APPLICATION UNDER 

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

DOCKET DOT-OST-2014-0113 

SUMMARY INFORMATION1

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 

http://www.dot.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: 

 

Texas A&M University 

Name of Signatory Party for Legal 

Sponsor: 

Rex Janne (Texas A&M University) 

DUNS Number: DUNS 831132097 Cage Code 1NZX5 

EIN/Tax ID: 17460005311 

B. LIST THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM OF COMMUNITIES APPLYING: 

1. RESEARCH VALLEY AIR SERVICE TASK FORCE FOR EASTERWOOD AIRPORT, BRYAN 

AND COLLEGE STATION, TX 

2.____________________________________________________ 

3.____________________________________________________ 

4.____________________________________________________ 

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 Note that the Summary Information does not count against the 20-page limit of the 

SCASDP application. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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1. Easterwood Airport 2. CLL 

3. 4. 

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.) 

 Yes No (explain)

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

______ 

D. LIST THE 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLICABLE TO THE SPONSORING 

ORGANIZATION, AND IF A CONSORTIUM, TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY.

1. Texas 17th Congressional District 2. 

3. 4. 

E. APPLICANT INFORMATION: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

Not a Consortium Interstate Consortium Intrastate 

Consortium 

Community currently receives subsidized Essential Air Service 

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

Service Development Program Grant 

If previous recipient: Provide year of grant(s):_______________________________;

and, the text of the grant agreement section(s) setting forth the scope of the grant 

project:

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

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

PUBLIC PRIVATE 

1. Texas A&M University (State of Texas) 1. Research Valley Partnership 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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2. City of Bryan TX 2. Astin Aviation 

3. City of College Station TX 3. Easterwood Airport Management 

4. County of Brazos TX 4. Bryan-College Station Chamber of 

Commerce 

5. 5. Bryan-College Station Convention and 

Visitors Bureau 

G. PROJECT PROPOSAL:

 1. GRANT GOALS: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

 Launch New Carrier Secure Additional Service Upgrade Aircraft 

 First Service New Route Service Restoration 

 Regional Service Surface Transportation Professional Services2

Other (explain below)

Regional marketing to promote CLL services and reverse traffic leakage 

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) 

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 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 in-kind contributions only 

 

2 “Professional Services” involve a community contracting with a firm to produce a product 

such as a marketing plan, study, air carrier proposal, etc. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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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 an 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) 

___________________________________________________________________________

___ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

H. EXISTING LANDING AIDS AT LOCAL AIRPORT: 

Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach 

Localizer Other (specify) 

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

LINE DESCRIPTION SUB TOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT

1 Federal amount requested $ 525,000 

2 State cash financial contribution 

Local cash financial contribution 

 3a Airport cash funds

 3b Non-airport cash funds $175,000 

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b) $ 175,000 

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3) $ 700,000 

In-Kind contribution 

 5a Airport In-Kind contribution** $ 25,000 

 5b Other In-Kind contribution** $ 25,000 

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b) 

 $ 50,000 

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5) $ 750,000 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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J. 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: Easterwood Airport Management $25,000 

5b: Astin Aviation $25,000 

K. 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. 

L. IS THE LEAD APPLICANT OR ANY CO-APPLICANTS DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL 

DEBT? (IF “YES”, PROVIDE EXPLANATION) 

No Yes (explain) 

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

______ 

APPLICATION CHECKLIST 

INCLUDED? ITEM

For Immediate Action 

Yes Determine Eligibility 

Yes 

New Grants.gov users must register with www.grants.gov.

Existing Grants.gov users must verify existing www.grants.gov account has 

not expired and the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is current.

For Submission by 5:00 PM EDT on July 31, 2014 

 Communities with active SCASDP grants: notify DOT/X50 of intent to 

terminate existing grant in order to be eligible for selection in FY2014 

Yes Complete Application for Federal Domestic Assistance (SF424) via 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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www.grants.gov

Yes Summary Information schedule complete and used as cover sheet (see 

Appendix B) 

Yes 

Application of up to 20 one-sided pages (excluding any letters from the 

community or an air carrier showing support for the application), to 

include: 

Yes  A description of the community’s air service needs or deficiencies. 

Yes  A strategic plan for meeting those needs under the Small Community 

Program. 

Yes  A detailed description of the funding necessary for implementation of 

the community's project. 

Yes 

 An explanation of how the proposed project differs from any previous 

projects for which the community received SCASDP funds (if 

applicable). 

