### APPLICATION UNDER
SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
DOCKET DOT

- OST

- 2013

- 0120

SUMMARY INFORMATION (Note : Only blue shaded area s in Sections A

- L can be edited)

All applicants must submit this Summary Information schedule , as the application coversheet , a completed form SF424 and the full application proposal on http://www.grants.gov For your preparation convenience, this Summary Information Form is located at http://www.dot.gov/policy/aviatio n

- policy/small

- community

- rural

- air

- service/SCASDP

A. P ROVIDE THE LEGAL SPO NSOR AND ITS DUN AND BRADSTREET 

### (D&B) DATA UNIVERSAL

NUMBERING SYSTEM 

### (DUNS) NUMBER 

### , INCLUDING 

### +4, EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICAT ION NUMBER 

### (EIN) OR TAX ID


### .

Legal Sponsor Name:
DUNS Number
EIN/TIN

B. L IST THE 

### N AME OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM OF COM MUNITIES APPLYING 

### :
1.
2.
3.
4.

C

. P ROVIDE THE FULL AIRP ORT NAME AND 

### 3

- L ETTER 

### IATA A IRPORT 

### C ODE FOR THE

APPLICANT 

### ( S 

### ) AIRPORT 

### ( S 

### ) (O NLY PROVIDE CODES FO R THE AIRPORT 

### ( S 

### ) THAT ARE ACTUALLY

SEEKING SERVICE 

### ).
1.
2.
3.
4. Savannah Airport Commission
059534529000
58-6002854

Savannah, Georgia Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

### D. L IST THE 

### 2

- DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLIC ABLE TO THE SPONSORI NG

ORGANIZATION 

### , AND IF A CONSORTIUM 

### , TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY


### . 1.
2.
3.
4.

E. A PPLICANT 

### I NFORMATION 

### : (C HECK 

### A LL 

### T HAT 

### A PPLY 

### ) Not a Consortium Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium Community now receives subsidized Essential Air Service Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) Grant If previous recipient: Year (s) of grant(s):

F

. P UBLIC 

### /P RIVATE 

### P ARTNERSHIPS 

### : (L IST 

### O RGANIZATION NAMES 

### )

PUBLIC PRIVATE


### 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4.
5. 5.

G

. P ROJECT 

### P ROPOSAL 

### : ( CHECK ALL THAT APPLY 

### ) Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy Surface Transportation Regional Service Revenue Guarantee Launch New Carrier Start

- up Cost Offset First Service Study Secure Additional Service Other (describe)

H. E XISTING 

### L ANDING 

### A IDS AT 

### L OCAL 

### A IRPORT 

### : ( CHECK ALL THAT APPLY 

### )
Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach Localizer Other (specify) GA-01
SC-01



## ✔

✔

2003

Savannah Airport Commision Visit Savannah Savannah Economic Development Authority Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce Hilton Head Island Visitor and Convention Bureau



## ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

### I

. P ROJECT 

### C OST 

### : (O NLY ENTER DATA IN BLUE SHADED AREA S 

### )

L I NE 

### D ESCRIPTION 

### S UB 

### T OTAL 

### T OTAL 

### A MOUNT



### 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

- K ind contribution
5 a Airport In

- Kind contribution **
5b Other In

- Kind contribution **
5. TOTAL IN

- KIND CONTRIBUTION ( 5 a+ 5 b )
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. I S 

### T HIS 

### A PPLICATION 

### S UBJECT 

### T O 

### R EVIEW 

### B Y 

### S T ATE 

### U NDER 

### E XECUTIVE 

### O RDER 

### 12372

P ROCESS 

### ?

a. This application was made available to the s tate 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 s tate for review.

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

L

. I S 

### T HE 

### A PPLICANT 

### D ELINQUENT 

### O N 

### A NY 

### F EDERAL 

### D EBT 

### ? (I F 

### “Y ES 

### ”, P ROVIDE


### E XPLANATION 

### ) No Yes (explain) 500,000 0

300,000 600,000 900,000 1,400,000

1,165,060 0 1,165,060 2,565,060

5a. Airport Rents/Fees - $1,082,260 and Airport Advertising - $82,800. Source is Airport General Fund



## ✔

✔

# SAVANNAH HILTON HEAD

________ I N T E R N A T I 0 N A L

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

C H AIRMAN Sy l

veste r C. Formey

VICE-C H A I RMAN

Stephen 5. Green

COMM I SS I ONERS Shirley B. james Sheldon Tenenbaum Lois C. Wooten

LEGAL COUNSEL James B. Blackburn

EXECUT I VE DIRECTOR Patrick S. Graha m , A.A. E

.

A SS IS TANT EXEC UT IVE D I R E CT O R Gregory B. Ke ll y, A.A.E. 

### July 25, 2013

Brooke Chapman
, Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviat i on of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86-307

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120

Dear Ms. Chapman :

Enclosed you will find Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's 2013 Small Community Air Serv ic e Development Grant application

. The airport
, along with

our local partner s , i s seeking $500
, 000 in grant funding to help re-establish qua li ty l ow-fare air service to SAV. The grant would be u s ed to off s et s tartup and operational costs assoc i ated with initiation of new non s top s ervice to Boston.

Without a low cost carrier in the market
, airfares here are currently some of the highest in th e nation. The airport i s currently in di s cus s ions with JetBlue Airway s to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. A cro s s section of

s takeholders from both Georgia and South Caro lin a have teamed together and committed nearl y $2 million o v er two years to brin g JetBlue to SAV. Approximately half of the airport ' s traffic is bound for Savannah and C oa s ta l Georgia, while the other half is headed to Hilton Head Island and Southern South Caro lin a so stakeho ld ers from both communities recogni z e that SA V is the best gateway for low-fare s er v ice and jointly support this app lic ation

. The Convention and Visitor Bureau s in each market wi ll be activel y involved in the succe s s o f JetBlue at Savannah/Hi lt on Head Int e rnational.

Thank you in ad v ance for your consideration of our grant app li cation. We are certain that the addition of new l ow- fare service with JetBlue would have a significant impact on local tourism and regional economic development. 

# :% ¥

Greg Kell y Actin g Ex ecutiv e Dir e ctor

......._ ___ 400A I RWAYSAVE NU E • SAVA NN AH.GEORGIA314 0 8 • 912.964. 0 514 P • 9 1 2.964

. 0 877 F • WWW.SAVA NN A H A I R PO RT. CO M

# jetBLue ·

27-01 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101 jetblue.com

July 23, 2013



### Brooke Chapman Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86-307 202-366-0577

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the 15,000 Crewmembers of JetBlue Airways, I am writing to express JetBlue's interest in adding air service to Savannah (SAV) from Boston (BOS)

. JetBlue is currently considering non-stop service to Savannah from Boston's Logan airport, with the potential to begin service as early as Spring of 2014. Additionally, JetBlue is interested in establishing direct service to Savannah from New York City's John F. Kennedy airport as well.

