APPLICATION UNDER

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

DOCKET DOT-OST-2014-0133 

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: 

Name of Signatory Party for Legal Sponsor:

DUNS Number:

EIN/Tax ID:

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

1.____________________________________________________ 

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. 2.

3. 4.

 

1 Note that the Summary Information does not count against the 20-page limit of the SCASDP application.
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. 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. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.
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)

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 

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 

 

2 “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) 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

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

2 State cash financial contribution

Local cash financial contribution

3a Airport cash funds

3b Non-airport cash funds

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

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3)

In-Kind contribution

5a Airport In-Kind contribution**

5b Other In-Kind contribution**

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b) 

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5)

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.
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

Determine Eligibility

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 

Complete Application for Federal Domestic Assistance (SF424) via www.grants.gov

Summary Information schedule complete and used as cover sheet (see Appendix B)

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:

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

• A strategic plan for meeting those needs under the Small Community Program.

• A detailed description of the funding necessary for implementation of the 

community's project. 

• An explanation of how the proposed project differs from any previous projects 

for which the community received SCASDP funds (if applicable). 

• Designation of a legal sponsor responsible for administering the program.

• A motion for confidential treatment (if applicable) – see Appendix D below.
July 29, 2014 

Brandon Belford 

Deputy Assistant Secretary for 

Aviation and International Affairs 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Office of Aviation Analysis 

8th Floor, Room W86-307 -1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Mr. Belford: 

Westover Metropolitan Airport is requesting a Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant in the 

amount of $250,000 with a local matching share of $125,000 and airport in-kind incentives valued at $311,000 to 

market, advertise and promote low-cost carrier service to one or more destinations and, in particular, to fund 

ground handling services for the low-cost carrier service. The Airport is targeting either Allegiant Air or Frontier 

Airlines to provide the low-cost service. 

Westover Metropolitan Airport has all of the facilities and FAR Part 139 certifications needed to begin airline 

service immediately and accommodate up to 100,000 passengers per year with only minor changes to the existing 

terminal building facilities. 

At first glance, it may seem that the proximity of Westover Metropolitan Airport to Hartford-Bradley, Albany 

International, and Worcester would create redundant airline service if this project is successful. However, our 

proposed grant application shows that is not the case. By soliciting ultra-low fare carriers, a different traveling 

model is generated. 

Our proposed grant application is organized to include the following major sections: 

• Summary Information (presented prior to this letter) 

• Description of Westover Metropolitan Airport's Air Service Needs/Deficiencies 

• Strategic Plan for Meeting Air Service Needs 

• Funding Necessary for Implementation of the Community's Project

• Designation of a Legal Sponsor Responsible for Administering the Program 

As shown in our letters at the end of this proposal, there is broad support of this proposal both by the local 

community and economic development interests in Massachusetts. The public-private partnership includes the 

Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, Chicopee and Affiliated Chambers of Commerce, Greater 

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, 

which is comprised of several leading businesses. Commercial air service would attract both business and leisure 

passengers and increase economic development activities via greater access to the community, more jobs at the 

airport, and lower fares to the traveling public (estimated at more than $6 million in savings annually). 

We look forward to the possibility of receiving a grant that will propel our Airport into productive commercial 

airline service. The citizens and businesses of western Massachusetts are eager to prove the value of such service. 

Thank you for considering investing in Westover. 

Very Truly Yours, 

Allan W. Blair 

President/CEO 

www.wmass-arptcef.com

Affiliated with the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, Inc. 

