Number: 188529684

EIN/Tax ID:

B. LIST THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM OF COMMUNITIES APPLYING: 1. Valdosta, GA

C. PROVIDE THE FULL AIRPORT NAME AND 3-LETTER IATA AIRPORT CODE FOR THE APPLICANT(S) AIRPORT(S)

(ONLY PROVIDE CODES FOR THE AIRPORT(S) THAT ARE ACTUALLY SEEKING SERVICE).

1. Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD)

IS THE AIRPORT SEEKING SERVICE NOT LARGER THAN A SMALL HUB AIRPORT UNDER FAA HUB

CLASSIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THE ATTACHED ORDER?

YES ☒ NO ☐

Does the airport seeking service hold an airport operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation

Administration under 14 CFR Part 139? (If “No”, Please explain whether the airport intends to apply for a

certificate or whether an application under Part 139 is pending.)

APPENDIX B

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YES ☒ NO ☐

D. SHOW THE DRIVING DISTANCE FROM THE APPLICANT COMMUNITY TO THE NEAREST:

1. Large hub airport: Atlanta (ATL) – 228 miles

2. Medium hub airport: Jacksonville (JAX) – 121 miles

3. Small hub airport: Tallahassee (TLH) – 87 miles

4. Airport with jet service: Tallahassee (TLH) – 87 miles

Note: Provide the airport name and distance, in miles, for each category.

E. LIST THE 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLICABLE TO THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION, AND

IF A CONSORTIUM, TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY.

1. Georgia’s 8th District

F. APPLICANT INFORMATION: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Not a Consortium ☒ Interstate Consortium ☐ Intrastate Consortium ☐

Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Air Service Development

Program Grant: YES ☐ NO ☒

If previous recipient: Provide year of grant(s): XXXX; and, the text of the grant agreement section(s) setting

forth the scope of the grant project:

G. PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: (LIST ORGANIZATION NAMES)

APPENDIX B

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PUBLIC PRIVATE

H. PROJECT PROPOSAL:

Launch New Carrier ☒ Secure Additional Service ☒ Upgrade Aircraft ☐

First Service ☐ New Route ☒ Service Restoration ☒

Regional Service ☐ Surface Transportation ☐ Professional Services2 ☐

1. “Professional Services” involve a community contracting with a firm to produce a product such as a

marketing plan, study, air carrier proposal, etc.

Other (explain below) ☐

1b. GRANT GOALS: (SYNOPSIS)

CONCISELY DESCRIBE THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED GRANT PROJECT. (FOR EXAMPLE, “REVENUE GUARANTEE

TO RECRUIT, INITIATE, AND SUPPORT NEW DAILY SERVICE

BETWEEN ______ AND ;” OR “MARKETING PROGRAM TO SUPPORT EXISTING

SERVICE BETWEEN _____ AND _____ BY AIRLINES.”)

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

APPENDIX B

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Revenue guarantee, marketing and start-up support for new daily regional jet service between Valdosta

Regional Airport (VLD) and Charlotte (CLT) by American Airlines.

1c. GRANT HISTORY:

DOES THIS APPLICATION SEEK TO REPEAT A PAST GRANT PROJECT OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM

(FOR EXAMPLE, A SPECIFIC DESTINATION AIRPORT)?

YES ☐ NO ☒

IF THE ANSWER TO THE ABOVE QUESTION IS ‘YES’:

A: WHAT YEAR WAS THE FORMER GRANT AGREEMENT SIGNED?

B: HAVE 10 YEARS PASSED SINCE THE PREVIOUS GRANT AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED?

YES ☐ NO ☐

IF THE ANSWER TO ‘B’ ABOVE IS ‘NO,’ THE APPLICANT SHOULD APPLY FOR A FORMAL WAIVER OF THE TEN- YEAR SAME PROJECT LIMITATION (SEE SECTION C.1. “SAME PROJECT LIMITATION”). THE REQUEST FOR

WAIVER SHOULD INCLUDE A) A STATEMENT THAT THE

COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM IS REQUESTING A WAIVER OF THE LIMITATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF 49 U.S.C. § 41743(C)(4)(C); AND B) INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT A FINDING THAT THE APPLICANT SPENT LITTLE OR NO MONEY ON ITS PREVIOUS PROJECT OR ENCOUNTERED INDUSTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WERE REASONABLY BEYOND THE

CONTROL OF THE COMMUNITY OR

CONSORTIUM. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY’S PAST GRANTS, PLEASE

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT.

2. FINANCIAL TOOLS TO BE USED: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Marketing (including Advertising): promotion of the air service to the public

☒

Start-up Cost Offset: offsetting expenses to assist an air service provider in setting up a new station and

starting new service (for example, ticket counter reconfiguration)

☒

APPENDIX B

P 5

Revenue Guarantee: an agreement with an air service provider setting forth a minimum guaranteed profit

margin, a portion of which is eligible for reimbursement by the community

☒

Recruitment of U.S. Air Carrier: air service development activities to recruit new air service, including

expenses for airport marketers to meet with air service providers to make the case for new air service

☐

Fee Waivers: waiver of airport fees, such as landing fees, to encourage new air service; counted as inkind

contributions only

☒

Ground Handling Fee: reimbursement of expenses for passenger, cabin, and ramp (below wing) services

provided by third party ground handlers

☐

Travel Bank: travel pledges, or deposited monetary funds, from participating parties for the purchase of air

travel on a U.S. air carrier, with defined procedures for the subsequent use of the pledges or the deposited

funds; counted as in-kind contributions only

☐

Other (explain below)

I. EXISTING LANDING AIDS AT LOCAL AIRPORT:

Full ILS ☒

GPS Approaches ☒

Published Instrument Approach Localizer ☒

VOR Approaches ☒

Other PAPIs ☒

APPENDIX B

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J. PROJECT COST: DO NOT ENTER TEXT IN SHADED AREA

REMINDER: LOCAL CASH CONTRIBUTIONS MAY NOT BE PROVIDED BY AN AIR CARRIER (SEE “TYPES OF

CONTRIBUTIONS” FOR REFERENCE).