Yes  Designation of a legal sponsor responsible for administering the 

program. 

N/A  A motion for confidential treatment (if applicable) – see Appendix D 

below. 
BEFORE THE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

_________________________________ 

) 

Proposal Under the Small Community ) Docket OST-2014-0113 

Air Service Development Program )

EASTERWOOD AIRPORT, COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 

RESEARCH VALLEY AIR SERVICE PARTNERSHIP 

A Public-Private Partnership comprised of: 

Texas A&M University (Legal Sponsor): DUNS Number 831132097 

City of College Station 

City of Bryan 

County of Brazos 

Research Valley Partnership 

Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce 

Astin Aviation 

Easterwood Airport Management 

Communications concerning this document should be addressed to: 

Rex Janne 

Texas A&M University 

1477 TAMU 

College Station, TX 77843-1477 

979.458.4476 Telephone 

979.845.3800 Facsimile 

July 30, 2014 


Easterwood Airport 

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Overview of the Air Travel Market Served by Easterwood Airport (CLL) 

Easterwood Airport (CLL) is located in the communities of Bryan and College Station, in Brazos 

County in east central Texas. The airport is owned by Texas A&M University, an agency of the State 

of Texas, and is operated by Easterwood Airport Management under a management contract with the 

University. The airport is 95 miles north of Houston, 104 miles east of Austin, and 170 miles south 

of Dallas/Ft. Worth. 

The Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the core of the CLL catchment area 

for air service, is comprised of the Counties of Brazos, Burleson and Robertson, has a population of 

236,819 (2013 estimate, US Census Bureau). The Research Valley, which encompasses the counties 

of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington, has a total population of 

328,348 (2013 estimate, US Census Bureau). The Research Valley comprises the natural air travel 

catchment area for CLL, if levels of air service at CLL were adequate to service the demand for air 

service in the region. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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The Research Valley is home to Texas A&M University, a world class university that has its main 

campus in College Station. The University, with a current enrollment of more than 50,000, is the 

sixth largest university in the U.S., and attracts students and faculty from all over the world. The 

University is ranked among the top ten research institution in the U.S. Each year, faculty and 

graduate students conduct more than $820 million in sponsored research projects. The University is 

the largest employer in the Research Valley area. 

The vibrant expansion and prominence of the University, in combination with the Research Valley 

Partnership, has generated strong demographic and economic growth in the region. For example, 

according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Bryan/College Station MSA grew from 

184,885 in 2000 to 236,816 (estimated) in 2013, an increase of 28.1%. The Research Valley 

Partnership, the local economic development arm of the community, serves as the catalyst of 

economic development in the Bryan and College Station region, connecting community, university 

and industry, and building upon the foundation of the Texas A&M’s global expertise in engineering, 

agriculture, animal health, energy and the biosciences. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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Overview of Current Air Services at Easterwood Airport (CLL) 

Easterwood Airport (CLL) currently has regional jet service operated by American Airlines/American 

Eagle 5 times daily to DFW, and by United Airlines/United Express 3 times daily (2 times daily on 

Saturdays) to Houston IAH. The June 2014 level of service for CLL is presented below. 

Carrier Ori. Dest. Miles Aircraft 

Type Eqp. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 

Weekly 

Ops. Seats Seats/ Dep. 

AA CLL DFW 164 CRJ CRJ 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 12 600 50 

AA CLL DFW 164 ERJ-140 ERD 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 11 484 44 

AA CLL DFW 164 ERJ-145 ER4 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 12 600 50 

 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 35 1,684 

 

UA CLL IAH 74 

ERJ 

135/140/145 ERJ 

3 3 3 3 3 2 3 

20 922 46 

The current level of service at CLL results in an average daily outbound capacity of 372 seats, and an 

average of 7.86 daily outbound aircraft departures. This level of service equates to an average of 47.3 

seats per aircraft departure for the services operated by American and United. 

Seat capacity at CLL has historically been substantially higher than the current levels. In 1999 CLL 

handled 15 scheduled airline departures per day, which generated 188,000 origination/destination 

(O&D) passengers annually. By 2003 service levels had dropped by one-third, and O&D traffic at 

CLL declined to 134,000. Most notably, this decline in service precipitated the growth of traffic 

leakage by surface transportation from the Research Valley area to Houston- IAH. This traffic 

leakage has depressed the level of growth that would otherwise have occurred as a result of the 

economic growth in the region. The O&D passenger count at CLL for the 12 months ending first 

quarter 2014 is 163,665. 