Westover Metropolitan 

Development Corporation

255 Padgette Street  Chicopee, MA 01022 

(413) 593-5543  Fax (413) 593-5126 
 

 1 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

2. Description of Westover Metropolitan Airport's Air Service 

Needs/Deficiencies 

In describing the air service needs and deficiencies of Westover Metropolitan Airport, 

the following topics are addressed: 

• Statement of the "Ask" 

• Proximity of Other Air Service Points 

• Previous Airline Service 

• Ultra Low Cost Carrier Operating Model 

• Average Fare Differences 

Statement of the "Ask"

Although the "Ask" is a response to the air service needs (rather than a description of 

the needs), it was placed first in this proposal to give USDOT a clear understanding of 

our application request. The Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation 

(sponsor) is asking the USDOT for $250,000 to fund start up service at Westover 

Metropolitan Airport with ultra low cost carrier service. The sponsor is contributing 

$125,000 in state and local funding, along with $311,000 worth of in-kind services. 

Included in our program will be marketing, ground handling, and fee waivers at the 

Airport. Both Allegiant and Frontier Airlines will be solicited. 

Proximity of Other Air Service Points

Westover is located in western Massachusetts, outside of the city of Springfield. 

Springfield, MA has an MSA with approximately 680,000 residents and does not have a 

commercial service airport associated with the city. The nearest commercial service 

airport to Springfield is Hartford’s Bradley International Airport, located nearly 40 

minutes south. The next closest airport is in Worcester, MA, which offers limited service 

with single daily flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Other airport options include 

Albany, NY to the west and Boston, MA to the east, each being in excess of 90 minutes 

away. Driving to both Worcester and Boston can be impeded by heavy traffic on the 

MassPike (I-90) during the summer months and during peak travel periods. This can 

easily add an additional 30-45 minutes to the journey. 

A total of $436,000 in matching funds and in-kind 

services are being dedicated to help ensure a 

successful launch of an Ultra-Low Cost Carrier 
 

 2 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Figure 1 shows the study region and the airports in question. The proximity of other air 

service points indicates: 

• Hartford Bradley International - 30 miles (40 minutes drive time) 

• Worcester Regional - 51 miles (60 minutes drive time) 

• Boston Logan International Airport - 93 miles (95 minutes drive time) 

• Albany International - 97 miles (101 minutes drive time) 

We realize that there is a concern about the proximity of at least two of the listed four 

airline service airports, Hartford-Bradley International and Worcester Regional, to 

Westover Metropolitan Airport. We intend to show that the proximity of these 

airports will have minimal impact on the demand for airline service at Westover 

Metropolitan Airport primarily because of the type of service being solicited. That 

is, Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) service is not offered at any of the airports in 

proximity to Westover Metropolitan Airport. This type of service has a different operating 

model, as is discussed next. 

Figure 1 - Proximity of Airline Airports

Westover Metropolitan intends to attract an Ultra Low 

Cost Carrier, type of service not currently offered 

anywhere else in the region.
 

 3 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Previous Airline Service 

SkyBus was the last airline to operate scheduled service at Westover when the airline 

operated service using Airbus A319 aircraft from Westover to Columbus, Ohio, and 

Greensboro, North Carolina, from July 2007 through April 2008,. SkyBus ended its 

service at Westover when the airline filed for bankruptcy; however, SkyBus proved 

Westover Metropolitan Airport could generate traffic when low-cost service is available 

at the airport. SkyBus generated as many as 4,475 enplanements in February 2008 and 

enplaned more than 24,000 passengers over the eight months the airline reported 

Westover traffic to the DOT. Based on the average number of enplanements per month 

SkyBus generated in the eight months it reported data, it would have enplaned 

approximately 36,400 passengers over a 12-month period, and SkyBus would have 

generated 53,700 enplanements based on the 4,475 enplanements generated in 

February 2008. 

Similar former SkyBus airports in competitive airport regions have successfully regained 

service under the ULCC model. Both Portsmouth International at Pease and the 

Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine have each successfully attracted an 

ULCC in the past two years (Allegiant and Frontier respectively). In both cases, service 

has provided an added boost to the region as opposed to attracting passengers from 

nearby airports, thanks to the ULCC product model. 