I am confident that the market dynamics of Savannah will fit well with JetBlue's high quality, low fare air service and will drive significant increases in travel to Georgia's Southeast coast. In recent years, JetBlue has been able to enter markets and reduce fares while simultaneously increasing demand. After JetBlue established service from New York City (JFK) to Jacksonville FL (JAX) in June 2006, average fares dropped by 22% while daily passenger demand rose 43%. More recently, JetBlue has been very satisfied with the new direct service to Charleston, SC (CHS), which began in February 2013. It has already experienced the "JetBlue effect" of lowering fares while increasing demand. Our analysis indicates that Savannah holds similar new-market potential as Jacksonville and Charleston. I believe JetBlue can lower fares and increase demand on Savannah routes to Boston and New York, and I ask for your support in communicating JetBlue's interest in Savannah to your Board

.
I greatly appreciate your attention to this important subject. Thank you for your assistance and consideration.
Respectfully,

Scott Laurence Vice President Network Planning & Partnerships

# tl nitrd**totes rnetr** 

Ms. Brooke Chapman Associ at e Director WASHINGTON, DC 20510

.J uly 26, 20 1 3

Sma ll Community A ir Service Development Office of Aviation of Ana l ysis U.S. Department ofTransportation Room W86-307 1200 New J e r sey A venue , Southeast Washington, DC 20590

Re: CFDA: 20.930

Dear Ms. Chapman:

We are writing r ega rdin g the application subm itt ed by th e Sava nn a h / Hilton H ead In ternationa l Ai rport fo r the S mall Commun it y A ir Se r v ice D eve lopm e nt Pr og r am Grant adm ini s tered by the U .S. Department of T r anspor t a ti o n.

The Savannah/Hilton H ead In ternational Airport and its partners arc reque s ting grant funding to help offset ope rati o nal and startup costs asso ciated with bringing a n ew airl in e to the Savannah, G eorgia-Hilton Head Island. South Caro lina
, market. Thr ough thi s gran t. the Savannah/Hi lton He ad International Airport seeks t o s t imulate additional tou ri sm and jobs in th e region.

We would app r eciate yo ur revicvv of thi s gra nt application consis t ent w ith you r existing gu idelines and policies. If we can assist in any way

. please do n o t he s itate t o contac t u s.
Very truly yours. 

# £,**y** C h a mbli ss

# Savannah, Hilton Head & The Golden Isles

Application under the: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120
By the Savannah Airport Commission

For the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport

Congressional Districts: GA-1 and SC-1 Dun & Bradstreet Number: 059534529000 

# Savannah, Hilton Head & The Golden Isles

# Table of Contents

2 

## Executive Summary Regional Impact Savannah Tourism Profile Hilton Head Tourism Profile Golden Isles Tourism Profile Economic Potential is Limited by Air Service SAV Traffic Has Not Kept Pace The SAV Air Service Portfolio Limits Growth Impact of Low-Fares - The CHS Comparison Boston is an Ideal Low-Fare Market from SAV SAV is Ripe for Boston Service SAV Air Service Development Strategy Intensive Efforts to Improve SAV Air Service Incentive Proposal to JetBlue Local Commitment Program Details The Right Choice Appendix 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

# Executive Summary

3 

# Proposal The 750,000 residents of Savannah, Hilton Head Island and the entire Georgia Coastal region have been buffeted by the changing winds of the airline industry over the past decade. The departure of AirTran service to Atlanta (ATL) in 2005 had a devastating impact in the market. Airfares rose dramatically and traffic fell precipitously.
Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) was left with only high-fare air service on legacy carriers. Most of this service is operated primarily with regional jet equipment (RJ). As the cost of fuel increased late in the last decade, RJ economics deteriorated. As a result, SAV lost its nonstop air service to Boston (BOS) in 2009. At its peak in 2007, Boston provided 109 daily air passengers to SAV. Today that number is down nearly 30%.
Tourism has gained significant importance in the region over the past two decades. Nearly 13 million overnight visitors enjoy the region’s attractions annually. However, over 85% of those visitors arrive by car. This is a direct consequence of the lack of quality, low-fare service at SAV. This is particularly true of the Northeast U.S. markets that have traditionally been culturally attracted to the region’s tourism product.
A cross section of stakeholders from both Georgia and South Carolina have teamed together to address this service gap. They have committed nearly $2 million over two years to bring JetBlue to SAV. Active discussions are underway with the carrier to add SAV as a destination from its Boston hub, once again linking SAV with its third largest market.
While this grant application is specifically tied to Boston service, we anticipate that the carrier would also add additional low-fare service to other key points in its network at its own risk, using local incentives that adhere to FAA guidelines.
By awarding a Small Community Air Service Development grant to SAV, the Department of Transportation will help re-establish quality low-fare air service in the Savannah/Hilton Head market. This service will have a significant impact on local tourism and regional economic development.

We propose a $500,000 SCASD grant to fund operational expenses associated with year-round, once-daily JetBlue service in the Boston – Savannah/Hilton Head market. The community is prepared to provide an additional $2 million in local funding to ensure the success of the service.

# Our Proposal Has a Wide Regional Impact

4 This application aims to bring low-fare air service to the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). While SAV is the region’s primary airport, Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) and Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) also offer scheduled air service in the region. Over 750,000 people live in the total service area. Approximately half of the airport’s traffic is bound for Savannah and Coastal Georgia, while the other half is headed to Hilton Head Island and Southern South Carolina. SAV is truly a regional facility. The communities recognize that SAV is the best gateway for low-fare air service and jointly support this application. The Convention and Visitor Bureau in each market will be actively involved in the success of JetBlue at SAV.

## Top Ten Cities in the USA - Condé Nast Traveler Magazine October 2012 

## Top 10 Cities in the US and Canada - Travel + Leisure Magazine 

## The Best Places to Retire in 2012

– Forbes.com 

## 15 Coolest Cities in North America - MSN.com 

## Best Southern City

- Southern Living Magazine 

## Top 10 American Travel Destination - Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 

## 50 Great Cities to Visit in America - London Daily Telegraph

Source: Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau 

# Savannah Is One Of America’s Greatest Getaways

5 Savannah is a true getaway destination. Visitors tend to stay for a long weekend (3.2 nights on average) to enjoy the historical sights, unique shopping, and fine dining. To accommodate these visitors, Savannah offers over 15,000 hotel rooms . However, the region’s air service offering doesn’t keep pace. 