LINE DESCRIPTION SUB TOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT

1 Federal amount requested $1,122,240

2 State cash financial contribution $0

Local cash financial contribution

3a Airport cash funds $0

3b Non-airport cash funds $0

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b) $0

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3) $1,122,240

In-Kind contribution

5a Airport In-Kind contribution** $101,858

5b Other In-Kind contribution** $30,000

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION (5a + 5b) $131,858

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5) $1,254,098

K. IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS**

For funds in lines 5a (Airport In-Kind contribution) and 5b (Other In-Kind contribution),

please describe the source(s) of fund(s) and the value ($) of each.

5a waiving landing fees ($34,310), waiving counter/office/baggage claim rental for one year ($67,548)

APPENDIX B

P 7

5b radio advertising $30,000

L. Is this Application Subject to Review by an Affected State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

a. ☐This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372

Process for review on (date) .

b. ☐Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review.

c. ☒Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.

M. Is the Lead Applicant or Any Co-Applicants Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If “Yes”, Provide

Explanation)

No ☒ Yes (explain) ☐

Application Under the Small Community Air

Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2020-0231

Valdosta Regional Airport

Valdosta, Georgia

Previous Grant Update

Valdosta has never had a SCASD grant.

Legal sponsors

City of Valdosta, Georgia

DUNS: 188529684

Tax ID: 58-6000688

Congressional Districts: Georgia’s 8th District

Contact

James P. Galloway III

Airport Director

Valdosta Regional Airport

Flyavldosta.com

1750 Airport Road, Suite 1

Valdosta, GA 31601

M:(229)561-3961

jgalloway@flyvaldosta.com

DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY’S AIR SERVICE NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES

For January 2021, the Valdosta community is being served by an average of 2.8 departures per day.

Delta Air Lines provides the service to Atlanta using 50-seat CRJ aircraft. On average there are 181

seats per day in the market for 407,960 residents of the catchment area.

Source: Delta Air Lines website - January 2021 Departures and Seats

Leakage, Retention and Market Estimates

Sources: Sixel, US Bureau of the Census, US DOT

Average Domestic Airfare: $120

Average Domestic Fare at Valdosta (VLD): $304 Statistic Total per Capita

Catchment Area Population 407,960

Enplanements - Reported 36,464 0.09

Seats - Reported 43,326 0.11

Load Factor - Reported 0.842

Catchment Area Enplanements Produced - Estimated 1,117,286 2.74

Catchment Area Seats Needed - Estimated 1,333,978 3.27

(Leakage) / Reverse Leakage - Estimated (1,290,652) (3.16)

Retention Rate - Estimated 0.033

Domestic O&D Passengers - Reported 86,040 0.21

Domestic O&D Revenue - Reported $26,180,977 $64

Domestic Average Fare - Reported $304

Catchment Area Domestic O&D Passengers - Estimated 2,636,336 6.46

Top Destinations Rank Airport

Departures

Share

100.0%

Rank Airport Seats Share

1 ATL - Atlanta 87 1 ATL - Atlanta 5,624 100.0%

Catchment Area Domestic O&D Revenue - Estimated $313,646,393 $769

Catchment Area Domestic Average Fare - Estimated $119

Source: Sixel, US Bureau of the Census and US DOT - 2019

In 2019 the Valdosta catchment area was served with 43,326 seats, an average of 0.11 seats per

person. The national average for 2019 was 2.63 seats per capita. With an average one-way

domestic fare of $304 versus an areawide (VLD, ATL, JAX, TLH) fare of $119 it is hard for the local

airport to compete for passengers. It is estimated that the Valdosta Regional Airport only carries

3.3% of regional traffic as seen in the chart previous. This ranks as the 72nd worst market in the

nation for Leakage and Retention.

Rank of Retention Rate (Leakage) by Metropolitan Airport(s) Catchment Area Ranked by 2019

Valdosta (VLD) is

Ranked 72nd

63 Liberal (LBL) 96,028 5,437 2.03 195,379 (189,942) 2.78%

64 Kapalua (JHM) 167,417 32,150 6.81 1,139,593

(1,107,443) 2.82%

65 Adak Island (ADK) 12,998 2,529 6.81 88,476 (85,947) 2.86%

66 Havre City (HVR) 36,552 2,755 2.52 92,156 (89,401) 2.99%

67 Meridian (MEI) 248,079 20,898 2.74 679,418 (658,520) 3.08%

68 Thief River Falls (TVF) 78,337 4,151 1.72 134,744 (130,593) 3.08%

69 Glendive (GDV) 26,668 2,087 2.52 67,236 (65,149) 3.10%

70 Prescott (PRC) 235,099 22,911 3.11 730,925 (708,014) 3.13%

71 72

Eau Claire (EAU) 329,186 18,994 1.77 582,734 (563,740) 3.26%

Valdosta (VLD) 407,960 36,464 2.74 1,117,286

(1,080,822) 3.26%

73 Hibbing (HIB) 244,200 14,473 1.72 420,037 (405,564) 3.45%

74 Binghamton (BGM) 429,854 31,904 2.15 925,379 (893,475) 3.45%

75 Albany, GA (ABY) 362,553 34,558 2.74 992,929 (958,371) 3.48%

76 Paducah (PAH) 352,624 21,726 1.77 624,225 (602,499) 3.48%

77 Tyler (TYR) 686,196 48,722 2.03 1,396,139

(1,347,417) 3.49%

78 Waterloo (ALO) 308,788 18,984 1.72 531,132 (512,148) 3.57%

79 Stillwater (SWO) 314,437 22,956 2.03 639,756 (616,800) 3.59%

80 Rockland (RKD) 74,406 5,953 2.15 160,179 (154,226) 3.72%

81 Redding (RDD) 325,256 42,683 3.11 1,011,224 (968,541) 4.22%

Source: Sixel, US Bureau of the Census and US DOT - 2019

The southeast US is served by two hubs – Atlanta and Charlotte. From Valdosta, both Atlanta and

Charlotte provide omni-directional service to the entire nation and world. Service to Charlotte will

have the benefit of bringing competitive pricing to nearly every market on the globe except for the

far southeastern parts of the U.S.

2019 2019 Regional Estimated Leakage / Retention

Rank Metro Area (Airport(s)) Population Enplanements Adjustment Enplanements Reverse Leak. Rate

U.S. Total 328,170,050 771,529,968 2.35 771,529,968 0 100.00%

This grant application is limited in its scope. It is intended for American Airlines service to Charlotte.