Ultra Low Cost Carrier Operating Model 

The ULCC model is a new type of business model with a different product than has 

been traditionally seen in the US domestic market. The ULCC’s offer lower fares and 

an unbundled product, meaning that consumers only pay for the services they desire 

(i.e. checked baggage, carry-on baggage, priority boarding, seat assignments, and food 

and beverages). In many cases, these ULCC’s (Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant) have 

stimulated demand in markets much like how Southwest did during the 1990’s. 

Passenger demands are increasing not by changing their airline preferences but rather 

their mode of transportation, or making additional air travel trips. Some of these ULCCs 

like Allegiant, bundle vacation packages into their already low fares which help create 

additional value to consumers and often times result in new demand from families or 

groups that may have previously traveled by car. 

Presently, none of the surrounding commercial service airports have service provided 

by a ULCC, the nearest airports with a ULCC are Boston’s Logan International Airport, 

nearly two hours away with Spirit Airlines, Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, 

NY, and Portsmouth International at Pease which both have Allegiant Air and located 

just under 2 hours and 30 minutes from Westover. 

Westover Metropolitan is now the ONLY former SkyBus 

Airport not to have airline service reintroduced 
 

 4 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Average Air Fare Differences

In 2013, average domestic air fares in the U.S. were $381.1 Citizens in the 

Massachusetts study region paid higher than the national average fares at HartfordBradley International (5.8 percent higher) and Albany International (13.6 percent higher) 

in 2013. Prior to the last quarter of 2013, fares were even higher at both HartfordBradley and Albany International. 

One newspaper headline from November of 2013 read: "Bradley Fares $36 More Costly 

Than National Average." The secondary headline stated: "Three-Quarters of top 100 

airports had lower fares." The article went on to say that of the 100 busiest airports in 

the country, 25 had higher fares than Bradley. Comparing Hartford's fares to similarly 

sized airports, Cleveland's average trip cost $32.80 more, and the other eight airports 

closest in size were all cheaper. Flights from Buffalo were $100 cheaper. So were those 

from Fort Meyers. New Orleans flights were $60 less.2

 The Hartford Business Journal 

had a similar headline in August of 2012 that read: "Bradley Airfares Highest in Region. 

and Rising." The high air fares at Bradley have been known and discussed for some 

time. 

Worcester Regional Airport is roughly 51 miles and a one hour drive from Westover 

Metropolitan Airport. Worcester features one airline - JetBlue. Average fares from 

Worcester were $281.35 in 2013 - 26.1 percent below the national average. However, 

JetBlue, while low cost, has fares near the national average. When looking at fares for 

August 2014, Worcester-Orlando fares ranges from $310 to $417 roundtrip. 

A good comparison to what may happen at Westover Metropolitan Airport with a ULCC 

would be Niagara Falls, NY, which is served by two ULCCs: Allegiant Air and Spirit 

Airlines. While being in the vicinity of other commercial service airports of BuffaloNiagara and Rochester International Airports, neither has been adversely affected by 

the ULCC service at Niagara Falls. The average fare for the airport was $135.40 in 

2013.3

 This was 64.5 percent below the national average. A cost comparison to Niagara 

Falls works because the distance that the two ULCCs are flying to vacation destinations 

in Florida and elsewhere would be about the same for Westover Metropolitan Airport. 

 

1

 Source: USDOT, Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 

http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/airfares/programs/economics_and_finance/air_travel_price_index/html/AnnualFares.htm

l 

2

 Source: Mara Lee, "Bradley Fares $36 More Costly Than National Average", (The Hartford Courant, Nov. 6, 

2013). 

3

 Source: USDOT, Bureau of Transportation Statistics 

The ULCC model works in multi-airport regions as 

evidenced by the recent success at Trenton without 

adversely affecting Allentown or Atlantic City air 

service 
 

 5 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Boston Logan International is 93 miles away from Westover Metropolitan Airport and a 

95 minute drive with no traffic. Similar to Albany, the airport is outside the proximity 

concern area, but was included because some air travelers in western Massachusetts 

use Logan International. Air fares averaged $376.60 in the fourth quarter of 2013, which 

was 1.1 percent lower than the national average. 

