•V. SI 0-100217-033 

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II «; n*.obrtmeri t AssisUnt Secretary 1200 New JerseyAvenue.se 

U.b. UeparrmenT Washington, DC 20S90 

of Transportation . 

Office of the Secretary 

of Transportation 

" " " MAY 2 6 2010 

The Honorable John R. Marks III 

Mayor of Tallahassee 

Tallahassee,'FL 32301 

Dear Mayor Marks: 

Thank you for your letter to Secretary LaHood relating to a proposed transaction between US 

Airways and Delta Airlines. As part of that transaction. Delta proposed to transfer 42 pairs of 

slot interests at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to US Airways, in exchange 

for 125 pairs of US Airways' slot interests at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Your letter supported 

the proposed transaction, noting that were it approved service would be initiated between DCA 

and Tallahassee. The Secretary requested that I respond on his behalf. 

As you may know, on May 4 Secretary LaHood and FAA Administrator Babbitt granted the 

carriers' request, but subject to certain conditions. They found that, while the transaction could 

produce many public benefits, the increased concentration and the additional pricing power that 

the carriers would achieve at the airports were likely to cause consumer harm. Overall, the 

S^ecretary and Administrator found tliai the public interest would best be served if a portion of the 

slots were set aside so new entrant and limited incumbent carriers could bring additional 

competition to each airport. Specifically, they determined that 14 pairs of slot interests at DCA, 

and 20 pairs of slot interests at LGA. should be divested to such carriers. 

We appreciate your interest in this proceeding. A copy of the final determination is available in 

Docket FAA 2010-0109, which is accessible on the web at http://www,regulations.gov. A copy 

of your letter and this reply will also be placed there. If I can provide additional information or 

assistance, please feel free to call me. 

Sincerely yours. 

Sasan L. Kurland 

Assistant Secretary 

for Aviation and International Affairs 
SI 0-100217-033 

' ••• - CITY OF 

iom^MAmMM^K -^ILLAHASSEE 

January 29,2010 

Secretary Ray LaHood 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, D.C. 

Re: US Airways and Delta Airlines Proposed Slot Transaction 

Dear Secretary La Hood, 

I am writing to express my strong support for an initiative that will enhance 

transportation options and the quality of air service for citizens and visitors to the 

Florida's Capital City, Tallahassee. In August of 2009, US Airways and Delta Airlines 

announced a proposed slot transaction that would benefit a number of destinations both 

within the United States and abroad. If this transaction is approved, it would deliver the 

long-sought service between Tallahassee and our number-one travel destination, 

Washington, D.C. This transaction, however, is subject to review by the Department of 

Transportation and the Department of Justice and after six months there has been no 

verdict on the review process. 

I am thus requesting your agency's attention to this matter, as I fear further delay will 

inhibit the airlines' ability to begin this vital service in time for the 2010 peak travel 

season. Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if I may provide any 

additional information regarding Tallahassee's perspective on this proposal. 

John R. Varies, III 

Mayor, CityV)f Tallahassee 

City Hall, 300 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301-1731 • 850-891-2000 • FAX 850-891-8542 • TDD 711 • ialgov.com