Regarding the debate about airlines at Paine Field, let’s state the obvious. Boeing is an economic powerhouse for this region. Paine Field is critical to its production of the 747, 777, 787 and 767. Open Paine Field to airlines and we create a truly mixed-use situation.
Once airlines establish a foot-hold, they can expand without limitations as to type or size of aircraft or frequency of flights, 24/7. San Diego airport, like Paine Field, has a single main runway for commercial service with a take-off or landing about once every two minutes. While it won’t happen overnight, eventually it’s possible to crowd out Boeing and others from the main runway because airlines have the legal right to do so.
Why would we make Boeing feel less welcome? Boeing has shown that it will move if necessary. Why impose on Boeing the risk of losing its valuable and necessary unrestricted access to Paine Field now? The economics of aerospace manufacturing dwarf the incremental benefits from airlines at Paine Field. However, the potential liabilities to aerospace manufacturers and the local communities are significant.
Presently we have a vibrant aerospace industry and a vibrant community. Paine Field was optimized for its current use based on a Snohomish County agreement negotiated and signed in 1978. Scheduled air service was explicitly “discouraged” for these past 33 years so our aerospace industries could mature and grow unfettered along with the surrounding communities. Guess what: it worked! Don’t break what ain’t broken; instead, promote it!
Greg Hauth
Save Our Communities
Mukilteo
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