Albany International is 93 miles away from Westover Metropolitan Airport and a 90 

minute drive in low traffic. This airport is clearly outside the proximity concern area, but 

was included because some air travelers in western Massachusetts use Albany 

International frequently. Air fares averaged $432.91 in the fourth quarter of 2013. As 

mentioned, this was 13.6 percent higher than the national average. 

Citizens in western Massachusetts have not had adequate access to ultra low fare 

carrier service in the past. For example, if each passenger could save $200+ in air 

fares, our forecast of enplanements (presented in Section 3) could show an annual 

savings to local area residents of over $6 million. From our previous analysis it is also 

likely that many of these air passengers would not have traveled via air, had the price 

been higher. Thus, they would not be detracting from airline service at other airports in 

the region. 

 

Westover Metropolitan would offer the only ULCC 

service in the region, offering a different fare product, 

delivering value to the region and stimulating demand 

as opposed to competing with neighboring airports 
 

 6 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

3. Strategic Plan for Meeting Air Service Needs

Westover Metropolitan Airport currently has no air service, and service on an ultra lowcost carrier such as Allegiant or Frontier is the most likely type of air service the airport 

can expect to attract. In meetings with each carrier, both Allegiant and Frontier have 

expressed interest in serving Westover. Both Allegiant and Frontier have operated 

Atlantic City charters from Westover in the past, so the airport has proven its airfield can 

accommodate the type of aircraft Allegiant and Frontier would operate at Westover, and 

Westover's terminal can handle the passenger volume. 

In describing the strategic plan for meeting air service needs, the following topics are 

discussed: 

• Air Service Development Efforts 

• Projected Passenger Demand 

• Initiation of Ultra Low Cost Carrier Service 

• Carrier Needs/Start-up Incentives 

Air Service Development Efforts

Westover Metropolitan Airport has been approached by several airlines in recent years. 

Discussions with Allegiant Air have been ongoing for about four years, and the airport 

has had an open dialogue with Frontier Airlines since October 2012. Allegiant is 

particularly interested in the Westover market as an alternative airport to the airports in 

Hartford, Boston, and Worcester. Discussions with Frontier also seem promising. Given 

Frontier's recent new service from both Trenton, NJ and Wilmington, DE as an alternate 

to Philadelphia, Frontier service from Westover, as an alternate to Boston, Hartford, and 

Worcester, seems reasonable. Both Allegiant and Frontier have expressed the need for 

Westover to bear a portion of the financial risk each airline would incur if it were to begin 

service at Westover. Allegiant has written a letter supporting this proposal. 

Projected Passenger Demand

A simplified method of forecasting passenger demand was used for this application. 

Rather than present econometric models or show leakage analysis, the forecasts were 

developed by taking the start-up schedule that Allegiant or Frontier would likely 

implement and apply their system-wide load factors to those flights. For Allegiant and 

Frontier the following projected passenger demand can be estimated, assuming four 

flights per week: 

Targeted airlines (Frontier and Allegiant) have already 

approached Westover about potential service. 
 

 7 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Allegiant Forecast 

• Flights per week/year: 4/208 

• Departing seats per week (MD-80): 664 

• 2013 System-wide load factor: 88.9% 

• Number of enplanements/week: 590 

• Number of enplanements/year: 30,700 

• Number of total passengers/year: 61,400 

Frontier Forecast 

• Flights per week/year: 4/208 

• Departing seats per week (A-319): 552 

• 2013 System-wide load factor: 90.7% 

• Number of enplanements/week: 501 

• Number of enplanements/year: 26,100 

• Number of total passengers/year: 52,200 

The grant request is for a two-year period and no growth in enplanements for the 

second year is assumed (to remain conservative). As shown, the forecast passenger 

enplanements are between 26,100 and 30,700, and the number of flights per year 

would total 208.

It is believed that these numbers are very conservative and that once the ultra low fare 

service is instituted, it will actually gain ridership in the second year. 