It is not meant to be used to connect to any other hub. It is not intended as a directional service

type of request. Valdosta anticipates working with the DOT and American on a rapid

implementation of this plan to connect Valdosta Regional Airport to Charlotte Douglass Airport

only. And barring any unforeseen changes in the airline industry between now and the fall of 2021,

all parties expect a quick implementation of this project.

THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MEETING THESE AIR SERVICE DEFICIENCIES

➢ Pre-Inaugural Marketing = $60,000

o Beginning August 2021 and continuing through October 2021

➢ Start-up Funds = $100,000

o From August 2021 to November 2021

➢ Minimum Revenue Guarantee for one daily flight = $966,933

o Beginning November 2021 (at the discretion of American)

➢ Continued Marketing = $107,531

o Beginning November 2021 through October 2022

The strategic plan to increase competition in

the Valdosta catchment area is to add a

second carrier to the market. While Delta Air

Lines has been a great partner for many

decades, it is time to instill some competition.

Valdosta has worked closely with American to

establish a plan to accomplish this mission.

American has agreed to operate the service to

Charlotte, beginning with two daily

frequencies.

Valdosta will use the grant funds firstly to

assist American in opening a station in

Valdosta. It is estimated that it will take

$100,000 to open that station. Those

expenditures include funds for counter setup,

signage, technology upgrades, computers,

office makeup, kiosks, ground handling

equipment and other miscellaneous expenses.

Concurrently to that investment, Valdosta will begin marketing the new route approximately 90

days ahead of the start date, using a combination of local traditional media, social media, digital

media and hard signage in and around the catchment area.

Once service begins, funds will be made available for Minimum Revenue Guarantees should the

new route not generate sufficient revenue for American to cover its expenses and make a

moderate profit. It is expected that American will draw down the bulk of the MRG funds available

in year one before the twice-daily service becomes profitable.

The Valdosta project is for new service to a new destination and will not be used to subsidize one

carrier over another carrier in the same market. The existing service is to Atlanta. The emphasis

of this project is for new service to Charlotte.

In addition:

➢ The community will not use non-federal funds selectively. All project funds will be used as

expensed in the percentage of each contribution to the project.

➢ All community contributions are new financial resources devoted solely to this air service

development project.

➢ All community contributions will be in the form of cash and in-kind support.

➢ There will be no cash from airport revenues.

➢ The $123,446 local cash match is 10.0% of the $1,234,464 project cost.

➢ The $1,122,240 grant request is 6.2% of the total funds available of $18.0 million.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDING NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

COMMUNITY’S PROJECT

Pre-Inaugural Marketing: The pre-inauguration phase

of marketing will consist of e-mails, digital marketing,

newsletters, website postings, billboards, radio, TV

and in person presentations to the community. Two

groups will be targeted – the business community,

including the supporters of this grant, and the general

public at large. The local business community will

instill the necessary “use-it-or-lose-it” campaign that

will ensure the successful launch of the American

service. Targeting the general community will involve

billboards, newspaper ads, magazine ads, TV, radio,

website postings, digital marketing and word of

mouth. The community is expected to raise $60,000

to this effort prior to the launch of the first flight and anticipates beginning the marketing campaign

at least 90 days from the launch date.

Start-up Funds: Concurrently, with the initial marketing campaign, American and the Valdosta

Regional Airport will be coordinating efforts to get the facility ready to accommodate the increase

in service. While the terminal can accommodate up to 100 passengers at a time, there will be

additions needed to add another carrier. The airport has worked closely with the Transportation

Security Administration to ensure the TSA will handle the increased passengers in a timely and

efficient manner. American will need to bring in or build or acquire everything necessary to operate

an independent airline, including technology, wiring, counter modifications, baggage carts, etc. to

ensure that the American flights can operate at on-peak times, perhaps even concurrently with the

other American flights, to maximize demand and minimize connect times in Charlotte. American

has estimated these start-up costs at $100,000.

One Year

1 Pre-Inaugural Marketing $ 60,000

2 Startup Expenses $ 100,000

3 MRG $ 966,933

4 Additional Marketing $ 107,531

5 Project Costs $ 1,234,464

6 Local Share $ 112,224

7 SCASD Share $ 1,122,240

Minimum Revenue Guarantee Funds for first flight: On inauguration day the Minimum Revenue

Guarantee will begin. The community expects that ramp-up to profitability for American will take

up to twelve months, with the first month of service drawing the largest portion of the MRG,

gradually decreasing through October of 2022. The airport projects the last disbursement to be

needed in October of 2022.

Continued Marketing: Beginning in August of 2021, following the launch of service, the community

plans to spend $8,960 per month for twelve months continually advertising and marketing the

American flights. The total expended over those months is estimated at $107,531 bringing the

total pre- and post-inaugural marketing campaign to $167,531 total.

MAJOR DESTINATIONS NOT SERVED

Charlotte is estimated to be Valdosta’s 32nd largest O&D market with demand of over 45,000

annual passengers. Valdosta does not presently have non-stop or connecting competition on any

route. The Charlotte service is meant to combat that situation with connecting services globally.

Top 35 Estimated Domestic O&D Passenger Markets at Valdosta (VLD)

Ranked by 2019

Reported Reported Reported Estimated Estimated Estimated

Rank Metro Area (Airport(s)) O&D Paxs O&D Revs Avg Fare O&D Paxs O&D Revs Avg Fare

Valdosta (VLD) 86,040 $

26,180,977 $ 304.29 2,636,336 $

313,646,393 $ 118.97

1 New York City Metro Area (EWR, LGA, JFK, ISP, HPN, SWF) 4,020 $ 1,211,704 $ 301.42 323,092 $

25,496,689 $ 78.91

2 Washington/Baltimore Metro Area (BWI, DCA, IAD) 4,520 $ 1,338,389 $ 296.10 155,540 $

13,640,103 $ 87.70

3 Chicago Metro Area (MDW, ORD) 2,320 $ 670,023 $ 288.80 127,903 $

10,569,499 $ 82.64

4 Boston (BOS) 1,220 $ 355,033 $ 291.01 97,513 $ 7,647,945 $ 78.43

5 Philadelphia Int'l (PHL) / Trenton (TTN) 1,960 $ 569,353 $ 290.49 90,910 $ 6,823,628 $ 75.06

6 Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area (DAL, DFW) 2,920 $ 829,416 $ 284.05 84,232 $ 8,868,671 $ 105.29

