Immediate Release
Contact: Rob Kulat
(732) 219-5816
NJ AVIATION ASSOCIATION CALLS ON FAA, CONGRESS TO OPEN TETERBORO TO BUSINESS JET TRAFFIC
Airport Operating at 25% Normal Capacity; Extensive Layoffs Imminent
TRENTON, NJ (10/02/01) - The New Jersey Aviation Association has urged members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to petition the FAA to reopen Teterboro Airport to full operational status.
Senators Robert Torricelli and Jon Corzine and House Transportation Committee members, Congressmen Robert Menendez, Michael Ferguson, Frank LoBiondo and William Pascrell were asked to join in an effort to reopen the airport. The request was also sent to Representative Steve Rothman who represents the district around Teterboro.
Shortly after the horrific events on September 11, Part 91 carriers (private business aviation operators) were banned from flying in a 25-mile no-fly zone in the New York region. However, Part 135 carriers (on-demand charter services) and Part 121 carriers (commercial airlines) have been allowed to fly.
“Teterboro is operating at 25 percent of full capacity and it is having a devastating effect on the regional economy,” Association President Thomas D. Carver wrote to the legislators.” Not only more than 1,250 airport jobs are at risk, but the downturn is creating major problems for ancillary businesses throughout the Bergen County area.”
Carver noted that business at hotels near Teterboro are off 50%, catering services are off 50%, fixed base operators (FBOs) are off 75%, and limousines which serve the airport have lost $100,000. Over 3,750 direct and indirect jobs are linked to Teterboro Airport.
“Teterboro is a secure airport which has always met appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations. We are advised that the Port Authority is ready to apply higher FAR standards should the FAA find it necessary,” Carver said. “In the meantime, without guidance and direction, there is nothing to be done but to watch businesses begin to fail and employees being laid off,” Carver added.
The Association reiterated its support for upgrading security at all United States airports. The group has formed a Security Committee which will recommend a series of security improvements to the FAA and the State Department of Transportation which oversees the state’s 48 general aviation facilities. “However, Teterboro is unique both in scope of operations as well as being part of the four-airport system operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,” the Association Head noted. “Teterboro is arguably the most important business aviation airport in the Country. It generates more than $469 million into the regional economy annually. Any shutdown has an immediate financial affect on major corporations as well as small businesses throughout the area. In addition, the airport is controlled by one of the world’s foremost operators.
The PA has the ability, the resources and the will to keep Teterboro safe and secure,” Carver said. “It is time to get this facility operating and we urge Administrator Jane Garvey to open these runways again,” Carver concluded.
The New Jersey Aviation Association is comprised of corporations, airports, aircraft operators, industry vendors and individuals affiliated with the $1.8 billion aviation industry in New Jersey.
New Jersey Aviation Association
1 Airport Road, Morristown, NJ 07960-4651
Phone: 973 734 9994 - Fax: 973 734 9995
