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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/6/2010 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.G.PP, `M A� $ i2 ti c V V� k ORPORAT �9�e DATE: SUBJECT: FROM: BY: �*J Il►�iILyjFA1GY1 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT October 6, 2010 CONSENT AGENDA AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 TO WESTJET AIRLINES FOR NEW TORONTO SERVICE David H. Ready, City Manager Department of Aviation This action would allocate $100,000 in Air Service Incentive funding to WestJet Airlines to support the new Toronto nonstop flights beginning February 2, 2011. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Approve Air Service Incentive Agreement with WestJet Airlines in Not -To -Exceed amount of $100,000 effective February 2, 2011 through April 30, 2011. 2. Adopt Resolution No. , a resolution of the City Council of The City of Palm Springs, California, amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11, 3. Authorize City Manger to execute all necessary documents. STAFF ANALYSIS In an effort to promote the growth of commercial airline service at Palm Springs International Airport an Air Service Incentive Program was developed to provide promotional funding to new air carriers and current air carriers that elect to operate new air service. WestJet Airlines has been serving PSP airport since 2005 and recently announced that it will begin new nonstop, twice weekly round trip service between PSP and Toronto, Canada beginning February 2, 2011. Toronto Pearson International Airport is WestJet's eastern Canadian hub airport serving a region of over six million people with connections to such cities as Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. This new service will provide the valued Canadian travelers and local residents alike with new opportunities for air travel. At a distance of just over 2,000 flying miles, this new route will be the longest nonstop scheduled flight from PSP. ITEM NO. City Council Staff Report October 6, 2010 -- Page 2 WestJet Air Service Incentive Agreement - Toronto This peak season operation of February through April to the new long -haul hub city destination meets PSP's Incentive Program criteria for a level of $100,000 in funding. The airline has requested participation in this program and staff recommends that the award be made to support the new service. The Airport Commission at its September 15, 2010 meeting also recommended the award of these funds to WestJet. WestJet is a valued partner in this region's tourism industry and has continued to increase overall seat capacity, most notably with the recently completed summer flights to their hub in Calgary. That service was also a recipient of incentive funding in the amount of $30,000. The ultimate goal of this Air Service Incentive Program, in addition to serving as an incentive for airlines to consider additional air service, is to help the airline make the new service successful enough to justify keeping it at PSP. FISCAL: The expenditure for this promotional support is a maximum of $100,000. Funding for this expenditure requires a Budget Resolution from the Airport Fund Balance to the Airline Incentive Program Account 415-6002-45521. Marketing and promotional funds offered through an air service incentive program are an investment in the future growth of air service to PSP and the increased passenger traffic will generate a direct and indirect economic benefit. The added passenger traffic from this new service will create additional revenues through the Passenger Facility Charges (PFC's), food and gift concessions, car rental concessions, vehicle parking fees, aircraft landing fees, fuel flowage fees and other sources. Thomas Nolan, Executive Director, David H. Ready, Cit Attachments: West Jet Air Service Incentive Agreement and Program Objectives Budget Resolution Janet Sheraton From: Mark Kiehl Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 11:11 AM To: Thomas Nolan; Janet Sheraton Subject: RE: CC WestJet and HNTB are okay for final and on shared drive. Mark needs to provide attachment. Janet, Cindy Berardi has both original contract documents signed by WestJet and Doug Holland and will keep them in their office to match up with paperwork from here. Finance Director said the funds are to be moved from 415 Fund Balance to 415-6oO2-45521 Airline Incentive Program. NTI.oI" Mark From: Thomas Nolan Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 11:05 AM To: Janet Sheraton Cc: Mark Kiehl Subject: CC WestJet and HNTB are okay for final and on shared drive. Mark needs to provide attachment. Thomas Nolan, A.A.E. Executive Director Palm Springs International Airport 3400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite OFC Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-318-3901 www.paimspringsairport.com 9/27/2010 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 WHEREAS, Resolution 22714 approving the budget for the fiscal year 2010-11 was adopted on June 2, 2010; and WHEREAS the City Manager has recommended, and the City Council desires to approve, certain amendment to said budget. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. ADDITIONS Fund Activity Account I Amount 415 Airport Airline Incentive 6002-45521 I $100,000. Program Purpose: To amend the FY 2010-11 budget to provide funds from prior fiscal years to fund the WestJet Air Service Incentive Agreement. SECTION 2. SOURCE Fund Activity Account Amount 415 Airport Retained Earnings 29302 $100,000. ADOPTED THIS 6th day of October 2010. David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk Resolution No. [00:1:4191aIWATO1[6]►. STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS) I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on October 6, 2010, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs, California 61 PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2010 1. OBJECTIVE Air service is a vital contributor to the City of Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley, and it is widely recognized that that significant costs are associated with adding capacity through larger aircraft, more flights, or new markets. The promotion of new or additional capacity can be a critical factor in its success, acknowledging that airlines may redeploy valuable aircraft assets to other markets if targets are not achieved. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Air Service Development Incentive Program (the "Program") is designed to encourage and promote the expansion of commercial passenger airline service, both seasonally and year-round. Such growth can take place in new routes that are not currently served and/or through additional seat capacity being added by incumbent carriers in existing markets. Funds are to be used by the airline(s) to market and promote new services and/or significant year -year increases in seating capacity. The Program is non-discriminatory; any airline that meets the criteria can qualify to receive benefits as outlined in this document. However, the airlines serving PSP today are our valued tenants and customers, and it is greatly anticipated that both existing and new carriers can take advantage of this program to expand service successfully, 2. TIMING OF PROGRAM AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS This Program is effective June 1, 2010, and may be continued until allocated funds expire or at the discretion of Palm Springs International Airport. Airlines meeting the requirements outlined in this document will be allocated the qualifying funds on a first -come, first -served basis until the Program expires or total funds for the Program are expended. 3. QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS To qualify for incentives provided by the Program, the airline must take action in one of the following categories: NEw ROUTE. Initiate a new route to/from PSP, defined as not being served within the 12 months prior to the qualifying service. The category of market, frequency, and duration of operations as stated in Exhibit 1 (below) will determine the amount of maximum funding. PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHOUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS INT'L_ AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM EXISTING ROUTES. Increase total monthly seating capacity, through additional flight frequencies and/or larger aircraft, compared to the same month in the prior year between PSP and the same airport. Note: For monthly year -year increases to qualify, the additional capacity has to be in effect for a two week minimum within that month. In both cases, the metrics outlined in Exhibit 1 will be used to determine qualifications for Program funds. In order to receive funding, each airline must do the following for EACH qualifying route: • Submit in writing (an emailed document is acceptable) confirmation of the new route and/or year -year increase in monthly capacity; ■ Request the funds in writing; ■ Provide an outline of how the funds will be deployed. The Program funds shall be utilized solely for the purpose of promoting the new route and/or year to year capacity addition. These promotional initiatives must be approved by PSP staff, and copies of program specifics may be requested. ■ In the event that a service or capacity increase is suspended prematurely, the airline shall be responsible for a pro -rated reimbursement of all marketing funds spent. EXHIBIT 1 (up to amounts) (up to amounts) (up to amounts) New Long Haul Hub 1,500 miles or longer $100,000 $250,000 $400,000 or Focus City Not served within most recent 12 months Focus City - 50+ daily departures If NEW carrier to PSP (past 12 months) $200,000 $500,000 $800,000 New Long Haul 1,500 miles or longer $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 Key Markets Top 25 0&D's with no nonstop service from the region If NEW carrier to PSP (past 12 months) $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 New Hybrid or No existing markets served nonstop from $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 Complementary Markets that specific airport (past 12 months) If NEW carrier to PSP (past 12 months) $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 Increased Capacity - Existing markets - served within 12 months $7,500 $10,000 Shoulder or Peak Season Based on monthly year -year seat increases (Per Route) (Per Route) PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 2 PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM 4. DEFINITIONS AND PROVISIONS For purposes of determining the specifics of each qualifying route, the following definitions shall apply. 1. New Market: The route between PSP and another airport that has not had nonstop scheduled service within the most immediate 12 month period. 2. New Long Haul Hub or Focus City: An airport meeting the nonstop mileage requirements stated in Exhibit 1, with the qualifying airline serving that airport with 50 or more daily departing flights. 3. New Long Haul Key Markets: An airport meeting the mileage requirements stated in Exhibit 1 and having sufficient passenger demand to be in the Top 25 Palm Springs (PSP) market list as defined by U.S. DOT data. 4. New Hybrid or Complementary Market: Includes specific airports that have not had nonstop flights to/from PSP within 12 months, with no mileage limitations. 5. Existing Routes: Service between PSP and airports that currently have service or have had nonstop scheduled flights within the most immediate 12 months. 6. New Carrier: Any airline brand that has not served PSP within the most immediate 12 months. The addition of branded partners, such as the mixing of mainline and regional carrier operations, does not qualify under this category, nor does brand change due to merger or acquisition. An airline is no longer considered "New" after one year from the initial commencement of service into PSP. 7. Frequency Requirements: Due to PSP's seasonality, we encourage entry of new service that includes low frequency operations. Exhibit 1 outlines qualifications based on a combination of weekly flights and the duration of operations expressed in calendar months. 8. Increased Capacity: To encourage growth in existing markets, this category addresses currently served routes and measures year to year changes in total monthly seating capacity. Due to seasonal service variations, a minimum of two weeks of service is required within the month qualifying for funds. 9. Competitive Applications: If two air carriers announce plans to serve the same new market, the incentives available under this Program shall be payable to the first carrier that initiates service. 10. Funding Amounts: All values shown in Exhibit 1 are to be considered "up to this amount" or "maximum" limits and are subject to availability of remaining funds in the Program. 11. Payment of Program funds to qualifying airlines will be on a first come, first served basis and determined by the date of initiation of the qualifying service. Payments will be made at the end of each month of qualifying air service; in cases where an airline qualifies for an amount of $200,000 or more, payments will be prorated over a 12 month period beginning with the first month of qualifying service. 