## 7.9 Million Annual Overnight Visitors



# Due to poor air access and high fares, only 15% of Savannah visitors arrive by air.Source: Hilton Head/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 

## Top 10 Islands of North America – Conde Nast Traveler 

## Top 10 Family Beach
– MSNBC.com 

## Top 10 Best Family Destinations
– Southern Living Magazine



## “Think top-of-the-line spas, world-class resorts, tennis courts and golf courses galore, upscale shopping, and snazzy restaurants....Hilton Head is a family-friendly destination with miles of uncrowded beaches -- The Miami Herald 

# Hilton Head Is One of America’s Top Beaches

6 The Hilton Head visitor product is different than Savannah’s. Hilton Head is a beach destination that offers leisure activities like golf and tennis. The area offers over 6,000 hotel rooms and rentable units. Visits tend to last longer (5.6 days on average). Hilton Head visitors are also very affluent. The Average Visitor Income is over $100,000. 

# Due to poor air access and high fares, only 13% of Hilton Head Island visitors arrive by air. 2.5 Million Annual Overnight Visitors

# The Golden Isles Are a Truly Unique Destination

A beach and golf paradise located midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, the Golden Isles are an American treasure.
Over 2 million annual visitors flock to five world-class resorts and over 70 hotels. All told, the Golden Isles boasts nearly 7,000 hotel rooms and 198 holes of golf. The typical visitor has a household income of $145,000. 77% are likely to return. Like Savannah and Hilton Head, Golden Isles visitors are overwhelmingly arriving by automobile today.

7 Sea Island Golf Club is rated #1 in the U.S. among the “World’s 50 Best Golf Hotels” by Golf Digest

# Economic Potential Is Limited by Air Service

8 Source: Diio Mi – U.S. DOT 10% Coupon Sample. 

### Top 25 Highest Domestic Airfares Among&the&largest&100&U.S.&Airports&for&YE&4Q12& Rank Market Avg. Fare 1 Memphis $305 2 Cincinnati $280 3 Tulsa $272 4 Dallas (DAL) $260 5 Charlotte $249 6 Birmingham $249 7 Louisville $247 8 Oklahoma City $246 9 Little Rock $244 10 Greenville-Spartanburg $244 11 Savannah $244 12 Knoxville $241 13 Pensacola $239 14 Greensboro $238 15 Madison $236 16 Charleston, SC $235 17 Cleveland $233 18 Nashville $230 19 Houston (IAH) $229 20 Richmond $225 21 El Paso $222 22 Des Moines $219 23 Houston (HOU) $219 24 Indianapolis $219 25 Columbus, OH $217

Note: Fares among top 100 U.S. domestic airports are stage-length

adjusted based on average 1,136-mile passenger haul length. 

### The Savannah/Hilton Head/Golden Isles region will never be able to reach its economic potential without significant improvements in inbound air service.
While high airfares are challenging in any market, they are particularly burdensome to a destination market like SAV.
With average roundtrip airfares in the $500 range, leisure visitors are priced out of the market . This is particularly true with a weekend getaway market like Savannah. The combination of high fares and poor nonstop service options pushes potential visitors to other destinations.

As a result , fewer than 15% of visitors to the Savannah/Hilton Head region arrive by air . This means that visitors from markets outside of a reasonable drive, like Boston, tend to dismiss the region as an option.
Much like the impact we are beginning to see in Charleston (SC) from JetBlue’s new service, we expect that the combination of lower fares and nonstop service will have a big impact on demand.



# Low-fare air service will have aparticularly strong impact in a leisureoriented market like SAV

### In terms of traffic, SAV has fared worse than other U.S. airports on average over the past decade. SAV saw relative success in the early 2000’s and again in 2006 was related to AirTran and Independence Air service that operated during those periods.
The AirTran service was particularly challenged by rising fuel prices and the post-9/11 security environment. Daily flights were offered only to AirTran’s Atlanta (ATL) hub. This service was highly disadvantaged due to the strong competitive response offered by Delta and the short 3.5 hour drive time, which discouraged air travel. Delta’s dominance in the SAV-ATL market was too much for AirTran, and it finally abandoned the market in 2008 for good.
Without AirTran to provide pricing discipline, air fares at SAV have risen rapidly. This has stifled demand and led to slower than average growth over the past five years.

The current air service environment at SAV is one of stagnation. Carriers report strong performance as the result of constrained capacity and high yields. They are not eager to expand their service offering. Without low-fare service, the market is destined to under-perform its potential.

!2.5%& !2.0%& !1.5%& !1.0%& !0.5%& 0.0%& 0.5%& 1.0%& 1.5%& 2.0%&Jun$03'Aug$03'Oct$03'Dec$03'Feb$04'Apr$04'Jun$04'Aug$04'Oct$04'Dec$04'Feb$05'Apr$05'Jun$05'Aug$05'Oct$05'Dec$05'Feb$06'Apr$06'Jun$06'Aug$06'Oct$06'Dec$06'Feb$07'Apr$07'Jun$07'Aug$07'Oct$07'Dec$07'Feb$08'Apr$08'Jun$08'Aug$08'Oct$08'Dec$08'Feb$09'Apr$09'Jun$09'Aug$09'Oct$09'Dec$09'Feb$10'Apr$10'Jun$10'Aug$10'Oct$10'Dec$10'Feb$11'Apr$11'Jun$11'Aug$11'Oct$11'Dec$11'Feb$12'Apr$12'Jun$12' 

### 10!Year&SAV&Annualized&Traffic&Change&Versus&U.S.&Airports&&

USA' SAV'

Source:& Diio Mi 

# SAV Traffic Has Not Kept Pace

9

# The SAV Air Service Portfolio Limits Growth

10 Source: Diio Mi – Schedule Extract (June 2013). Cxr Dest Roundtrips Daily Outbound Seats Seats/Dep AA DFW 2.9 145 50 DL ATL 9.8 1,269 129 DL DTW 1.0 66 68 DL LGA 2.7 194 72 UA EWR 2.2 110 50 UA IAD 3.6 181 50 UA IAH 1.2 60 50 UA ORD 2.4 123 52 US CLT 8.7 649 75 US DCA 2.3 116 51 US PHL 1.6 114 70 Total 38.3 3,025 79



### Currently, SAV offers air service exclusively to legacy airline hubs. Despite the strong leisure attraction of the region, there is no low-fare or point-to-point service offered. This compares unfavorably to competitive markets like Charleston, SC (CHS) and Myrtle Beach (MYR), both of which offer an extensive array of diverse air service.