7 SoCal Metro Area (BUR, LAX, LGB, SNA) 1,900 $ 729,909 $ 384.16 78,037 $

14,036,283 $ 179.87

8 Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson (ATL) 3,660 $ 635,277 $ 173.57 77,277 $ 5,243,307 $ 67.85

9 South Florida Metro Area (FLL, MIA, PBI) 1,160 $ 322,658 $ 278.15 75,238 $ 5,706,767 $ 75.85

10 Denver Int'l (DEN) 1,840 $ 562,237 $ 305.56 69,381 $ 6,846,835 $ 98.69 11 12

Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) 1,420 $ 458,653 $ 322.99 66,834 $ 5,787,014 $ 86.59

Houston Metro Area (HOU, IAH) 1,580 $ 411,372 $ 260.36 59,803 $ 6,120,440 $ 102.34

13 NoCal Metro Area (OAK, SFO, SJC) 1,420 $ 555,577 $ 391.25 51,483 $

11,019,958 $ 214.05

14 Orlando Int'l (MCO) / Sanford (SFB) 0 $ - $ - 49,100 $ 2,601,285 $ 52.98

15 Las Vegas McCarran (LAS) 2,220 $ 838,755 $ 377.82 48,737 $ 6,861,663 $ 140.79

16 Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) / St. Cloud (STC) 1,020 $ 333,600 $ 327.06 47,956 $ 5,597,282 $ 116.72

17 Pittsburgh Int'l (PIT) / Latrobe (LBE) 1,160 $ 294,534 $ 253.91 36,302 $ 3,426,896 $ 94.40

18 Nashville Int'l (BNA) 1,340 $ 309,007 $ 230.60 34,814 $ 2,916,820 $ 83.78

19 Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) 1,020 $ 297,356 $ 291.53 34,670 $ 3,082,801 $ 88.92

20 Tampa Int'l (TPA) / St. Petersburg (PIE) 0 $ - $ - 32,865 $ 2,134,826 $ 64.96 21 22

Hartford Bradley (BDL) 560 $ 142,870 $ 255.13 32,456 $ 3,314,255 $ 102.12

Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) / Mesa (IWA) 1,100 $ 374,254 $ 340.23 32,361 $ 5,697,526 $ 176.06

23 Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) / Everett (PAE) 1,440 $ 650,173 $ 451.51 31,694 $ 6,884,807 $ 217.23

24 Indianapolis Int'l (IND) 1,180 $ 300,882 $ 254.98 30,893 $ 3,194,853 $ 103.42

25 St. Louis Lambert Int'l (STL) / Belleville (BLV) 1,360 $ 338,946 $ 249.23 30,322 $ 3,262,365 $ 107.59

26 Columbus John Glenn, OH (CMH) / Rickenbacker (LCK) 1,080 $ 225,610 $ 208.90 29,188 $ 2,736,647 $ 93.76

27 Raleigh/Durham (RDU) 1,940 $ 508,679 $ 262.21 29,175 $ 2,841,763 $ 97.40

28 Austin Bergstrom Int'l (AUS) 1,380 $ 419,237 $ 303.79 28,942 $ 3,800,890 $ 131.33

29 New Orleans Int'l (MSY) 720 $ 171,472 $ 238.16 27,871 $ 2,365,121 $ 84.86

30 Cincinnati Int'l (CVG) 500 $ 134,423 $ 268.85 27,569 $ 2,325,497 $ 84.35 31 32

Kansas City Int'l (MCI) 1,660 $ 426,721 $ 257.06 25,564 $ 3,436,175 $ 134.41

Charlotte Int'l (CLT) / Concord (JQF) 820 $ 203,272 $ 247.89 25,352 $ 2,941,261 $ 116.02

33 San Diego Int'l (SAN) 920 $ 337,459 $ 366.80 23,889 $ 4,969,498 $ 208.02

34 Milwaukee General Mitchell (MKE) 1,020 $ 283,298 $ 277.74 21,424 $ 2,471,897 $ 115.38

35 Buffalo (BUF) / Niagara (IAG) 340 $ 76,945 $ 226.31 21,402 $ 2,122,325 $ 99.17 Top 35 origin-destination passenger markets at Valdosta – source True Market Study

FARE LEVELS

Rank of Average Domestic Fare by Metropolitan Airport(s) Catchment Area Ranked by 2019

Valdosta (VLD) is

Ranked 47th

38 Twin Falls (TWF) 171,538 43,671 432,487 523,823 $ 319.78 10.1%

39 Bradford (BFD) 222,997 3,511 480,063 583,699 $ 317.72 0.7%

40 Dothan (DHN) 343,086 48,207 939,615 1,121,848 $ 315.69 5.1%

41 42

Johnstown (JST) 707,027 5,229 1,191,103 1,470,238 $ 314.48 0.4%

Tupelo (TUP) 415,769 12,812 1,138,673 1,359,513 $ 312.24 1.1%

43 Cody (COD) 40,984 36,491 103,330 125,152 $ 310.57 35.3%

44 Alliance (AIA) 32,862 2,546 56,524 68,074 $ 309.72 4.5%

45 Alpena (APN) 94,098 10,421 166,575 203,463 $ 308.35 6.3%

46 Morgantown (MGW) 402,532 5,317 678,131 837,051 $ 306.93 0.8%

47 Valdosta (VLD) 407,960 36,464 1,117,286 1,333,978 $ 304.29 3.3%

48 Fort Leonard Wood (TBN) 351,257 4,876 714,670 879,520 $ 302.77 0.7%

49 Pocatello (PIH) 173,987 36,670 438,662 531,301 $ 301.59 8.4%

50 Gillette (GCC) 63,786 23,499 160,819 194,782 $ 300.64 14.6%

51 52

Aspen (ASE) 25,894 271,433 80,505 96,480 $ 299.91 337.2%

Pendleton (PDT) 141,623 5,752 357,065 432,472 $ 299.14 1.6%

53 Columbus/West Point/Starkville (GTR) 241,692 41,001 661,925 790,303 $ 296.82 6.2%

54 Bemidji (BJI) 83,024 24,642 142,806 171,986 $ 294.43 17.3%

55 Dodge City (DDC) 86,236 4,096 175,456 215,928 $ 294.28 2.3%

56 Lake Charles Regional (LCH) 318,496 51,248 648,014 797,489 $ 294.12 7.9%

Source: U.S. DOT OD1B

Valdosta Regional Airport’s average domestic airfares are nearly three times more than the

national average and a little less than twice the average at the nearest competitive airport –

Jacksonville. In fact, while airfares have been falling for the average US passenger, Valdosta’s

average domestic airfares increased from 2018 to 2019 to $304 one-way. This compares

unfavorably to the $120 average fare paid by US passengers in general, the $94 fare paid at Atlanta

and the $140 fare paid on average in Jacksonville. These fares in Valdosta have stayed consistently

around $300 each way since at least 2013.