12. Any carrier availing itself of the Program will be required to execute a Memorandum of Agreement in a form determined by PSP. All marketing and promotional funds are subject to approval by the Palm Springs City Council. The PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 3 DI PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Program may be discontinued at any time or cease at any time due to expiration of funds, and PSP reserves the right to modify the program or adjust funding according to the level of air service provided. 13. Uses and Applications of Funds: It is not the intent of PSP to impose creative control over promotional initiatives; Airport staff approval is required to ensure that allocated funds are used to promote the new service or increased capacity. Staff reserves the right to request specific information including copies of advertisements or other details. Promotional actions and activities may include, but are not limited to the following: a. Specific advertising highlighting the qualifying PSP route; b. Familiarization tours or events; c. Media events; d. Online contests and promotions; e. Other activities as agreed to by both PSP and the airline. 14.Any carrier availing itself of the Program will be required upon request from PSP to provide written certification that any and all funds provided under the Program to the carrier were utilized solely for the purpose of promoting the new route and/or year to year capacity addition. Failure to provide said written certification shall result in repayment of any and all funds provided to the carrier under the Program. 5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This Air Service Incentive Program is consistent with the mission of Palm Springs International Airport to preserve and enhance the City of Palm Springs' status as a premier tourist destination and provide the region's citizens with access to the global aviation system. All airlines are encouraged to review opportunities for expanded service and discuss potential applications with airport staff. For more information please contact Executive Director Thomas Nolan at (760) 318-3901. PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 4 PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Agreement is entered into by and between the City of Palm Springs (City), acting by and through its Executive Director of Aviation, and WESTJET (Airline) organized and existing under the laws of the PROVINCE of ALBERTA, and is intended to memorialize the agreement between the City of Palm Springs and the Airline under the terms of the Palm Springs International Airport Air Service Development Incentive Program (Program), approved by City Council on T-B-D , a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The City and the Airline, by their signatures to this Memorandum of Agreement, acknowledge that their agreement related to marketing incentives is to be governed by the Program. Airline will provide nonstop twice weekly round trip flights between PSP and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) for the full three months of Februarv. March, and Aoril 2011. It is understood and agreed that the Airline and the eligible new non-stop service or year-to-year increased capacity that Airline is offering at the Palm Springs International Airport fall into Section 3 (New Lonq Haul Hub or Focus Cites of the Program and the maximum eligible marketing incentive is $100.000 for the period from February 2. 2011 to April 30, 2011. . The funds shall be utilized solely for the purpose of promoting the new route and/or year to year capacity addition. Upon request from the City, the Airline shall provide written certification that the funds have been so utilized. It is the intent of this Agreement that the total amount of incentives shall be distributed to the Airline in the form of monthly partial payments as determined by the City. Once the total amount is paid to Airline by City, City will not assert any claims against Airline for such total amount, and the total amount will not be subject to route or increased capacity continuation. These funds must be reimbursed or refunded on a pro -rated basis, rounded to the nearest completed month, to City by Airline if Airline leaves the market and/or discontinues the new non-stop route or increased service earlier than the qualifying period for which funds were allocated. These funds must be reimbursed if Airline fails to provide written certification as detailed above. In the event that Airline fails to refund or reimburse such funds within thirty (30) days of City's request, Airline expressly consents to City's right to issue an invoice for the unpaid amount and have legal claim to payment. This remedy shall be cumulative upon all other remedies available to City. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Program, the provisions of the Program shall control. The term of the Agreement shall be one year starting from the effective date of this Agreement. At the end of the period, the Agreement is not subject to extension, but shall terminate automatically. PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 5 10 PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT AIR SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and entered into this Agreement as of the date first written above. ATTEST: By: City Clerk APPROVt;�;w By: dity Attorney CONTRACTOR: Check one: By: CITY OF PALM SPRING a municipal corporation City Manager Individual Partnership Corporation Corporations require two notarized signatures: One from each of the fo2_(ff��e oard, President, or any Vice President: AND B. Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer,hief Financial Officer.By: By:Skin(tur (n to ized)/i Name: _. .k,, Mco <A�..J Name: :;j�'}�]Ay>l _ l�_[1f1�SM Title: I�pTWprR-P �Y4��gv1�s Title: C0rooraj'_ SpCre_la ...*...................................�....».�,......»...�...� .. ......................... of � Ace— �-t b � 61'erltg of I be�ir° On 7jf' O' %D before me, 4N4 personally appeared %i QV 'Wl4C11-4 t) who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(e} whose name(e) ishafe subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/shehthey- executed the same in his/her/tkeiFauthorized capacity(iesl, and that by hisNterftheir signature(&) on the instrument the persort{ej or the entity upon behalf behalf of which the person(sracted, executed the instrument. instrument. certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. On. • ° 1Ubefore me, LXa_k `. j(. e personally appeared Fyn Ch ns6r,&A who proved to me on basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instruments the person(s) or the entity upon Of which the person(s) acted, executed the I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand official seal. WITNESS my hand and official seal. Notary Signatur Notary Signature: Notary Seal: Notary Seal: PALM SPRINGS INT'L AIRPORT, 3400 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 6