Initiation of Ultra Low Cost Carrier Service 

Westover Metropolitan has all of the facilities and FAR Part 139 certifications needed to 

begin airline service immediately and accommodate up to 100,000 passengers per year 

with only minor changes to the existing terminal building facilities. The frequency of the 

Airport's current TSA personnel would need to be increased once the airline service 

began and parking lots may need to be expanded, but those changes can be made 

quickly. Thus, the facilities side of the Airport is adequate to accommodate airline 

service without delay. 

The Airport believes Allegiant would likely serve one or more leisure-oriented 

destinations such as Sanford/Orlando, St. Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Ft. Lauderdale, 

and/or Myrtle Beach, while Frontier would most likely serve one or more destinations 

including leisure markets and larger metropolitan areas such as Orlando, Tampa, Ft. 

Myers, Atlanta, Denver, Cleveland, Chicago, or Washington, DC – a route structure 

consistent with Frontier’s current growth strategies. Figure 2 presents a graphical 

illustration of the potential service points from Westover Metropolitan Airport. 

From our forecast, it is likely that the start-up service would focus on only one or two 

cities of interest with a total of four flights per week. If additional flights were added, they 

would not be subsidized by our request. 
 

 8 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Carrier Needs/Start-up Incentives

To invite a new carrier to serve Westover Metropolitan Airport, the sponsor must offer 

incentives. Most airlines will not "test" a new market without risk sharing. In fact, there 

are cases where aircraft have been pulled from a profitable route in order to serve a 

more profitable route. So incentives are needed to defray costs and limit risks for the 

new carrier. The Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation has proposed 

several forms of start-up incentives: 

• New Service Advertising/Marketing to the Public 

• Airport Fee Waivers 

• Ground Handling Fees 

New Service Advertising/Marketing to the Public 

In order to promote the start of airline service, an advertising/marketing program is 

needed. The Airport will provide media exposure for the new airline service. The plan for 

marketing and advertising would include: local broadcast and cable television, local 

radio, local newspaper, and strategically located outdoor boards. It is suggested that a 

total of $125,000 be set aside to cover these efforts over a two year period. Due to the 

Figure 2 - Potential Air Service Routes
 

 9 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

need to generate the image, message and marketing materials in advance, the first year 

portion will amount to approximately $75,000. To sustain the message in year two, the 

second year portion will be approximately $50,000. These ratios may vary somewhat 

based upon actual demands. A detailed examination of the most cost effective local 

media will be conducted at the very onset of this effort, with thorough recommendations 

written, presented, and approved by the client well in advance of implementation. 

Periodic review will be conducted quarterly to evaluate the effectiveness of the message 

and media employed. Adjustments will be made as needed to ensure the most efficient 

return on investment. 

Airport Fee Waivers 

In-kind services from the Airport will include a waiver of landing fees, aircraft 

parking/apron fees, ground handling fees, terminal use fees, and fuel flowage fees. 

• Landing Fees: The Airport currently charges $1.43 per 1,000 pounds in landing 

fees for commercial aircraft such as the MD-80 or Airbus 319. These fees would 

be waived for a two year period as a start-up incentive. With four flights per 

week, the value of waiving the landing fees is $44,500 per year for the MD-80, 

and $49,400 for the Airbus 319. 

• Aircraft Parking/Apron Fees: Westover Metropolitan Airport currently charges 

$250 for aircraft parking. This translates into $52,000 in waived parking fees per 

year. 

• Terminal Use Fees: Terminal use fees are valued at $260 per flight. This 

translates into $54,100 in waived fees per year. 

The annual Airport fee waivers can be valued at $150,600 for the MD-80 aircraft 

(Allegiant) and $155,500 for the A-319 aircraft (Frontier). Over a two-year period, the 

higher amount of in-kind fee waiver value totals $311,000. 

