810-100217-011 

c ) 

Aesistant Sacretary 1200 New Jersey Avenue. SE 

U-b-uepanmenT Washington, D C 20590 

of iransportation 

Office of the Secretary 

ofTransportatior, ^^ y 2 6 2010 

The Honorable Mike D. Beebe 

Governor of Arkansas 

Little Rock, AK 72201 

Dear Governor Beebe: 

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

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

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

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

the proposed transaction, noting that were it approved new direct service would be initiated 

between DCA and Little Rock. The Secretary requested that I respond on his behalf 

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

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

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

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

Secretary and Administrator found that die public interest would best be served if a portion of the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

assistance, please feel free to call me. 

Sincerely yours. 

Susan L, Kurland 

Assistant Secretary 

for Aviation and International Affairs 
SI 0-100217-011 

'*9-, 

STATE OF ARKANSAS 

MiKi; Bi'r.iiiCiOVIiRNOR 

February 1,2010 

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Approval of the US Airways and Delta Air Lines Proposed Slot Transaction 

Dear Mr. Secretary: 

On August 12, 2009, US Airways and Delta Air Lines announced a proposed 

transaction that would switch their departure and arrival slots, allowing US Airways to 

increase its operations to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

This arrangement would result in new direct service from Little Rock National Airport 

(LIT) to DCA, a route the State has long desired. 1 am writing to request approval of this 

transaction. 

Little Rock serves an extensive area covering more than 90 percent of the State. 

Currently, flights from any city in Arkansas to DCA must make a stop or a connection in 

another city, which adds time and expense to the trip. New nonstop service will reduce 

flying time and expense, and will provide the much-needed convenience our citizens and 

visitors deserve. The result will be more business, more competition, and more frequent 

trips between our state's capital city and the nation's capital. 

It is critical that US Airways and Delta be permitted to -cjose- this transaction as 

soon as possible. The carriers are facing an approaching deadline to make the necessary 

changes in facilities, scheduling, and crew-bidding in time for the new services to be 

available for the start of the 2010 summer-peak travel season. Thank you for your careful 

consideration of this request. I look forward to a favorable reply. 

Sincerely 

'Mike Beebe 

MB:jb 

SiAM ( -VTi(«.S(iiii 'JiO * liti u KJKX . AK 71*1!(H