THE DRIVING DISTANCE, IN MILES, TO THE NEAREST LARGE, MEDIUM AND SMALL HUB

2019 2019 Estimated Estimated Average Retention

Rank Metro Area (Airport(s)) Population Enplanements Enplanements Seats Fare Rate

U.S. Total 328,170,050 771,529,968 771,529,968 934,543,885 $ 120.01 100.0%

Valdosta is situated roughly half-way between Atlanta and Orlando. It is a 3:12 drive to the nearest

Large Hub Airport at Atlanta International Airport and 1:35 to the nearest Small Hub Airport at

Tallahassee. Jacksonville, the nearest Medium Hub Airport is a 1:47 drive.

Nearest Large Hub:

Atlanta

228 miles

3:12 Drive Time

Nearest Medium Hub:

Jacksonville

121 miles

1:47 Drive Time

Nearest Small Hub:

Tallahassee

87 m iles

INFORMATION ABOUT THE VALDOSTA COMMUNITY

Source: Sixel and U.S. Census Bureau

Using the nearest commercial airport criteria, Valdosta Regional Airport’s catchment area stretches

over fifteen counties in two states. While the Metropolitan Statistical Area for Valdosta has a 2010

estimated population of 139,588, the Airport’s catchment area population is estimated to be

407,960. This is an estimated 9,000 residents more than in 2010 with most of the growth occurring

in Lowndes County, Georgia. This places the catchment area as the nation’s 174th largest, slightly

ahead of Burlington, VT, Alexandria, LA, and Amarillo, TX.

Lowndes County is the home to

both the Valdosta Regional

Airport and the U.S. Air Forces’

Moody Field. Moody Air Force

Base is an Air Combat Command

base located near Valdosta

Georgia, 30 miles north of

Florida. The 23d

Fighter Group is responsible for

flying and maintaining what is

said to be the Air Force’s largest

A-10C fighter group.

The 23d Wing organizes, trains

and employs combat-ready

A10C, HC-130J, HH-60G/W, and

Guardian Angel Weapons

System. The 23d Wing is home

to the Air Force’s legendary “Flying Tigers” and consists of five groups, with 21 squadrons

comprised of more than 4,000 Airmen, over 700 civilian employees and over 71 aircraft at two

locations throughout the continental U.S. The wing provides A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for close

air support, forward air control and combat support for combatant commander requirements

worldwide. The 23d Wing also provides combat search and rescue and personnel recovery

capabilities through the employment of HC-130J Combat King IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks, and

Guardian Angel weapon systems. The wing has units at Moody AFB, GA, and Avon Park Air Force

Range, Fla.

Tenants of Moody Air Force Base include the 81st Fighter Squadron, the 476th Fighter Group, the

372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 9, and the 336th Recruiting Squadron.

After Moody Air Force Base, other large employers in the Valdosta area include the South Georgia

Medical Center (SGMC), Fresh Beginnings, Valdosta State University, Lowndes County School

Systems, Valdosta City School System and Lowe’s Distribution Center.

With 418 licensed beds and more than 300 affiliated physicians and 2,600 employees, SGMC, its

campuses, and affiliates provide a broad range of high-quality healthcare services. SGMC is located

in Valdosta, Georgia and serves 380,000 residents across a 15-county service area.

Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, Georgia. It is one of the four

comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia. VSU serves over 12,000

undergraduate and graduate students representing 157 Georgia counties, all 50 states, Puerto

Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Washington, D.C. and hosts over 300

international students from 76 countries. VSU also offers classes at Moody Air Force Base north of

Valdosta in Lowndes County.

Advanced Manufacturing

A skilled, experienced manufacturing workforce, available buildings, a strategic location for

sourcing parts and multiple options for transporting products makes Valdosta-Lowndes County a

perfect location for advanced manufacturing companies.

Steeda Autosports

Steeda Autosports engineers and manufactures performance and appearance products for the

Ford Mustang, Ford Fusion, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and Ford Edge. Major operation expansion took

place in 2008 when Steeda opened the Valdosta facility set on 35 acres within Bassford Business

Park, which includes a 100,000 sq. ft. building that houses additional design, engineering,

manufacturing, and support operations, a 1.2 mile all weather test track, skidpad, brake test area,

and dynamic road surface area are all apart of future development for Steeda’s facility in Valdosta.

Langdale Industries

Beginning with one crop of turpentine timber on the western edge of the Okefenokee Swamp in

1894, The Langdale Company has grown into a highly diversified enterprise that includes forestry,

forest products and other affiliate companies that span the automotive, banking, hospitality and

land development industries. In the company’s first half century, it created economic opportunity

for the communities in which it operated through the naval stores business. In the second half of

that century, the company moved aggressively into manufacturing – and well beyond.

The Langdale Company’s evolution from that first acre to today has followed an unceasing quest

to make the most of limited natural and human resources via innovation. Every year since the

1930s, the company has planted more trees than it has harvested, and in 2009 planted its’ one

hundred millionth seedling. That progressive environmental stewardship provides wildlife habitat,

clean air and clean water.

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

The Valdosta mill has one linerboard machine and produces about 457 thousand tons of 100%

virgin, high-quality linerboard annually. Valdosta can produce a wide range of basis weights (35#

through 90#), including many high-performance, wet-strength and other specialty grades. PCA

Valdosta mill also produces a number of grades that are excellent for special printing and coating

applications. This wide range of capabilities makes the Valdosta mill a truly exceptional linerboard

producer. In fact, the mill has been independently judged to have the best printing quality 35#

high-performance linerboard in the industry. Valdosta’s proximity to the ports of Jacksonville,

Florida; Fernandina Beach, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; and Brunswick, Georgia, make the mill ideal

for exporting.