Ground Handling Fees 

Aircraft ground handling involves servicing an aircraft usually when it is parked at the 

gate of an airline terminal. Typically, it includes cabin cleaning service, catering, and 

ramp service. For this proposal, the value of ground handling has been estimated to 

total $600 per aircraft flight. With four flights per week, the value of ground handling is 

$125,000 per year. Over the two-year project period, this totals $250,000. 

 
 

 10 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

4. Funding Necessary for Implementation of the Community's 

Project 

In this section, a description of the funding needed to implement the proposed new 

service is presented and explained. The section is organized to include the following 

topics: 

• Funding Needs 

• Project Timeline 

• Continuation of Project Activities Beyond the Grant Timeline 

Funding Needs 

As shown in Table 1, the total cost of the project is $686,000 to include the amount of 

the requested grant, community-provided cash and the value of in-kind airport 

incentives. The requested amount of the grant is $250,000, and community cash 

funding is $125,000 from the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation. In 

addition, $311,000 would come from in-kind airport services. 

Table 1 - Sources and Types of Proposed Project Funding 

Funding Source Grant Cash In-Kind Total 

US Department of Transportation $250,000 $250,000 

State of Massachusetts $100,000 $100,000 

Airport $25,000 $311,000 $336,000 

Total $250,000 $125,000 $311,000 $686,000 

The total cash funding of $375,000 would be divided equally between the first two 

potential routes and equally ground handling over two years as shown in Table 2. The 

marketing expense would be split unequally in the first year relative to the second year. 

The reasoning behind this is the need for creative media development in the first year 

versus the second. Also, the second year of advertising will be directed more toward 

maintaining ridership than generating new ridership. In the first year, $75,000 is 

proposed to be spent on marketing, and $125,000 is proposed to be spent on ground 

handling for a total of $200,000 in Year 1. In the second year $50,000 is proposed for 

marketing and $125,000 for ground handling for a total of $175,000 in Year 2. The 

airport incentives valued at up to $311,000 would be credited similarly on a route-byroute basis based on the number of departures operated in each of the first two years. 

 
 

 11 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Table 2 - Proposed Allocations of Project Cash Funding 

Item Marketing Ground Handling Grand 

Year 1 Year 2 Total Year 1 Year 2 Total Total 

SCASDP 

Funding Route 1 $25,000 $16,700 $41,700 $41,650 $41,650 $83,300 $125,000

Route 2 $25,000 $16,700 $41,700 $41,650 $41,650 $83,300 $125,000

Total $50,000 $33,400 $83,400 $83,300 $83,300 $166,600 $250,000

Local 

Funding Route 1 $12,500 $8,300 $20,800 $20,850 $20,850 $41,700 $62,500 

Route 2 $12,500 $8,300 $20,800 $20,850 $20,850 $41,700 $62,500 

Total $25,000 $16,600 $41,600 $41,700 $41,700 $83,400 $125,000

Total 

Project 

Funding 

Grand 

Totals $75,000 $50,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $250,000 $375,000

Project Timeline

Westover Metropolitan Airport intends to continue its meetings and discussions with 

both Allegiant and Frontier throughout the evaluation period of Small Community Air 

Service Grant proposals, and will be prepared to execute a grant agreement with the 

Department as soon as awards are announced. If Westover is awarded a grant, the 

Airport will advise each airline of the award and determine if either airline is prepared to 

begin service and when service could begin. Neither carrier would likely announce 

service sooner than 90 days prior to beginning service. If service were to begin in the 

spring of 2015, the service would likely be announced sometime in October or 

November of 2014. Regardless of when the service is launched, the proposed program 

would continue for two years. Westover Metropolitan Airport would work with either 

airline to market the service, and the Airport would file all required quarterly reports. 