## Similar Markets Have a Proven History with Low-Fare Carriers

Both CHS and MYR have had recent
success in attracting quality low-fare and point-to-point service. In fact, JetBlue’s new success in the Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK) markets has prompted their interest in SAV.

# Impact of Low-Fares - The CHS Comparison

We expect that JetBlue service at SAV will have an impact similar to that seen when JetBlue and Southwest Airlines recently entered the Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) market.
The Savannah/Hilton Head/Golden Isles market offers a tourism product comparable to what Charleston offers. The regions attract a similar visitor demographic. But, significantly, the SAV market area actually offers more tourism potential. The Savannah/Hilton Head/ Golden Isles region has over 25,000 hotel rooms, while the Charleston market area offers just over 18,000.
Until 2007, SAV and CHS supported roughly similar amounts of passenger traffic. As the recession and industry restructuring set in, SAV began to fall behind. However, the biggest impact came in 2011 when Southwest Airlines introduced low-fare service at CHS. JetBlue followed suit in 2013.
Now we see a distinct separation between the markets. SAV fares are now higher, and the gap is growing. At the same time, we’ve seen CHS traffic grow while SAV’s has flat-lined.

11 2,172%% 2,247%% 2,636%% 2,795%% 2,664%% 2,471%% 2,537%% 2,607%% 2,542%% 2,562%% 2,417%% 2,180%% 2,095%% 2,099%% 2,170%% 2,163%% 2,117%% 2,124%% 2,022$$ 2,081$$ 2,163$$ 2,180$$ 2,406$$ 2,759$$ 2,800$$ 2,611$$ 2,542$$ 2,968$$ 3,168$$ 3,061$$ 2,911$$ 2,890$$ 2,785$$ 2,712$$ 3,004$$ 3,352$$ 3,449$$ 3,420$$

0$$ 1,000$$ 2,000$$ 3,000$$ 4,000$$2002$2003$2003$2003$2003$2004$2004$2004$2004$2005$2005$2005$2005$2006$2006$2006$2006$2007$2007$2007$2007$2008$2008$2008$2008$2009$2009$2009$2009$2010$2010$2010$2010$2011$2011$2011$2011$2012$2012$2012$2012$ 

### Savannah%versus%Charleston%Passenger%Trends% (four&quarter&rolling&total&daily&passengers&each&way)&

Savannah% Charleston%

Source: Diio Mi – U.S. DOT 10% Coupon Sample. $137%% $142%% $143%% $142%% $156%% $180%% $182%% $177%% $181%% $187%% $193%% $196%% $206%% $211%% $224%% $235%% $240%%

$183%% $184%% $179%% $184%% $174%% $160%% $167%% $195%% $212%% $214%% $207%% $190%% $187%% $196%% $189%%

$180%% $198%% $218%% $207%% $210%% $215%%

$130%% $180%% $230%%2002%2003%2003%2003%2003%2004%2004%2004%2004%2005%2005%2005%2005%2006%2006%2006%2006%2007%2007%2007%2007%2008%2008%2008%2008%2009%2009%2009%2009%2010%2010%2010%2010%2011%2011%2011%2011%2012%2012%2012%2012% 

### Savannah%versus%Charleston%Average%Fare%Trends% (four&quarter&rolling&total&average&daily&fares&each&way)&

Savannah% Charleston%

### 12 Source: Diio Mi – U.S. DOT 10% Coupon Sample. 

# Boston Is an Ideal Low-Fare Market from SAV

Boston is the perfect market to launch low-fare service from SAV. It ranks as SAV’s third largest O&D market , even without nonstop service. In fact, Boston is currently SAV’s largest unserved market

. JetBlue's model is ideally suited for the BOS-SAV market. The carrier’s BOS network is built on a low-fare, point-to-point model while still providing network connectivity to itself and a growing list of foreign partners. JetBlue’s reputation as a quality low-fare carrier with excellent customer service is a good fit with the up-market visitor typically attracted to Savannah, Hilton Head and the Golden Isles. Top 10 SAV Domestic Markets YE 4Q2012

Rank Name PDEWs RDEW Avg. Fare 1 New York (LGA) 121.0 $22,158 $183
2 Philadelphia 86.4 $14,185 $164 3 Boston 76.0 $13,418 $177
4 Chicago (ORD) 73.4 $15,074 $205

5 Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) 62.3 $13,488 $217

6 Atlanta 60.6 $9,005 $149
7 Newark 60.4 $12,515 $207
8 Denver 53.7 $8,930 $166
9 Washington (DCA) 49.7 $8,252 $166
10 Los Angeles 48.6 $11,918 $245 44 New York (JFK) 12.6 $2,260 $180

0.0## 20.0## 40.0## 60.0##2004$Q1$2004$Q2$2004$Q3$2004$Q4$2005$Q1$2005$Q2$2005$Q3$2005$Q4$2006$Q1$2006$Q2$2006$Q3$2006$Q4$2007$Q1$2007$Q2$2007$Q3$2007$Q4$2008$Q1$2008$Q2$2008$Q3$2008$Q4$2009$Q1$2009$Q2$2009$Q3$2009$Q4$2010$Q1$2010$Q2$2010$Q3$2010$Q4$2011$Q1$2011$Q2$2011$Q3$2011$Q4$2012$Q1$2012$Q2$2012$Q3$2012$Q4$ 

### SAV*BOS#Capacity#Trends# (rolling(four(quarters(each(way)(

Onboard$Pax$Each$Way$ Daily#Seats#Each#Way# 

### Delta served the SAV-BOS market beginning early 2004, beginning with weekend service. In 2006, the service became daily on 50-seat regional jet aircraft. In 2008, the service was hit with a triple-blow. Delta de-emphasized its BOS operation, the economy entered into a major recession and the price of fuel spiked. At 901 miles, the SAV-BOS was now beyond the economical operating range of the 50-seat RJ and service was discontinued. Demand barely wavered, however, as is noted on the following page.

### 13 Source: Diio Mi – U.S. DOT 10% Coupon Sample. 

# SAV Is Ripe for Boston Service

Since Delta ended its regional jet service in the market in 2007, we’ve seen average fares rise from $130 each way to over $170

.

At the peak of Delta’s once-daily regional jet service, the market was producing 109 PDEW and record industry revenues approaching $15K per day. Since then, rising fares have led to an environment where the market again generates $15K per day, but on no nonstop service and 33 fewer PDEW

.