SAFT America, Inc

SAFT is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced technology batteries for industry.

The group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for

the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets.

SAFT is the world leader in space and defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also

being deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication markets.

Agribusiness & Food Processing

Industry leaders like Corteva Agriscience, South Georgia Pecan, Sunset Farm Foods, Martin’s

Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc, and Archer Daniels Midland Company are located and are growing in

Valdosta-Lowndes County.

South Georgia Pecan

South Georgia Pecan Company began in 1913 as a small shelling plant owned by the Pearlman

family of Valdosta. In 1967, the company became a part of the Beatrice Food Group. With the

breakup of Beatrice Foods in 1983, the current owner, Jim Worn, purchased the company with a

commitment to quality and service that has formed it into the industry leader that it is today.

South Georgia Pecan Company is committed to producing safe, top quality pecan products for our

customers and consumers. South Georgia Pecan has four plants located within a 1.5 mile radius

which are designed and segregated for certain process in the production of pecan products, which

include cleaning/grading in-shell pecans, a shelling plant, a finished processing/packaging plant,

and a shell grinding facility. South Georgia Pecan Company, located in Valdosta, Georgia is in the

heart of Pecan Country.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

ADM owns and operates a soybean and cottonseed crushing facility, a cottonseed delinting facility,

a vegetable oil refinery and packaging plant as well a trucking operation in Valdosta. These facilities

connect the harvest to the home by processing soybeans and cottonseed into a variety of feed

ingredients, cotton fiber and vegetable oils and then distributing them to customers through

ADM’s expansive logistics network.

Warehousing & Distribution

Valdosta-Lowndes County has easy access to major interstates connecting to key metros

throughout the nation. This combined with access to a commercial airport; make ValdostaLowndes

County a strategic location for warehousing and distribution. The county is located on Interstate

75 and within one day or less by truck of Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa and more. Lowe’s

Home Center, Home Depot RDC, and Dillard’s supply high-quality products to companies

throughout the United States and the world.

Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center

The Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center (RDC) 657,000 sq. ft. facility located on 89 acres in the

Lake Park Industrial Park and serves approximately 150 Home Depot retail stores throughout the

Southeast. The Home Deport RDC is built in such a way that inventory is brought in and put on a

truck immediately; eliminating most of the need for storage and reinventing the way distribution

is handled.

Lowe’s Regional Distribution Center

As the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, Lowe’s depends on a second-to-none

network of talent and technology, to ensure our distribution operation runs smoothly and

efficiently. Through Lowe’s distribution centers, thousands of products move continuously from

the manufacturer, to our retail stores, and finally, to our customers.

Arglass Yamamura, a glass container manufacturing company, will create more than 150 jobs and

invest $123 million to build its first U.S. glass container manufacturing plant in Valdosta, Lowndes

County.

EXPLANATION HOW PROPOSED PROJECT DIFFERS FROM PREVIOUS SCASD PROJECT

Valdosta has never received a SCASD grant.

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE

COMMUNITY

Valdosta has not had any change in service levels over the past ten years.

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT OVER PAST THREE YEARS AND RESULTS OF THOSE EFFORTS

Valdosta began air service development efforts in the spring of 2020. Valdosta hired an Air Service

Development consultant and attended Spokes2020, where the airport met with seven different

airlines regarding expanding service at VLD. American Airlines service to Charlotte quickly was

identified as the primary target for new air service.

MARKET ANALYSIS

In conjunction with Sixel, LLC, the Airport has performed a market analysis on a twice-daily service

to Charlotte. The airport has estimated that each single flight from Valdosta or Charlotte will cost

American $2,941. Annualized, the costs are estimated at $3.39 million dollars for a double daily

service. The airport has performed a complete market analysis on the route and has concluded

that local Charlotte passengers will account for roughly 5% of all passengers, with 95% of

passengers connecting to markets beyond Charlotte.

In its analysis, the airport has set the average airfares at 10% higher than the regional average (the

regional average being the combination of average fares at VLD, ATL, JAX and TLH) and used a sum-

of-squares prorate to estimate American’s potential revenue. We estimate that at the end of the

first year of service the loss for American will be $966,933.

Monthly Summary of American Costs and Projected Revenue Between Valdosta and Charlotte

Item Statistic Nov, 2021 Dec, 2021 Jan, 2022 Feb, 2022 Mar, 2022 Apr, 2022 May, 2022 Jun, 2022 Jul, 2022 Aug, 2022 Sep, 2022 Oct, 2022 Total

1 Flights 120 124 124 112 124 120 124 120 124 124 120 124 1,460 2 Mileage 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334 334

3 Seats 6,000 6,200 6,200 5,600 6,200 6,000 6,200 6,000 6,200 6,200 6,000 6,200 73,000 4 ASMs

2,004,000

2,070,800

2,070,800

1,870,400

2,070,800

2,004,000

2,070,800

2,004,000

2,070,800

2,070,800

2,004,000 2,070,800

24,382,000 5 Block Time 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 0:58 6 Block Hours 116 120 120 108 120 116 120 116 120 120 116 120 1,411 7 Cost per Block Hour $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 $ 2,488 8 Total Block Hour Costs $ 288,608 $ 298,228 $ 298,228 $ 269,367 $ 298,228 $ 288,608 $ 298,228 $ 288,608 $ 298,228 $ 298,228 $ 288,608 $ 298,228 $

3,511,397 9 Fuel Cost per Block Hour $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550

10 Total Fuel Cost $ 63,800 $ 65,927 $ 65,927 $ 59,547 $ 65,927 $ 63,800 $ 65,927 $ 63,800 $ 65,927 $ 65,927 $ 63,800 $ 65,927 $ 776,233 11 Total Costs $ 352,958 $ 364,705 $ 364,705 $ 329,464 $ 364,705 $ 352,958 $ 364,705 $ 352,958 $ 364,705 $ 364,705 $ 352,958 $ 364,705 $

4,294,231 12 Total Costs per Flight $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,942 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 $ 2,941 13 Cost per ASM $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761 $ 0.1761

