In an unexpected and swift move, the Cambria County Airport Authority last week terminated the employees of the Johnstown facility and contracted with MTT Aviation Services to manage the day-to-day operations of the airport. MTT is a private company owned by MountainTop Technologies of Johnstown.
We repeatedly have pushed government agencies toward privatization, and while the airport authority did not sell the airport (we hope that comes later), they did the next best thing by turning its management over to a private company.
The former airport manager and his staff are all great people, and we hope they are considered by MTT Aviation, or another employer, for their skills.
But we believe that a private company, looking to serve customers in the brutal marketplace in which airports compete, will serve the region better than county employees.
Authority chairman Raymond Porsch said he expects the move will save $50,000 to $70,000 per year, a significant amount considering the tenuous state of the county’s finances.
But a move such as this should do more than just save money.
We have been critical of the airport authority and airport management because of the lack of adequate commercial passenger service in and out of Johnstown.
We urge the new managers at the airport to vigorously pursue new and better service options for our region.
The airport authority should hold MTT’s feet to the fire in terms of luring new carriers. If demands to improve service weren’t included in the deal, and if service doesn’t improve, then this move was ill-conceived.
We know the challenges in the industry, and we don’t expect overnight miracles. But we certainly hope, and expect, that the good folks at MTT can show the county, and the populace, that they are going to make our airport more useful.
We wish them well. We’ll be watching.
Editorials
New day at airport
With private operator hopefully comes better service
- Editorials
-
-
Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
The article, “Military finds troops ailing; problems create health care backlog,” published Feb. 2 by USA Today, impressed me so profoundly that I just can’t keep myself from bringing it to your attention.
-
Take in a high school play
“Peter Pan” has already done a flyby at Windber Area High School.
-
Readers' Forum 2-8 | Ambulance crew following protocol
In response to the Readers’ Forum letter on Feb. 3 by Molly Comperatore, “Ambulance assoc. bill extravagant, unethical”:
-
Protect young lungs
A recent CDC study concludes that too many kids are breathing others’ smoke in cars.
-
Richard Dreyfuss | Future generations will come out on losing end of budget
As the governor’s state budget undergoes intense scrutiny, there is no shortage of speculation surrounding various fiscal austerity proposals and which departments and programs will likely be the ultimate budgetary “winners and losers.”
-
‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.
-
Readers' Forum 2-7 | Country controlled by wackos
You just can’t make this stuff up.
-
‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.
-
Mark Critz | National Drug Intelligence Center – how we got here
Last week, the pending closure of Johnstown’s National Drug Intelligence Center became official, as years of fighting to keep it open came to an end.
-
Readers' Forum 2-6 | Sidewalk, security issues plague city
Despite Johnstown’s relatively mild winter, there continues to exist major concerns for senior citizens and disabled residents as we look toward the future and more-seasonably nasty winters.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