$50$$ $70$$ $90$$ $110$$ $130$$ $150$$ $170$$ $190$$2004$Q1$2004$Q2$2004$Q3$2004$Q4$2005$Q1$2005$Q2$2005$Q3$2005$Q4$2006$Q1$2006$Q2$2006$Q3$2006$Q4$2007$Q1$2007$Q2$2007$Q3$2007$Q4$2008$Q1$2008$Q2$2008$Q3$2008$Q4$2009$Q1$2009$Q2$2009$Q3$2009$Q4$2010$Q1$2010$Q2$2010$Q3$2010$Q4$2011$Q1$2011$Q2$2011$Q3$2011$Q4$2012$Q1$2012$Q2$2012$Q3$2012$Q4$ 

## SAV,BOS$Average$Fare$Trends$

Average$Fare$(Actual)$ Average$Fare$(Rolling$Annual$Total)$

92.4%% 92.5%% 91.2%% 92.4%% 93.6%% 98.3%% 103.6%% 108.8%% 102.8%% 90.2%% 80.1%% 68.6%% 69.2%% 72.5%% 72.7%% 71.6%% 74.9%% 76.2%%
$0%% $5%% $10%% $15%% $20%%

0%% 50%% 100%% 150%%2004$Q1$2004$Q2$2004$Q3$2004$Q4$2005$Q1$2005$Q2$2005$Q3$2005$Q4$2006$Q1$2006$Q2$2006$Q3$2006$Q4$2007$Q1$2007$Q2$2007$Q3$2007$Q4$2008$Q1$2008$Q2$2008$Q3$2008$Q4$2009$Q1$2009$Q2$2009$Q3$2009$Q4$2010$Q1$2010$Q2$2010$Q3$2010$Q4$2011$Q1$2011$Q2$2011$Q3$2011$Q4$2012$Q1$2012$Q2$2012$Q3$2012$Q4$ 

## SAV1BOS%Demand%&%Revenue%Trends% (rolling(four(quarters(each(way)(

Passengers%Each%Way% Revenue$Each$Way$(Thousands)$ 

### Top Unserved Domestic Markets from BOS

Rank Market PDEW 1 Honolulu 98.6 2 Sacramento 89.5 3 Albuquerque 87.9 4 Savannah 76.0 YE4Q2012 

### SAV is the fourth largest domestic O&D market from BOS with no nonstop service . The three larger markets are all significantly longer in stage length from BOS. Boston is ready to be reconnected to Savannah/Hilton Head.

# SAV Air Service Development Strategy

Our Air Service Development Strategy consists of three key attributes.

• Retention and development of existing hub service.

– SAV enjoys robust hub service from the Big 4 network carriers. However, the vast majority of flights are on uncomfortable, and uneconomical, regional jet equipment.

– Our efforts focus on increasing both the size of aircraft and the number of flights offered to key hubs.



### • Recruitment of low-fare, networked air service.

– We’ve put significant effort into obtaining low-fare service that connects to a broader network.

– We are disadvantaged by the extensive presence of such service to the north in Charleston (CHS) and to the south in Jacksonville (JAX).

– Given the strength of their network in Boston, New York, and South Florida, JetBlue has been our primary target since 2010. These markets are some of the most under-served, highest-potential markets from SAV.

• Low-fare and legacy carrier point-to-point route development.

– As a high-profile leisure destination, Savannah/Hilton Head has the potential to support inbound point-to-point service.

– While markets like Boston are obvious, smaller markets such as the type Allegiant serves could also be successful.

14 Retention and development of existing hub service. Recruitment of lowfare, networked air service Low-fare and legacy carrier point-to-point

route development

# Intensive Efforts to Improve SAV Air Service

SAV has had active and on-going Air Service Development underway for over a decade. In fact, we were one of the first airports of our size to have a full-time Director of Air Service Development. Today, ASD activities are coordinated in-house by a staff of two. Staff efforts are complemented by a contracted ASD consulting firm, Ailevon, LLC.
In the past year, we have made detailed market presentations and service proposals to Allegiant Travel Company, Porter Airlines, Silver Airways, United Airlines, and WestJet at their headquarters.
We’ve attended four major air service conferences, where we’ve met with over 15 carriers. We were also the host city for the well-established Airport Roundtable Conference in late 2012. We welcomed network planners from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Silver Airways to Savannah at that event.
During the remainder of 2013, we plan on attending the Routes World Conference in Las Vegas as well as at least one Airport Roundtable Conference. And most relevantly, we plan a follow-up visit with JetBlue in August 2013 to further explore the opportunities that SAV has to offer.

15 

## JetBlue is the Ideal Partner for SAV

JetBlue has been the top focus of our efforts for the past several years. We first visited with them at their headquarters in Summer 2010. Since then, we’ve been working to impress upon them the natural fit SAV is to their network.

JetBlue’s network strength lies in three predominate market segments:

• Boston – Business and Leisure travelers

• New York – Leisure and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travelers

• Florida/Caribbean – Leisure and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travelers
We’ve long argued that the Savannah/Hilton Head visitor profile matches up well with the JetBlue customer demographic. And JetBlue’s key markets, including Florida, are also key markets for our region. In fact, New York City ranks #1 and Boston ranks #3 among SAV’s top O&D markets.

# SAV Proposes a $2.57 Million Package to JetBlue

The total budget for this two-year incentive program is $2.57 million.

Discussions with JetBlue indicated their desire to r e d u c e c a p i t o l a n d operational expenses as much as possible during the start-up period.

A Revenue Guarantee was not deemed necessary. Therefore, our focus is on cost reduction and marketing support.

16 

### The community partners have allocated $600,000 over the two-year period to market JetBlue service in the origin markets. Our partners understand that awareness will be a key component in the success of this market. A significant amount of money has been allocated in recognition that the Boston media market is quite expensive and will require a robust investment. This destination marketing program will be administered by Visit Savannah and the Hilton Head Island Visitors Convention Bureau.
In-kind marketing incentives will be focused on the local market. ! Capitol start-up expenses, including space build-out and equipment. ! Waived airport rent for two years, including ticket counter, office , baggage make-up, common-areas, and gate holdroom space. ! Waived landing and fuel flowage fees for Boston service.
! Below-the-wing ground handling of all Boston service.
! Terminal Mobility Services, including sky cap and wheelchair service. ! Hotel accommodations for overnight crew members.
! Cash marketing dollars to be focused on building inbound visitation.
! In-Kind marketing to be focused on the local market. 