14 Projected Load Factor 40.0% 45.0% 50.0% 55.0% 60.0% 65.0% 70.0% 70.0% 70.0% 70.0% 70.0% 70.0% 61.3% 15 Projected American Fare $ 59 $ 59 $ 59 $ 69 $ 69 $ 69 $ 79 $ 79 $ 79 $ 89 $ 89 $ 89 $ 76 16 Projected Passengers 2,400 2,790 3,100 3,080 3,720 3,900 4,340 4,200 4,340 4,340 4,200 4,340 44,750 17 Projected American Revenue $ 141,600 $ 164,610 $ 182,900 $ 212,520 $ 256,680 $ 269,100 $ 342,860 $ 331,800 $ 342,860 $ 386,260 $ 373,800 $ 386,260 $

3,391,250

18 Profit / Loss $

(211,358) $

(200,095) $

(181,805) $

(116,944) $

(108,025) $

(83,858) $

(21,845) $

(21,158) $

(21,845) $ - $ - $ - $

(966,933)

19 Payments Due

$

(593,258) $

(308,827) $

(64,848) $ - $

(966,933)

20 Local Share of Payments

$

(59,326) $

(30,883) $

(6,485) $ - $

(96,693)

Source: Sixel LLC

CONCLUSIONS

Valdosta Regional Airport and the Valdosta community are underserved. At an average of 0.14

seats per capita the Valdosta catchment area has 5% of the seats that are available to the nation,

as a whole (2019). On average there are 2.94 seats per person in the U.S. The Valdosta community

also suffers from un-competitive airfares. The average one-way domestic fare at Valdosta in 2019

was $304. The fare paid by the average U.S. passenger is $120. Because of these two factors

roughly 97% of passengers in the Valdosta MSA drive to Atlanta or Jacksonville.

The community has a plan in place to affect change in its air service environment. The addition of

twice-daily regional jet service on American to Charlotte will have the effect of increasing the

number of seats available, decreasing the average ticket price, and encouraging more people to

eschew the 2.5- to 3-hour drive to alternate airports and use the Valdosta Regional Airport.

416 North Ashley Street • Valdosta, Georgia • 31601 • 229.247.8100 p • 229. 245.0071 f • www.valdostachamber.com

December 30, 2020

Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Program Office of Aviation Analysis US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310 Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program DOT-OST-2020-0231 City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport Dear Ms. Chapman: The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte. Representing more than 1,000 businesses in Valdosta-Lowndes County, we fully understand how much the economic health of our community’s businesses depends on access to air service to continue to prosper. Our Chamber has been the voice of business for our community since 1912. We have worked diligently with our local Airport Authority and our local governments to promote air service in general, and additional flights through an additional hub airport. For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat CRJ-200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support this grant application. Sincerely,

Myrna H. Ballard President

Coteman ltattey

ATTORN EYS

Atlanta Jacksonville Valdosta

A, Li nt li:d I io b i li ty Ptl t lnet s h I p

colema nta lley.com

109 S. Ashley Street

Valdosta, GA 31601

Phone (229) 242"7562

3475 l.enox Road NE

Suite 400

Atlanta, GA 30326

l lndependent Drtve

Suite 3130

Jacl<scrnville, Fl- 37202

fustin S. Scott

Direct (2291 67I-8230ju stin.scott@cole m anta lley. com

RE

January 15,2021

Brooke ChapmanAssociate Director, Small Community ProgramOffice of Aviation AnalysisUS Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave. SE W86-310Washington,DC 20590

Small Community Air Service Development ProgramDOT-OST-2020-0231City of Valdosta, GA - Valdosta Regional Airport

Dear Ms. Chapman

The law firm of Coleman Talley LLP strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in

the City of Valdosta's Small Community Air Service Development Program grant

application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte, North Carolina. Like many

businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our business

depends on access to air seruice to continue to prosper.

Coleman Talley provides legal services to clients across the Southeastern United States from

our offices in Valdosta and Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. While our Atlanta

and Jacksonville locations benefit geatly from large and busy airports, our attorneys and

clients who do business in Valdosta are limited in their air travel options. Lawyers traveling

for client meetings, trials, potential business, or conference attendance would benefit greatly

from increased capacity to and from a regional hub in Charlotte.

For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the

50-seat CRJ200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can

support additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport.

As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how criticallyimportant air service is to the Valdosta community. The Airport has forged strong ties withthe business community to support air service. We appreciate the opporlunity to expand that

partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community

Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opporfunity to support this

grant application.

Very truly yours,

{9;--Justin S. Scott, Managing Partner

1709 A Gornto Road · PMB# 343 · Valdosta, GA 31601 · Phone: 229-219-6760 · Fax: 229-219-6761 www.idpproperties.com

INTEGRITY DIVERSITY PURPOSE

January 13, 2021

Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Program Office of Aviation Analysis US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310 Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program

DOT-OST-2020-0231 City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport

Dear Ms. Chapman:

Integrity Development Partners (IDP) strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of

Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new,

competitive air service to Charlotte. Like many businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and

across the nation, our business depends on access to air service to continue to prosper.

IDP is a real estate development company that has properties in numerous states. We often have the

need to visit to inspect and do business at those locations. We would definitely benefit from having

American Airlines service the Valdosta airport.

For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat

CRJ200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional

flights through competitive service to a new hub airport. As you evaluate the merits of this application, I

encourage you to consider how critically important air service is to the Valdosta community. The Airport

has forged strong ties with the business community to support air service.

We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of

Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have

the opportunity to support this grant application.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hanson Chief Operating Officer

January 18th 2021

Brooke Chapman

Associate Director, Small Community Program

Office of Aviation Analysis

US Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310

Washington, DC 20590

Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program

DOT-OST-2020-0231

City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport

Dear Ms. Chapman:

Kellerman Construction, Inc. strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s

Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new, competitive air service

to Charlotte. Like many businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our

business depends on access to air service to continue to prosper.

We are a Commercial General Contractor, Kellerman Construction, Inc has been in business here in Valdosta since 1997

We have used the Valdosta Airport on many occasions but have to drive to Atlanta, Jacksonville, &

Tallahassee to catch flights because of the limited capacity availability this time. This Expansion of services

would help our community greatly in expanding services, business, opportunities & convenience to the

people and businesses in this area.

For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat CRJ-

200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional flights

through competitive service to a new hub airport.

As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how critically important air service

is to the Valdosta community. The Airport has forged strong ties with the business community to support

air service. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of

Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have

the opportunity to support this grant application.