Most recently, the seat capacity offered by United Airlines at CLL has sharply declined. While 

American Airlines has increased the seat capacity it offers at CLL, this has not brought seat capacity 

to the levels experienced in 2010 (133,400 in 2010 vs. 124,896 in 2013). 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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The combination of less seat capacity and a growing air travel market in the region has resulted in 

increases in average onboard load factors for both American and United at CLL. This trend of higher 

load factors is viewed positively by the airlines, but it also indicates a need for more capacity in the 

market. Given the proximity of CLL to IAH, and the capacity reductions that have already been 

made by United, securing service expansion to Houston-IAH will be important, but difficult. 

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1234123412341234

2010 2011 2012 2013

Load Factor

CLL Nonstop Routes Load Factors

2010 ‐ 2013 by quarter

AA‐DFW UA‐IAH
Easterwood Airport 

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Overview of CLL Origin/Destination Markets 

The local CLL-DFW is the largest O&D market for CLL; the combination of local market demand 

and the 5 daily frequencies results in excellent service levels. However, the local market traffic and 

the connecting market traffic are competing for the limited number of seats available. Airline 

inventory management practices seek to achieve the highest yield for the traffic on a service; limited 

seat capacity and competing local and connecting traffic tends to favor seat availability for higher 

revenue itineraries. Local market pricing tends to be impacted by this, with higher local market fares. 

It is noteworthy that Houston is not among CLL’s top 25 O&D markets. The combination of traffic 

leakage by surface transportation to Houston-IAH and the higher fares that are offered for the local 

market traffic tend to result in most of the onboard traffic being on connecting itineraries. 

It is also noteworthy that Atlanta is the second largest local market for CLL, even though it does not 

have non-stop service from CLL. This suggests a strong community of interest between the Research 

Valley area and the Greater Atlanta area, especially in the business and academic sectors of the 

market. If non-stop service were introduced between CLL and Atlanta, one can expect a substantial 

stimulation of the local market, based on the convenience and time-saving of the non-stop service. 

The true local market, combined with enhanced connectivity to other destinations via Delta’s ATL 

hub, suggests Atlanta as a potentially viable service from CLL. 

In 2012, Texas A&M University joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for its athletic programs. 

This association has created a significant increase in travel from CLL to destinations within the 

southeast US. As an example, the University and its competitors generated over 180 charter aircraft 

movements in 2013. The fans of these athletic teams need air service to follow their teams, as 

Bryan/College Station is remote from SEC University locations. Again, this is a traffic generator that 

is growing but is not adequately accommodated by the current service pattern. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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Rank Airport O&D Pax PDEWs Average Fare 

1 DFW 9,561 13.1 $109 

2 ATL 5,346 7.3 $169 

3 ORD 4,163 5.7 $208 

4 DCA 4,118 5.6 $286 

5 LAX 3,583 4.9 $217 

6 DEN 3,566 4.9 $213 

7 LGA 3,565 4.9 $180 

8 BOS 3,282 4.5 $196 

9 BWI 3,188 4.4 $183 

10 MSP 3,106 4.3 $164 

11 SAN 2,748 3.8 $201 

12 MCI 2,738 3.8 $173 

13 PHX 2,668 3.7 $190 

14 SFO 2,599 3.6 $275 

15 MCO 2,573 3.5 $186 

16 LAS 2,535 3.5 $218 

17 BNA 2,478 3.4 $172 

18 STL 2,364 3.2 $173 

19 PHL 2,251 3.1 $202 

20 PIT 2,247 3.1 $186 

21 AMA 2,221 3.0 $185 

22 SEA 2,156 3.0 $270 

23 SNA 2,072 2.8 $180 

24 IND 2,070 2.8 $183 

25 CMH 1,894 2.6 $157 
Easterwood Airport 

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Overview of CLL Fare Levels 

College Station (CLL) experiences higher than average air fares. The U.S. domestic average one-way 

fare for the twelve-months ending first quarter 2014 was $181.00. The domestic average fare for the 

same period for CLL was $196.00, or 8.3% higher. The CLL domestic average fare for the same 

period, stage-length adjusted for 1,000 miles, was $201.00. (Source: US DOT OD1B via Diio Online 

Portal) 

The domestic average fares for CLL for American Airlines and United Airlines itineraries were 

virtually the same. 