## Summary of Cost-Related Incentives

Summary of Marketing Incentives Two-Year JetBlue Boston Incentive Summary Based on one daily E-190 flight

Cost-Related Incentives Years 1 & 2 Airport Rent & Fees $1,244,060 Below-Wing Ground Handling $358,000 Terminal Mobility Services $72,000 Crew Accomodations $158,000 Total Cost-Related Incentives $1,832,060

Marketing Incentives Years 1 & 2 Cash Marketing $650,000 In-Kind Marketing $83,000 Total Marketing Incentives $733,000

Total Two-Year Incentive $2,565,060

# Nearly $2 Million in Local Commitment

Our application represents a broad coalition of regional partners dedicated to the long-term success of low-fare air service at SAV. The partners have combined to contribute nearly $2 million over the two-year start-up period, including $600,000 in community cash.

17 

### Community cash contribution amounts to $600,000. This constitutes a 120% match of the proposed SCASD grant. The Savannah Airport Commission will also contribute over $1.3 million in Operational and Marketing funding consistent with D.O.T. guidelines. 

## A Significant Investment in both Operations and Marketing Two-Year JetBlue Incentive Program Cash Funding Sources

Funding Sources Savannah Airport Commission Savannah Chamber of Commerce Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Visit Savannah Hilton Head Island Visitors and Convention Bureau U.S.D.O.T. SCASD Grant Total
Two-Year JetBlue Incentive Program In-Kind Funding Sources

Funding Sources Savannah Airport Commission Savannah Chamber of Commerce Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Visit Savannah Hilton Head Island Visitors and Convention Bureau U.S.D.O.T. SCASD Grant Total
Total Program Funding Two-Year JetBlue Incentive Program Cash Funding Sources

Total $300,000 $50,000 $250,000 $200,000 $100,000 $500,000 $1,400,000
Two-Year JetBlue Incentive Program In-Kind Funding Sources

Total $1,165,060 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,165,060
$2,565,060



### Two-Year JetBlue Incentive Program Summary

Fund Uses Community Cash Community In-Kind Airport Cash Airport In-Kind SCASD Grant Total Operations $250,000 $0 $0 $1,082,260 $500,000 $1,832,260 Marketing $350,000 $0 $300,000 $82,800 $0 $732,800 Total $600,000 $0 $300,000 $1,165,060 $500,000 $2,565,060 Operations Includes: Includes waived fees, terminal use, below-wing ground handling and miscellaneous expenses associated with BOS service

# Program Details

18 The Savannah Airport Commission, operator of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, will be the lead agency responsible for the implementation and administration of this program. 

## Administration of the Program

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is ready to implement this program immediately upon agreement with JetBlue. We are involved in ongoing discussions with the carrier. We anticipate that the service would begin no earlier than Spring 2014. 

## Timeline

The success of this program will be measured primarily by the inauguration of JetBlue service in the Boston-Savannah/Hilton Head market. We anticipate that this service will lead to improvements in the following metrics by the end of the two-year implementation period: 1. O&D traffic growth in the BOS-SAV market of at least 50%. 2. Average Fare reduction in the BOS-SAV market of at least 20%. 3. At least 200 additional daily seats offered by JetBlue to markets other than BOS. 4. Overall capacity increase at SAV of at least 15%. 5. Overall average fare reduction at SAV of 15%. 

## Goals/Measure of Success

# The Right Choice

19 

## Our application meets all of the Priority Selection Criteria set out in the solicitation.

1. Air fares are higher than the national average air fares for all communities.
! SAV air fares are amongst the highest in the nation.

2. The community or consortium will provide a portion of the cost of the activity from local sources other than airport revenue sources. ! Community agencies across two states are contributing a 120% match of our grant request amount of $500,000

3. The community or consortium has established or will establish a publicprivate partnership to facilitate air carrier service to the public. ! The $600,000 budget for destination marketing will be administered by a public-private partnership consisting of the Savannah Airport Commission, Visit Savannah, the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, and the Hilton Head Island Visitors and Convention Bureau.

4. The assistance will provide material benefits to a broad segment of the traveling public, including businesses, educational institutions, and other enterprises, whose access to the national air transportation system is limited. ! The Savannah/Hilton Head region has been subject to some of the nation’s highest air fares since 2007. As a result, potential travelers have been shut out of the air transportation system. This includes not only visitors, but residents as well. This JetBlue service proposal is the first step to a more robust low-fare network from SAV.

5. The assistance will be used in a timely manner. ! This project has been coordinated with our partner carrier. We anticipate that we would be able to implement new service as early as Spring 2014.

6. Multiple communities cooperate to submit a regional or multistate application to consolidate air service into one regional airport . ! While this proposal doesn’t consolidate all air service into one regional airport, it is an acknowledgement by the communities that certain types of air service are best focused on one central airport.

# Letters of Support

Lori Lynah Director of Marketing & Air Service Development Savannah/Hilton Head International (912)964-0514 ext. 3304 - Office (912)313-1332 - CellJACK KINGSTON 1st District, Georgia

WASHINGTON OFFICE 2372 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-5831 (202) 226-2269 FAX

BRUNSWICK OFFICE 1510 Newcastle Street Suite 200 Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 265-9010 

# Q:ongrrss of thr tfinittd**~tatrs** ittOUS£ 

# of 'RQJf£SrntatiO£S

(912) 265-9013 FAX 

### July 25, 2013

Ms. Brooke Chapman Associate Director, Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Room W86-307 Washington, DC 20590

Dear Ms. Chapman, Committee On Appropriations Chairman, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Defense Subcommittee State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies Subcommittee

SAVANNAH OFFICE One Diamond Causeway, Suite 7 Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 352-0101 (912) 352-0105 FAX



### I am pleased to support the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's request for the Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has a huge impact on our local community, and they are a key economic driver in my district. Supporting the Airport's objective of attracting affordable air service to our region will benefit both Georgia and South Carolina.

The airport is currently in discussions with JetBlue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. The presence of a new airline at Savannah/Hilton Head International would go far in satisfying the needs of residents and visitors alike and would have a positive effect on Georgia, South Carolina, and the surrounding communities. The SCASD grant would help offset the cost of bringing a new airline to our region, benefitting tourism, commerce, and regional economic development.

I hope that you will give the Airport's application for this grant the full consideration it deserves. It is crucial that all communities have access to a national air transportation system with competitive options without compromising airfares. This effort to improve our local air service will benefit businesses and leisure travelers alike. Should you need any additional information, please contact Elizabeth King in my Washington office at (202) 225-5831.

