FAA – Santa Monica Agreement Necessitates Review of Airport's Aeronautical Service Plans

Washington, DC, January 30, 2017 – On Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration and City of Santa Monica, California reached a long-term agreement concerning the future operation of Santa Monica Airport (SMO). Under the agreement, the airport will continue to operate through 2028, the runway length will be reduced from approximately 5,000’ to 3,500’ and the city’s right to operate a proprietary aeronautical service business was reiterated. In September 2016, NATA filed in support of member company Atlantic Aviation’s right to continue to operate at SMO following an attempt by the city to evict it and another provider without adequate plans for the continuing provision of aeronautical services.

The following can be attributed to NATA President Martin H. Hiller:

“The agreement announced over the weekend is clearly a compromise that will have to be studied closely to fully understand its implications to both SMO and the entire national airport system. Certainly, it does not change the necessity of airports like SMO to the LA region. Ultimately, the City of Santa Monica is simply diverting a segment of its traffic to neighboring airports. It is disappointing that businesses both on and off the field that depend on SMO were not part of the negotiations. We are pleased the FAA has stated the city is obligated to extend leases to current aeronautical service providers until such time as the city is ready to operate a proper aeronautical service operation with the same commitment to safety and service as demonstrated by NATA members like Atlantic Aviation.

NATA has never disputed the city’s right to operate a proprietary exclusive business at the field. However, such an operation must be a legitimate one, providing services consistent with industry standards and expectations and selling the kinds of fuel widely used in the industry and support use of the field – a point we note is covered in the weekend agreement. The reduction in runway length is a game-changer, the changing mix of traffic in and out of SMO now necessitates a review by the city, other regional communities and private investors as to the appropriate type of aeronautical service businesses to operate at the field.”