CLL is impacted by many of the same factors that impact air travel pricing at smaller communities 

throughout the U.S., including small aircraft, limited availability of seats, lack of significant 

competition, and short stage lengths. CLL is further impacted by its relative proximity to HoustonIAH, creating strong incentives for air travelers from College Station to drive to Houston or Austin 

for air service. The Action Plan will address analyzing fares and providing the Partnership with a 

competitive business case to restructure fares and recapture leaking passengers from the catchment 

area.

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

 ‐

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Average Oneway Fare

Domestic O&D Traffic

CLL Domestic O&D and Average Fare

O&D Fare
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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Growing Demand for and Inadequate Supply of Air Service at CLL 

The combination of demographic and economic growth in the Research Valley area, the growing 

travel needs of Texas A&M University, the substantial leakage of traffic from the CLL catchment 

area to Houston-IAH (and to other nearby airports to a much lesser degree), and the decline in seat 

capacity on the services at CLL all point to a situation of growing demand and inadequate supply of 

air service. 

One of the key tasks of the Action Plan involves the quantification of the true level of air service 

demand being generated to and from the Research Valley area, and the extent of the traffic leakage by 

surface transportation that is taking place. This analysis will be essential to addressing the region’s 

air service situation with airline planners and decision makers. While it is apparent that a market of 

over 300,000 people that hosts the sixth largest university in the U.S., with an average daily outbound 

airline seat availability of 372, is severely underserved, establishing the extent and nature of that 

deficiency and the best approaches to improving air service at CLL will require substantial research 

and analysis. 

Air Service Development Efforts Past 3 Years 

The Research Valley community has undertaken various initiatives in recent years to secure 

additional air service. These efforts have included marketing, discussions with the planning staffs of 

the two airlines, and related promotional activity. They also included an application by Texas A&M 

University for a SCASDP grant in 2004, which did not result in a grant. Subsequently, the 

community’s air service development efforts occurred during a period of uncertainty in the airline 

industry, including the financial crisis of 2007, the recession of 2008, and the merger and integration 

of United Airlines (with Continental Airlines) and American Airlines (with US Airways). 

In 2013, Texas A&M University contracted with Easterwood Airport Management for the operation 

and management of the airport. Under this new arrangement, Easterwood Airport Management is 

undertaking various infrastructure and customer service improvements, including efforts to expand air 

services at CLL and creating an operational and business environment that is conducive to air service 

growth. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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The formation of the Research Valley Air Service Partnership, with all of the major stakeholders and 

interests involved, now provides the basis upon which the community’s air service development 

efforts can reach a higher level of effectiveness. This SCASDP grant application and the 

Partnership’s Action Plan for air service development are key elements of these new efforts. 

Research Valley Air Service Partnership 

The Research Valley Air Service Partnership has been formed to serve as the public/private 

partnership for the community’s participation in the SCASDP. The Partnership membership reflects 

the broad range of interests that are highly reliant on the development of air services at CLL. The 

Partnership will form a steering committee to guide the grant if awards, provide administrative 

control and be responsible for gaining results with the financial resources made available with a 

successful grant award. The members of the Partnership are: 

 Texas A&M University 

 City of College Station, Texas 

 City of Bryan, Texas 

 County of Brazos, Texas 

 Research Valley Partnership 

 Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau 

 Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce 

 Astin Aviation 

 Easterwood Airport Management 

Action Plan under the DOT Small Community Air Service Program 

This application is directly linked to the community’s commitment to develop and implement an 

Action Plan to address the air service challenges that face CLL. The Action Plan will be tailored to 

the realities of both the current air service environment that small communities face throughout the 

U.S., and in particular CLL, and the state of the U.S. airline industry. The Action Plan will also take 

into account the needs of the business, academic and leisure travel sectors in the CLL region. 

The elements of work required to fully develop a detailed Action Plan, described below, are in part 

designed to better understand many of the market and service dynamics that are affecting CLL. This 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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will ensure that the Action Plan is focused on the right issues and challenges, and that its 

implementation offers the highest potential for success. 

Goals and Objectives 

The Action Plan’s goals and objectives are clear and specific: 

 Secure additional services and new route(s) linking CLL to hub airports, including 

incumbent and new-entrant airlines; 

 Reverse passenger leakage to other airports (focus on Houston Bush Intercontinental 

Airport); 

 Strengthen the basis for economically-viable growth in air services at CLL, using a 

combination of community marketing and incentives to airlines to mitigate potential risk; 

and 

 Serve the community’s air service needs to a higher extent than at present, in recognition 

of the current and future growth in air travel demand generated by demographic and 

economic growth in the region. 

