The Shasta County Board of Supervisors could make a $100,000 pitch to keep Avelo Airlines in Redding.
The low-cost air carrier announced last month that it would stop flights in the North State after learning the company that provides ground service operations for Avelo at Redding Regional Airport was pulling out.
Supervisor Chris Kelstrom has been especially outspoken in his disappointment with Avelo’s decision to stop operating in Redding and has said more than once at supervisors’ meetings "that the ball was dropped" and that he will not give up on trying to keep Avelo.
Avelo started service in Redding in May 2021, with flights to Hollywood-Burbank, and then added flights to Las Vegas. But Avelo discontinued the Las Vegas flights in late 2022, after less than a year, saying they did not generate demand the airline had anticipated.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, supervisors will consider sending a letter to Avelo CEO Andrew Levy that states in part, “Shasta County is willing to consider making contributions to offset the costs of managing ground services for either three years or up to $100,000, whichever is reached first.”
Avelo did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Spokesman Madison Jones has told the Record Searchlight that Avelo is firm in its decision to leave Redding and flights to Burbank will stop effective Aug. 26.
Redding Assistant City Manager Steve Bade said the city did not drop the ball and that Avelo made a business a decision to stop flying to Burbank. “We provide great service out there. Our staff really does great work,” Bade added.
In a news release the city released last week, Bade said the city has heard the community’s disappointment, “and we want to assure the community that every measure was taken to continue Avelo’s service here.”
Bade said Redding is one of at least six other markets Avelo announced in early July that it was leaving.
Redding did give Avelo Airlines $50,000 in November 2021 to help it market the flight to Las Vegas, service that started in January 2022 and ended in December 2022.
Jared Culver, general manager for Trego Dugan Aviation, which handles ground services for Avelo, told the Shasta County Board of Supervisors at its June 25 meeting that his company is pulling out of California.
Trego Dugan Aviation has referred questions about its decision to leave Redding to Avelo Airlines.
Could Shasta County, Redding jointly operate airport?
Meanwhile, Avelo’s impending departure appears to have fueled the county’s interest in entering into a joint powers authority (JPA) with Redding to oversee the operation and development of Redding Regional Airport.
Supervisors on Tuesday will consider sending a letter to Redding Mayor Tenessa Audette and the City Council that proposes the formation of a JPA.
For years, Redding has overseen the operation of Redding Regional Airport and Benton Airpark.
The county’s draft letter states that Redding Regional is a community asset, but to maximize “its potential and ensure its long-term success, we believe a collaborative approach is essential.”
The letter doesn’t outline the specifics of how a JPA would work or what the county's financial stake would be in the endeavor.
Redding Regional Airport’s annual operating budget is $3.2 million, Bade said.
“Airports revenue is generated by ground and facility lease revenue, parking revenue; fees. concessions and advertising, passenger facility charges and grants,” he said.
The county already has had to put its grand plans to expand the jail downtown on hold because it doesn't have the money. Supervisors in late June unanimously voted not to put a sales tax hike on the ballot to expand the jail.
Audette told the Record Searchlight that the city appreciates the county’s efforts to help the airport grow.
“As a courtesy, we have invited them to the City to get a better understanding of what is currently happening at the airport and with the airlines,” Audette said in a text message. “They have not taken us up on that offer as of yet.”
Tuesday's board of supervisors meeting starts at 9 a.m.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on X, formerly Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.
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