THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo 

U.S. House ofRepres.entatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congresswoman Eshoo: 

Apri116, 2012 

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Thank you for your letter supporting the application of Virgin America, Inc., for four beyondperimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). If awarded 

those exemptions, Virgin America would provide two daily round-trip flights from DCA to 

San Francisco. 

Under authority granted in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, the 

U.S. Department of Transportation will be awarding to new entrant or limited incumbent 

carriers a total of eight slot exemptions at DCA, which would support four daily round trips. 

We received Virgin America's application on March 12, 2012. Other timely applicatiQns were 

received from Air Canada, proposing one round trip to Vancouver, ~ritish Columbia; Alaska 

Airlines, one round trip to Portland, Oregon, and one round trip to San Diego; Frontier Airlines, 

one round trip to Colorado Springs and beyond to San Diego~ JetBlue Airlines, one round trip to 

San Juan. Puerto Rico, and one round trip to Austin, Texas; Southwest Airlines, one rCimnd trip to 

Austin and San Diego beyond; and Sun Country Airlines, one round trip to Las Vegas. 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot comment on the merits ofthe points raised in your letter. 

However~ I can assure you that all applications the Department received will be given full and 

fair c.onsideration and will be evaluated against th.e selection criteria specified in the statute. 

The Department's action on this matter is be' 

allows all interested parties the opportunit 

placing a copy of your letter and this res 

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March 211 2012. 

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood1 Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

uoo New Jersey Avenue1 S. E. 

Washington1 D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood1 

l'm writing to express my support for Virgin America's proposal to provide non-stop service 

between San Francisco lnternationa[ Airport (SFO) and Reagan National Airport (DCA). 

As you know1 the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

authorized you to award four new 11slots11 between DCA and domestic airports located 

beyond the current 11250 mile perimeter limit. 1 urge you to consider the positive impact of 

aifocation of additional beyond perimeter slots to S FO to improve the connection between 

Washington D.C. and Silicon VaUey's powerful innovation-based economy. 

lt is my understanding that Virgin America is the only low cost carrier applying for slots 

between SFO and DCA1 and has bid for two daily round trip flights. This proposal would 

provide a competitive advantage for the consumer and will also guarantee that local 

consumers and businesses reap the benefit that competition provides. 

1 respectfully request that you give this project your highest consideration1 and l thank you in 

advance for your cooperation. 

Most gratefully1 

s 10-120329-013