Table 3 - Proposed Project Timelines 

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Dates 

SCASDP Grant Award Announcement September 2014 

Execute Grant Agreement with USDOT September/October 2014 

Airline Meetings October 2014 - February 2015 

Announce Service March 2015 

Publish Schedule March 2015 

Market/Advertise Route (Pre-Launch) April - June 2015 

Monitor Advance Bookings April - June 2015 

Adjust Marketing Plan Based on Advanced Bookings April - June 2015 

Begin Service July 2015 

Market/Advertise Route (Post-Launch) July 2015 and Beyond 

Monitor Route Performance July 2015 - July 2017 and Beyond 

Submit Grant Status Reports to USDOT Quarterly 3Q 2014 - 4Q 2017 
 

 12 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

Continuation of Project Activities Beyond the Grant Timeline 

The project sponsors are confident the proposed service will be successful, and the 

service would likely begin with one route, with a second route added once the first route 

proves to be successful. This optimism is based on the experience of Skybus service at 

Westover, and the amount of traffic carried from the region to leisure destinations and 

increasingly higher fare trends among the airlines providing service from other airports 

in the region, such as Hartford. A true low-cost alternative to the fare levels at Hartford, 

in particular, will drive traffic to the proposed service at Westover. 

Given the volatility of fuel costs and other factors beyond the control of the airline 

industry, the success of the proposed service cannot be assured. The Airport will work 

closely with the airline or airlines operating the proposed service throughout the grant 

period, and beyond the two-year grant period, to monitor both the amount of traffic and 

the average fares to ensure they are sufficient to sustain the service. In the event the 

service is not meeting the carrier's expectations, both the Westover Metropolitan Airport 

and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts are prepared to 

work with the carrier to address the carrier's concerns. Both project sponsors may be 

able to provide additional incentives and may be able to provide additional advertising 

and marketing, depending on the carrier's needs. 

 

Westover maintains low-cost terminal facilities that will 

be attractive to targeted carriers allowing for sustained 

service following the incentive period 
 

 13 Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Proposal Under SCASDP; Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113 

5. Designation of a Legal Sponsor Responsible for Administering 

the Program 

The Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation is the legal sponsor responsible 

for administering the proposed program, and the Westover Metropolitan Development 

Corporation is a government entity. 

Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation 

Westover Metropolitan Airport 

Allan W. Blair, President/CEO 

255 Padgette St. 

Chicopee, MA 01022 

413-593-5544 (office) 

Public-Private Partnership

The public-private partnership includes the Westover Metropolitan Development 

Corporation, Chicopee and affiliated Chambers of Commerce, Greater Springfield 

Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Western Massachusetts Economic 

Development Council, which is comprised of several leading businesses. Commercial 

air service would attract both business and leisure passengers and increase economic 

development activities via greater access to the community, more jobs at the airport, 

and lower fares to the traveling public (estimated at more than $6 million in savings 

annually). 

Financial Controls

As the sponsor, the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation and its governing 

body, the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation Board, will be the 

responsible parties for all fiscal matters and the Department's reporting requirements. 

The Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation is established as a non-profit 

501(c)(4) corporation and is a public governing body. As a public entity, the Department 

can be assured that proper financial controls are in place to guarantee that the 

Department’s Grant will be used in accordance with any subsequent agreement. The 

Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation Board understands that the Grant is a 

reimbursable grant, meaning the Board is responsible for program expenditures and will 

submit invoices to the Department for reimbursement, based on a percentage of the 

total grant request. 



July 29, 2014

Ms. Brooke Chapman, Associate Director

Small Community Air Service DevelopmentOffice of Aviation AnalysisU.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W-86-307

Washington, DC 20590-0001

Re: Docket DOT-OST-2014-0l 13

Dear Ms. Chapman:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Westover Metropolitan Development

Corporation (WMDC) to the Small Community Air Service Development Program.The Western Massachusetts Community surrounding Westeover is home to 32 universities and colleges

with 120,000 students which creates a substantial untapped travel market in our region. The return of ultra

low cost Air Service would promote a stonger civilian/Military joint use partnership of the airport and

further enhance the ecnomic impact brought to western Massachusetts for the benefit of the entire region.Working with the Gorvernor’s Military Taskforce in the continued effort to protect and preserve the

Westover Air Base/Metropolitan Airport’s annual $394 million dollar economic impact wth 5,300 jobs,

re-establishing Air Service would benefit regional travelers with reduced fares and enhance the

productivity of the airport.

