L.A./ONT Raises Its Landing Fees

By Danielle Mohlman

ONTARIO – L.A./Ontario International Airport has increased its landing fees to offset anticipated airport expenses.

Landing fees were increased Monday from $2.43 for every 1,000 pounds to $2.70 for every 1,000 pounds. The change is retroactive to July 1.

“The fees are going up because of our expenses,” said Maria Tesoro-Fermin, spokeswoman for the airport. “It covers our budget.”

Tesoro-Fermin said the additional money is needed for salaries, contractual services and other airport expenses.

Under the fee increase, a Boeing 747-400 with a maximum takeoff weight of 875,000 pounds would be charged a landing fee of $2,363, up from $2,127.

The airport adjusts landing fees each fiscal year, starting July 1.

“When those fee increases were calculated, it did not take into account the flights we would lose by fall,” Tesoro-Fermin said.

Airport officials anticipate a 37percent decrease in flights starting this fall. ExpressJet and JetBlue have announced they will cease operations, and some other airlines will reduce the number of their flights at Ontario, Tesoro-Fermin said.

Southwest Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, has no plans to cut flights, airline officials have said.

“We keep a close eye on any fee increases, especially in today’s high-cost environment,” Brandy King, spokeswoman for Southwest, said Tuesday.

Tesoro-Fermin said Ontario International is in a period of economic adjustment and the airport is working on getting out of its slump.

“We’re optimistic here,” Tesoro-Fermin said. “We’re still a sought-after airport.”

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