Sincerely,

/'" Jac (_

_ Me



# - Kingston

er of Congress

### The State Senate Atlanta, Georgia 3

July 25, 2013

Ms. Brooke Chapman Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86

- 307
Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT

- OST

- 2013

- 0120
Dear Ms. Chapman:
I am pleased to support the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport’s request for the Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Ser vice Development Program Grant. Supporting the Airport’s objective of attracting affordable air service to our region will benefit both Savannah and the surrounding area’s tourism and economic growth.
The airport is currently in discussions with JetBlue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. The presence of a new airline at SAV would play a major role in satisfying the needs of residents and visitors alike and would have a positive effect on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding communities.
I hope that the highest consideration will be given to the Airport’s application for this grant in an effort to improve our local air service for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike. It is crucial that all communities have ac cess to a national air transportation system with competitive options without compromise by higher average airfares when compared to other communities.
Respectfully,

Dr. Lester G. Jackson, III State Senator, District 2 COMMITTEES: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Economic Development Health & Human Services Higher Education

Urban Affairs DR. LESTER G. JACKSON III DEMOCRATIC DEPUTY WHIP Senator, Dist rict 2 1501 Abercorn Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Tel: (912) 233

- 3345
206 Washington Street, S.W. Suite 432 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Tel: (404) 463

- 5261 Fax: (404) 463

- 5547

E

- mail: lester.jackson@senate.ga.govEdna Branch Jackson Mayor 

### July 23, 2013

Ms. Brooke Chapman Associate Director- Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Room W86-307 Washington, DC 20590

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the City of Savannah, I am pleased to support the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's request for the D epa rtment of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. Supporting the airport's objective of attracting affordable air service to our region will benefit both Georgia and South Carolina's tourism and economic growt h.

While our reg ion has seen positive growth in job s and capito l investment, airline mergers and realignments have left Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport without a low cost carrier. As a result, airfares here are some of the highest in the nation. The airport i s currently in discussions with JetBlue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head Int ernat ional. We fully support the a irport's grant appl ic at ion for the purpose of offsetting startup and operational costs associated with brin g ing in a new airline.

I hope that the highest consideration will be g iv e n to the Airport's app li cation for this grant in an effort to improve our local a ir service for the benefit of business and leisure travelers a lik e. It is crucial that a ll communities have access to a national air transportation system with competitive options without compromise by higher average airfares when compared to other comm unities.

S inc ere l y,

Edna B. J ac so n Mayor

ejackson@savannahga

. gov • P.O. Box 1027 • Savannah, Georgia 31402 • (912) 651-6444 • Fax (912) 651-6805

# S VISIT 

# AVANNAH

EST.

# 1733**~.,** July 24, 2013

Ms. Brooke Chapman, Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86- 307

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the Visit Savannah Board of Directors and the entire Savannah-area hospitality and tourism industry, I am pleased to support the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's request for the Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. Supporting the Airport's objective of attracting new, affordable air service to our region will benefit Savannah's overall community and future economic prosperity.

The Airport is currently in discussions with JetBlue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. The presence of a new airline at SAV would play a major role in satisfying the needs of residents and visitors alike and would have an extremely positive impact on the metro Savannah region.

I encourage and ask that the highest consideration be given to the Airport's application for this grant in an effort to improve our local air service. 

### It is crucial that all communities have access to
a national air transportation system with competitive options without compromise by higher average airfares when compared to other communities.

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,

Joseph Marinelli President

C: Greg Kelly, Executive Director, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Bill Hubbard, CEO, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Trip Tollison, CEO, Savannah Economic Development Authority Scott Snipes, Chairman, Visit Savannah Board of Directors



## Vis itSava n na h .com

101 East Bay Street 

### I Savannah, Ga 31401 

### I P 912.644.6401 F 912.644.6499 1 1.877.SavannahJuly 23
, 2013 HILTON HEAD ISLAND • BLUFF TON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Brooke Chapman
, Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportat i on 1200 New Jersey Ave.
, SE Room W86-307 Washington, DC 20590

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the Hilton Head Is land

- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I urge you to support the Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport ' s request for the Department of Transportation ' s Small Commun i ty Air Service Development Program Grant. Tourism is not only our Island ' s number one industry; it i s also the number one economic driver for the State of South Carolina. Affordable ai r service i s crucial to maintaining the strength of tourism in our area and economic growth.

The airport is currently in discussions with JetBiue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. The presence of a new airline at SAV would play a major role in satisfying the needs of residents and visitors alike and would have a positive effect on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding communities. Throughout the years the airport has been a partner in promoting tourism to the area and we are pleased to partner in this effort to recruit new air service.

I hope that the highest consideration will be given to the airport ' s application for this grant in an effort to improve our local air service for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike

. It is crucial that all communities have access to a national air transportation system with competitive options without compromise by higher average airfares when compared to other communities

. The addition of a new low cost carrier to the region will enhance air service currently available in the market by expanding competition among carriers.
Sincerely yours ,

# v~**~** 

# t

·!l1;xWilliam G. Miles
, 10M
, CCE President & CEO

WGM/ck

PO BOX 5647 HILTON HEAD ISLAND
, SC 29938 TF 1 800 523 3373 P 843 785 3673 F 843 785 7110 E INFO @ HILTONHEADISLAND.ORG WWW.HILTONH E ADI5 L AND.ORG**t:~o<r ~**  , L "'"' > l**~" '**  o ACCREDITED
2000**~** 2006 <iNati.orta.f el\.a m

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## of tl\.e**~ea'L** 

### * * * *

### WORLD TRADE CENTER 

### SAVANNAH

a d1v

....... , of f1e :c. annah Ec onon.-: Deve tr;. 4 :nt A u: ht ' 1t y

July 24, 2013

Brooke Chapman Associate Director Small Commun i t y Ai r Service Development O

f fice of Av i ation of Analysis U.S. Department of T r ansportat i on 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86

- 307

Re: Small Community Air Service Development P r og r am Docke t DOT-OST-2013-0 1 20

Dear Ms

. Chapman:

World Tra d e Center Savannah is p l eased to offer its strong support of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's applicat i on for the Department of Transpo r tation's Small Communi t y A i r Service Developmen t Program Gran t.

As a regional center for logist i cs, manufactur i ng, mi li tary operations and tou r ism, t h e Savannah/Hi l t on Head are a 's air service qua l ity and pric i ng i s of cr i tica l stra t egic importance not only locally but n ationally, and wi t ho u t a l ow cos t carrier, we are at a d i sadvantage.