I urge you to give their application your every consideration and keep me up-to-date on any updates

throughout the grant process.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Neal

Member of Congress

2208 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 300 STATE STREET SILvIO 0. C0NTE FEDERAL BUILDING

WASHINGTON, DC 20515 SuITE 200 78 CENTER STREET

(202) 225-5601 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01105 PITTSFIELD, MA 01201

(413) 785-0325 14131 442-0946

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER






July 25, 2014

Ms. Brooke Chapman, Associate Director

Small Community Air Service Development

Office of Aviation Analysis

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Room W-86-307

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB), I am writing today to support the 

$250,000 grant application being submitted by Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, the owner/operator of 

Westover Metropolitan Airport in Chicopee, MA, for the “Small Community Air Service Development Program” 

(SCASDP) Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113.

As an affiliate of the Economic Development Council of Western MA, our mission is to promote the Pioneer Valley of 

Western MA as a year-round destination for conventions, meetings, sports, group tour and leisure travel. By 

reintroducing commercial air service to the area, it will not only attract business, but will bring visitors to—and generate 

economic growth for—our local economy.

The Pioneer Valley region is the second-largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts. Westover Metropolitan Airport’s

strategic location between Boston, Albany, Hartford, and Brattleboro makes it an ideal location for visitors to access our 

one-of-a kind tourist attractions, first-class events, hotels, restaurants and shopping.

The Western Massachusetts community has lacked scheduled air service by an ultra-low cost carrier for more than six 

years, since the departure of Skybus. With the solicitation of a new low-cost air service provider via Allegiant Air and/or

Frontier Airlines, we will increase our ability to market the Pioneer Valley and enhance promotional opportunities in the 

future. 

Funding for this project will not only result in positive local economic development, but will stimulate leisure tourism and 

conventions and meetings in the Pioneer Valley of Western MA.

I respectfully request your favorable consideration of this grant application. 

Sincerely,

Mary Kay Wydra

President 
MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing designation for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives.

1295 State Street  Springfield, MA 01111-0001  (413) 788-8411

Roger W. Crandall

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

1295 State Street B101

Springfield, MA 01111-0001

Tel (413) 744-1606

rcrandall@massmutual.com

July 29, 2014

Ms. Brooke Chapman

Small Community Air Service Development

Office of Aviation Analysis

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Room W-86-307

Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Ms. Chapman,

I am writing to lend my support to Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation’s (WMDC) 

application for a $250,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program grant.

The grant would enable the WMDC to promote low-cost airline service out of Westover Metropolitan 

Airport in Chicopee, Mass., for the first time in six years. The funds would be used to market this 

much-needed service to the public and help ensure its success. 

Establishing this service with such possible carriers as Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines will provide 

residents with a convenient and affordable travel option, maximize the use and productivity of the 

airport, and drive business and tourism throughout Western Massachusetts. 

MassMutual is proud to have called Western Massachusetts home since our founding here 163 years 

ago. We are headquartered in nearby Springfield, Mass., and have more than 5,200 employees in this 

area. As one of the largest employers in the region, we have a long history of driving and supporting 

local economic development and know that offering flights with competitive fares will boost business 

in the area. 

In fact, the WMDC’s plan aligns perfectly with other efforts underway to improve access to Western 

Massachusetts and other points throughout New England. These projects include creating a regional 

transportation hub through the $81 million restoration of Springfield’s historic Union Station and 

building a commuter rail to connect New Haven and Hartford, Conn., to Springfield and other cities.

A low-cost airline service at Westover would be a benefit to our residents, our businesses, and our 

local economy. On behalf of MassMutual, I encourage you to approve this grant request and help the 

WMDC make a positive difference in the revitalization of the region. 

Sincerely,

 

Roger W. Crandall