Southwest Airlines and its other low-fare competitors are the reason the "average family" can enjoy affordable air travel.
They also help provide many good jobs in the travel, airline, and aircraft manufacturing industry. Their business model is modern and sustainable.
In order for Southwest Airlines and other efficient carriers to provide their service they must consider all ways to maintain their business efficiency. Hence, they have made a proposal to move to King County International Airport.
The Port of Seattle and its Sea-Tac Airport have long enjoyed a near monopoly regarding commercial air travel in the greater Puget Sound area.
Southwest Airline's proposal will result in competition so the Port of Seattle's rally and lobbying to prevent the development of King County International Airport is understandable, but not in the average air traveler's best interest.
Southwest Airlines is willing to "foot the bill" to develop King County International Airport. Sounds like a good deal to me.
As far as access to the newly developed King County International Airport goes, I suggest the nay-sayers take a look at the existing roadways.
I-5 currently has freeway ramps at the north and south ends of the airport, also highways 509 and 99 can provide access from the west without any major modifications. So what's the problem?
Now the over-flight noise issue - well my residence is near Sea-Tac International Airport and I've lived here for many years. Guess what, I'm still alive.
It appears to me that the King County International Airport flight patterns affect many less individuals near them than Sea-Tac Airport flight patterns neighbors because most of the area under the King County International Airport flight patterns is commercial, industrial, and open water/land.
To those individuals that will be directly affected, you have my understanding, but the airport and the FAA will help you with noise reduction packages for your homes at no cost to you, new windows, doors, insulation, and ventilation system.
To the Port of Seattle, and its "traditional" air carriers, my friendly advice is - take notice, the traveling public wants a low cost seat when they fly.
Jim Jollimore
Des Moines