Task Elements of the Action Plan 

The Partnership has developed the outline and key elements of an Action Plan designed to address the 

unique circumstances at CLL and in the Research Valley area. The Plan will provide research, 

analysis and evaluation of the market to arm the community with credible evidence to present to 

carriers identified. 

Market and Service Analysis 

The success of the Action Plan will require sound research and analysis, and resulting issue 

identification and resolution. The following task elements are essential for this success, and are of 

immediate priority. 

 Regional Market Analysis: 

o Definition of the current and potential catchment area of CLL 

o Quantification of the demographic and economic characteristics of the catchment 

area(s) 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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o Identification of current and future air travel needs, including: 

 Determination of air travel needs and priorities of major air travel generators 

 Determination of priorities for potential new and expanded services 

 Conduct travel demand survey of business, academic and leisure travel 

interests to refine the understanding of travel trends and needs, and potential 

air service user levels of interest. 

o Performance of a traffic leakage study for the CLL area, including: 

 Benchmarking analysis regarding propensity for air travel 

 Integration of travel demand survey results and prior research and analysis to 

quantify degree of traffic leakage; 

 Analysis to quantify travel patterns and issues related to traffic leakage. 

 Air service Analysis 

o Analysis of current air service, including: 

 Analysis of existing air service at CLL, with focus on capacity, fares, traffic, 

connectivity and other metrics; 

 Determination of the adequacy or deficiency of current services. 

o New service(s) analysis, including: 

 Analysis to identify priorities for new air service; 

 Pre-qualification of new service opportunities through initial analysis of onboard traffic and airline revenue potential. 

Marketing 

 Strategy Development: 

o Development of a marketing strategy designed to increase public awareness of CLL 

services throughout the region 

 Regional Marketing: 

o Implementation of marketing/advertising strategy in the CLL catchment area, and in 

areas that can increasing utilize air services at CLL. 

 New Service(s) Marketing: 

o Implementation of focused marketing of new service(s) in advance of service launch, 

and during initial service operation. 

 Recruitment of Air Carrier(s) 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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o Presentation Development: integration of research and analysis into a presentation 

for specific air carrier targets, based on the suitability of the service opportunity with 

the air carrier’s business model and capabilities. 

o Direct Marketing: Meetings with targeted air carriers, at air service meeting 

conferences and with airline management at their respective headquarters offices. 

Incentives 

 Ground Handling 

o Ground handling support: Incentive for new entrant air carrier service, based on 

mitigation of cost of ground handling services 

 Start-up Cost Offset 

o Station start-up support: Incentive for new entrant air carrier service, based on 

mitigation of cost of establishing new station at CLL 

 Revenue Guarantee 

o Service performance support (if needed): Incentive for new entrant air carrier 

service, based on negotiated agreement to provide financial support for the new 

service if it does not meet agreed performance targets during initial fixed period. 

Description of Necessary Funding 

The ongoing aversion to business risk by air carriers calls for an integrated program of analysis, 

marketing, incentives and revenue guarantee to spur air service expansion at CLL. Funding by the 

Department in support of the proposed Action Plan is urgently needed. The Partnership is committed 

to provide substantial funding for various elements of the Action Plan: the additional funding by the 

Department under the SCASDP will enable the Partnership to perform in-depth analysis and 

marketing, and to more aggressively offer air service incentives to airlines. 

The burgeoning air travel needs of the College Station and Bryan communities, and especially that 

related to the growth of Texas A&M University and its programs and activities, can be met by 

targeted improvements in air service at CLL. The Action Plan that will be implemented as a result of 

the proposed grant, and community funding through the public/private partnership, are essential to 

maximizing our success. 
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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Project Budget 

Federal Funds $525,000

Local Cash Funding $175,000

Local In-kind Funding $50,000

TOTAL: $750,000

Program Elements Task budgets Element budgets Federal Local cash Local in‐kind

Market Analysis $               65,000 $      48,750 $     ‐ 16,250 $             

Regional market analysis $             20,000

Travel demand survey $             20,000

Traffic leakage study $             25,000

Service Analysis $               35,000 $      26,250 $       ‐ 8,750 $             

Existing services analysis $             10,000

New service analysis $             25,000

Marketing $             110,000 $      82,500 $     ‐ 27,500 $             

Strategy development $             10,000

Regional marketing $             75,000

New service marketing $             25,000

Recruitment of Air Carrier $               40,000 $      30,000 $     ‐ 10,000 $             

Presentation development $             15,000

Direct marketing $             25,000

Ground Handling

Ground handling support $             25,000 $                ‐ 25,000 $             ‐ $            $       25,000

