Fees lowered at ONT
Airfare rates at LA/Ontario International Airport could be on the way down.
million from landing fees and $26.2 million from terminal rents for the 2011 fiscal year. That represents a $2.8 million decrease in landing fees and a $2.5 million decrease in rental rates as a result of lower operating expenses.
Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners, owners and operators of ONT, has agreed to reduce landing and rental fees at the airport.
The 14.8 percent drop in landing fees means airline companies will now pay $2.35 per 1,000 pounds. The 7.1 percent drop in rental rates means airlines will pay $169.95 per square foot.
Whether that leads to lower fares still needs to be determined, Councilman Alan Wapner said.
"I certainly think it's a step in the right direction. Is it sufficicent? I'm not sure," said Wapner, who is the city's liaison with the airport.
The changes will draw in an estimated $11.8
An Alaska Airlines plane is prepared for its next flight Friday at L.A./Ontario International Airport. The Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners agreed to reduce landing fees at the airport by nearly 51 percent and rental rates by just over 7 percent. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher Staff Photographer)
This year's administration slashed 13 percent from the airport's day-to-day operating budget. The $67 million operating budget approved last month marked the second year in a row in which ONT officials have been in cost-cutting mode.
Money-saving measures included waiting longer for landscape maintenance; reducing service contracts, such as having restaurants in terminals close by 6 p.m.; and cutting back on the the availability of parking lots and shuttle buses.
But last year, as a result of an ailing budget, ONT increased landing fees by 15 percent. Airport officials have said in the past the increases were meant to cover a $7 million shortfall and the costs of the terminals.
steps to try to get costs down," said Ellis, adding that LAWA has no influence on what airlines charge.
Kim Ellis, who oversees daily operations at ONT, said the lower fees and rates are a result of steps taken by management staff at the airport.
"A lot of our cost-cutting steps corrected (higher landing fees and rental rates). Costs for the airport have gone up over the years, but we've taken
A passenger crosses a walkway to board a plane Friday. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher Staff Photographer)
"If we lower our rates, then you would think airlines would be able to lower their costs to the public."
Airlines typically publish their schedules months in advance so consumers shouldn't expect to see anything immediately, Ellis said.
Olga Romero, spokeswoman for ONT's largest carrier, Southwest Airlines, welcomed the lower rates.
"We're certainly pleased with their efforts to lower operations because that means lower fares for our customers," she said.
The price for airfares at Southwest is determined by several factors, including fees, rates and availbility of flights, Romero said. "We acknowledge our operations are less costly and thank the airport for their efforts," she said.
Romero said she is not sure how soon it could impact ticket sales since the changes are so recent.
Wapner said he's also not sure if the rates - when compared to other airports that are about ONT's size - keep the airport competitve and attract the right amount of flights and airlines.
But Ellis added the airport's fares are not quite where management would like it to be.
"We're getting close. There are still some adjustments that we need to make to further reduce those costs to make us more competitive," Ellis said. He would not elaborate on the details, saying the plan would become clearer in the near future. 
A sign advertising shops and restaurants hands above a walkway Friday at L.A./Ontario International Airport. Newly introduced reductions in landing and rental rates at the airport could mean a reduction in airfares. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher Staff Photographer)
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| Liset Márquez has covered the city of Ontario for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin since 2008. She started the OntarioNow blog in August 2008. To contact Liset, leave a comment on this blog or send an e-mail to Liset Marquez |
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