PALMDALE – The United States Department of Transportation has awarded a $900,000 Small Community Air Service Development grant to the "Wheels Up Palmdale" coalition supporting the Palmdale Regional Airport. "This vital step forward to establish commercial air service at Palmdale Regional Airport illustrates the Federal Government’s confidence in the viability of the airport’s future success," said Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles County Mayor.  "The Department of Transportation also understands that Palmdale Airport will have a key role in meeting the expected doubling of demand for air service in the region over the next 25 years.  It will generate future development, interstate commerce, job creation and an estimated $65 million dollars in economic benefit to the community in the fastest-growing area in California."

 

The grant will be used to develop a revenue guarantee program to support the first phase of air service by minimizing the initial risk a carrier would face entering a new market.  Grants funds will also aid in the promotion of new regional jet service and develop community awareness once an air carrier agrees to serve the market.