Start‐up Cost Offset $               25,000

Start‐up  station support $              ‐ 25,000 $             ‐ $            $       25,000

Revenue Guarantee $          450,000 $             450,000 $   337,500 $   ‐ 112,500 $             

TOTAL 750,000 $              $   525,000 $  175,000 $       50,000

Funding sources

Federal 525,000 $   

Research Valley Partnership 50,000 $    

Convention and Visitors Bureau 50,000 $    

     City of College Station (Contribution within CVB)

     City of Bryan (Contribution within CVB)

Astin Aviation $       25,000

Easterwood Airport Management 25,000 $       

Texas A&MUniversity Legal Sponsor 50,000 $    

Chamber of Commerce 12,500 $    

County of Brazos 12,500 $    

$             750,000 $   525,000 $  175,000 $       50,000

CLL SCASDP Budget
Easterwood Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application July 2014 

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Timeline of the Action Plan 

It is assumed that, if awarded, the work under the Action Plan would commence in October 2014. A 

quarterly timeline related to the major elements of the Action Plan is outlined below. 

4Q2014 Market Analysis

 Demographic and economic research 

 Community air travel needs survey 

 CLL passenger leakage study 

1Q2015 Continuation of Market Analysis Tasks 

Services Analysis 

 Existing Air Services Analysis 

o Economic performance 

o Capacity expansion 

 Potential New Services 

o Pre-qualification of opportunities 

o Business case development 

Marketing Strategy 

 Marketing Themes 

 Advertising Placement Strategy 

 Co-op Marketing Strategy 

Recruitment of Air Carrier 

 Initial Outreach 

 Incentive Policy Development 

2Q2015 Marketing 

 Marketing Strategy Implementation 

 New Service Marketing Plan 

Recruitment of Air Carrier(s) 

 Outreach to Carriers 

 Jumpstart 2015 Meetings 

3Q2015 Marketing 

Recruitment of Air Carrier(s) 

 Headquarters Meetings 
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4Q2015 Marketing 

Recruitment of Air Carrier(s) 

2016 Marketing 

Recruitment of Air Carrier(s) 

Incentives (Ground Handling; Start-up Cost Off-set) 

 Incentive Development and Application 

Revenue Guarantee (if necessary) 

 Forecast of Service Performance 

 Analysis of Revenue Requirement 

 Development of Revenue Guarantee Level, Scope and Structure 

The Action Plan timeline, as well as the scope and timing of specific tasks and initiatives, may need 

to be refined during implementation, in order to most effectively achieve the community’s objectives. 

The identification and pursuit of air carrier opportunities (additional capacity, more frequency and/or 

new non-stop destination) will be based on market/service analysis and the business case for the 

service. 

The implementation of a revenue guarantee would apply to a new entrant airline and/or to non-stop 

service to an unserved destination. The appropriate level of revenue guarantee would be established 

based on an in-depth forecast of the performance of the service, negotiation with the carrier, and 

determination of the scope and structure of the revenue guarantee program. 

Easterwood Airport (CLL) has the requisite capability to support the services that will be pursued. It 

is expected that such services will be domestic services, operated by aircraft that can be readily 

handled by CLL. 

Designation of Legal Sponsor and Signatory Party 

The legal sponsor of the grant is Texas A&M University (an agency of the State of Texas). The 

University has registered with “grants.gov” to establish itself as the legal sponsor, and has the 

following DUNS Number: 831132097. The signatory party for the grant is Texas A&M University. 

The University, as the owner of Easterwood Airport, has regularly participated in grant programs of 

the U.S. Government, including FAA grants under the Airport Improvement Program. The 
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University in fully equipped and experienced to undertake the legal sponsorship of the proposed 

SCASDP grant. 

Easterwood Airport Management will provide administrative and management services to the sponsor 

for the administration of the grant. Easterwood Airport Management is under contract with Texas 

A&M University for the management and operation of Easterwood Airport (CLL), and has a direct 

contractual relationship with the University. 

The development and implementation of the Action Plan will be governed by the Valley Research Air 

Service Partnership. A Steering Group of the Partnership will serve as the governing body for the 

development and implementation of the Action Plan.