We fully support t he Airport's effort to rig h t this i mbalance through the secur i ng of an appropria t e air service prov i d er and respectfu ll y as k that you p l ease approve their request for this grant.

r an

# Sincere**~g ~** 

p era · Officer and Vice President

CC: Greg Kelly

P

. O. Box 128 (31402) 131 Hutchinson Island Road
, 4th Floor Savannah
, Georg i a 31421 USA PROSPERITY THROUGH TRADE " T +1.912.447

. 9707 F + 1.91 2 .447.8455 wN· : ·. w tcsavannah. o rgJuly 24, 2013

Brooke C h apman Associ at e Director SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

WWW.SEDA.ORG

Small Community Air Service Developmen t Office of Aviation of Analys i s U.S. Departme n t o f Transpor t at i on 1200 New Je r sey Ave., SE Washing t on, DC 20590 Room W86-307

Re: Small Community Air S er vice Dev e lopm e n t Program Docket DOT-OS T

- 2 013-0 12 0

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behal f o f the Savannah Economic Development Authority Board of Directors, I am pleased to support t he Savannah/Hilton Head Internationa l Airport ' s r equest for the Department of Transportat i on's Small Communi t y Air Service Deve l opment Program Grant. Supporting the airpo r t's objective of att r ac t ing a ff o r dable air se r vice to o u r region will b enefit both Georg i a an d South Caro l ina's tourism and economic growt h

.

Whi l e our reg i on has seen pos i tive g r owt h in jobs a n d capital investment, air l ine mergers and realignments have l eft Savannah/ H i l ton H ead International Airport without a l ow cost carr i e r

. As

a r esult, airfares here are some of the hi ghest in t h e nation

. The airport is current l y in d i scuss i ons with J e t B iue Airways to b rin g service to Sava n na h /H i l t on Hea d I nternational. We f ully support t he airport's grant appl i cation for the purpose of offsetting startup and ope r a t ional costs associa te d with bringing in a new airline.

I hope t hat t he highest consideration will be given to the A i rpor t 's appl i catio n for this grant in an
e f fort to improv e our local air service for the be n efit of bus i ness and leisure travele r s alike. It i s cruci a l that al l communities have a c cess t o a na t ional ai r t ransporta t ion system with competitive options wit h o u t compromise by higher average a i rfa r es when com p ared to other commun i ties.

Since r ely,

Hugh "Trip" Tol li son President and CEO

C

C: Greg Kelly

Ph : 912.447.8450 I : 912.447.8455
\1Jiling AdJn:'>'- P.O. Box 128 Savannah, GA 3 1 402-0128

PhnicJI AJJn:'>'> 131 Hutchinson Island Road, 4th Floor Savannah, GA 31421

# SAVANNAH AREA CHAMBER 

# of COMMERCE

101 East Bay Street 

## I Savannah, GA 314011 P.O. Box 1628 (31402-1628) SavannahChamber.com 

## I 912.644.6400

July 23, 2013

Ms. Brooke Chapman Associate Director Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Room W86-307

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120

Dear Ms. Chapman:

I am pleased to support Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in its effort to acquire the Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. I have long supported the Airport's objective of attracting affordable air service to our community, and the $500,000 SAV is seeking would be an important tool in securing a commitment for new service.

The airport is currently in discussions with JetBiue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. The presence of JetBiue would play a major role in satisfying the needs of residents and visitors alike. This financial grant would be used to help offset startup costs of bringing in a new carrier to the airport. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce stands behind the efforts to recruit new air service, and recognize that the addition of JetBiue would be a valuable asset to future business and tourism growth.

I ask that the highest consideration be given to Savannah/Hilton Head International's application for this grant to improve our local air service for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike.

William W. Hubbard President and CEO t..

Visit Savannah· Ambassadors Council· CEO Council• Forward Savannah Task Force· Governmental Affairs Council Greater Savannah Sports Council• LaunchSAVANNAH • Leadership Savannah • Manufacturers Council• Military Affairs Council Owners Council • PR Council· Small Business Council· Trustees Council• Tybee Island Tourism Council• Workforce Development Council

# CHAIRMAN oF CouNTY CoMMISSIONERS

Albert J. Scott Chairman 

# ®

July 24, 2013

Brooke Chapman, Assistant Director Small Community Air Ser v ice Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U.S

. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington
, DC 20590 Room W86- 3 07

Re: Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST

- 2013-0120

Dear Ms. C hapman: Chatham County Courthous e Post Office Box 8161 Suite 210- 124 Bull Street Savannah, Georgia 31412

(912) 652-7878 (912) 652-7880- fax



### I a m plea se d to support the Sava nnah / Hilton Head International Airport's reque s t for the Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program G rant. Supporting the Airport's objective of attracting affordab le air service to our region will benefit both Savannah and the surrounding area's tourism and economic growth

.

The airport is currently in discus s ion s with Je tB lue Airways to bring serv ic e to Savannah / Hilton Head International. The presence of a n ew airline at SA V would play a major role in sat i s fying the n ee d s of residents and visitors alike and would have a positive effect on Hilton Head Island

a nd the surrounding communitie s.

I hope that th e highest consideration will be given to the Airport's application for this gra nt in

an effort to improve our local a ir serv ice for th e benefit ofbusiness and leisure travelers alike. It 

### is crucial that a ll communities have access to a national air tran sporta tion system w ith competitive options without compromise by hi ghe r ave ra ge airfares when compared to other communities

. Sincerely,

Albert J. 

### Scott, Chairman Chatham Co unty Commission

# WE ._ 

# Jo lS SCREVEN Co NTY 101 S. Main Street 

# U Sylvania, GA 30467 

## DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (912) 564-7850

Brooke Chapman Associate Director www

. screyencountydeyelopmentauthority.com

Small Community Air Service Development Office of Aviation of Analysis U

. S

. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington
, DC 20590 Room W86

- 307

Re : Small Community Air Service Development Program Docket DOT-OST-2013-0120

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the Screven County Development Authority, I am pleased to support the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's request for the Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. Supporting the airport ' s objective of attracting affordable air service to our region will benefit both Georgia and South Carolina's tourism and economic growth.

While our region has seen positive growth in jobs and capitol investment, airline mergers and realignments have left Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport without a low cost carrier. As a result
, airfares here are some of the highest in the nation

. The airport is currently in discussions with jetBlue Airways to bring service to Savannah/Hilton Head International. We fully support the airport's $500,000 grant application, and the efforts to bring a new airline to the region

.
I urge the Department of Transportation to give the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport grant application all due consideration. The addition of JetBlue would improve our local air service for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike.
Sincerely yours,

Dorie Bacon Executive Director, Screven County Development Authority (912) 564-7850 dorie@screyencountydeyelopmentauthority

. com