Sincerely, M. Brahm Kellerman President Kellerman Construction, Inc.

The 2nd Amendment is America’s First Freedom

Little River Sportsman’s Association

2848 Sapelo Dr

Valdosta, Georgia 31605

1/14/2021

Brooke Chapman

Associate Director, Small Community Program

Office of Aviation Analysis

US Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310

Washington D.C. 20590

Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program

DOT-OST-2020-0231

City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport

Dear Ms. Chapman:

The Little River Sportsman’s Association and the Little River Sportsman’s Foundation strongly

supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service

Development grant application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte. Like many

businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our business depends

on access to air service to continue to prosper.

The Little River Sportsman’s Association and the Little River Sportsman’s Foundation exists in

order for members to enjoy the pleasures and benefits of sport and competition shooting, fishing

and other outdoor activities. It is our purpose to bond together to enjoy these activities and to

share information promoting the safe handling of firearms, to assist others in the skills of

ammunition reloading, help train the youth in this area in the safe handling of firearms and

conduct sanctioned competitions that are available to active competitors from all over the United

States.

Expanded air service is vitally necessary for the growth of our national competitions. It is

practically impossible for competitors to drive from northern tier states for our competitions;

therefore flying, is the preferred alternative. Unfortunately with a limited number of flights, with

a limited number of seats, it becomes very difficult for competitors to arrive on the day prior to a

national match and then depart the day following that match. The current schedule limits the

match to a much smaller number of competitors than matches in a larger market.

The 2nd Amendment is America’s First Freedom

For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-

seat CRJ-200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support

additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport.

As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how critically

important air service is to the Valdosta community. The Airport has forged strong ties with the

business community to support air service. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that

partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community Air

Service Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support

this grant application.

Sincerely,

Lee W. Turner, Secretary

Little River Sportsman’s Association

Board of Directors

January 15, 2021 Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Program Office of Aviation Analysis US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310 Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program DOT-OST-2020-0231 City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport Dear Ms. Chapman: I, Claire Walton and Palm Travel Group Georgia, strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte. Like many businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our business depends on access to air service to continue to prosper. We would love to have American Airlines fly in and out of Valdosta, Ga. As a travel advisor based in Valdosta, I see the need for more options and flights daily. My clients want to fly from home, rather than drive to Jacksonville or Atlanta. We also want to have a competitor for Delta so the pricing become more affordable. There are a lot of potential clients in Valdosta and the surrounding South Georgia region. For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat CRJ-200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport. As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how critically important air service is to the Valdosta community. The Airport has forged strong ties with the business community to support air service. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support this grant application. Sincerely, Claire Claire Walton Travel Advisor 229-469-6302

PO Box 1048, Valdosta, GA 31603 www.packagingcorp.com

February 18, 2021 Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Program Office of Aviation Analysis US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310 Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program DOT-OST-2020-0231 City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport Dear Ms. Chapman: Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) strongly supports the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte, North Carolina. Like many businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our business depends on access to air service to continue to prosper. PCA is one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging in the United States and the third largest producer of uncoated freesheet in North America, based on production capacity. We have approximately 15,500 employees, with operations primarily in the United States. PCA’s Packaging segment includes six containerboard mills, one located right in Valdosta, GA, and 90 converting operations. Containerboard and corrugated products are essential for the distribution of food, beverage and pharmaceutical products. Also, PCA’s uncoated paper products are essential so that businesses can continue to operate.

In order for our employees to succeed and grow, they must travel to and from our other facilities nationwide on a weekly basis. Having a reliable source of travel is instrumental in our success. It is convenient for our employees to be able to travel from Valdosta, however choice and schedule are an issue for our employees. Flight schedules and seating availability out of Valdosta tend to be limited and most of the time full if not booked early. Adding flights and multiple carriers would give our employees more choices for work and personal travel.

For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat CRJ200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport. As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how critically important air service is to the Valdosta community and Packaging Corporation of America. The Airport has forged strong ties with the business community to support air service. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support this grant application. Sincerely,

Brittney Hull

Brittney Hull Senior Legislative and Environmental Relations Manager

Operated under franchise agreement with Wingate Inns International, Inc. All locations are individually owned and operated.

Wingate By Wyndham Valdosta / Moody AFB 1800 Club House Dr. Valdosta, GA 31601 229.247.7755 tel 229.259.1359 fax www.wingatevaldosta.com www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/51423

January 13, 2021 Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Program Office of Aviation Analysis US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310 Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Small Community Air Service Development Program DOT-OST-2020-0231 City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport Dear Ms. Chapman: I strongly support the air service proposal detailed in the City of Valdosta’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new, competitive air service to Charlotte. Like many businesses in southern Georgia and northern Florida and across the nation, our business depends on access to air service to continue to prosper. My Ownership and staff must travel frequently for meetings and other personal travel. The cost of tickets prohibits flying from Valdosta. It is less expensive to pay travel expense to Atlanta/Orlando or Jacksonville than to fly from Valdosta Regional Airport. For many years, Valdosta has supported three to four roundtrips to Atlanta per day with the 50-seat CRJ200 operated by Delta Air Lines. We strongly believe that our community can support additional flights through competitive service to a new hub airport. As you evaluate the merits of this application, I encourage you to consider how critically important air service is to the Valdosta community. The Airport has forged strong ties with the business community to support air service. We appreciate the opportunity to expand that partnership to include the US Department of Transportation through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support this grant application. Sincerely,

Rick Oelkers, CHO, CHA, CHIA General Manager

1750 Airport Road, Suite 1 Valdosta, Georgia 31601 (229) 333-1833 Fax (229) 245-8153

February 22, 2021

Brooke Chapman

Associate Director, Small Community Program

Office of Aviation Analysis

US Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE W86-310

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program

DOT-OST-2020-0231

City of Valdosta, GA – Valdosta Regional Airport

Dear Ms. Chapman,

I am writing today to pledge in-kind support of the air service proposal detailed in Valdosta,

Georgia’s Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application to obtain new,

competitive air service to Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority will waive landing fees for American Airlines

for one year. The current rate is $1.00 per thousand pounds of maximum gross landing weight.

Based upon two flights per day, we estimate this to be a $34,310 value. We will also waive

terminal rental fees for one year valued at $67,548. The total amount of in-kind support is

$101,858.

Sincerely,

James P. Galloway III

Executive Director