SENATOR COLLINS KEEPS PRESSURE ON FAA TO KEEP BANGOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER OPEN 24-HOURS A DAY

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins today again pressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep the Bangor International Airport (BIA) air traffic control tower open 24-hours a day. She wrote a second letter to FAA Administrator Marion Blakely expressing concern that the FAA is considering a proposal to shut down control towers at certain airports, including BIA, between the hours of midnight and 5:00am. Senator Collins first wrote to the FAA urging against the proposal two weeks ago.

"Given the substantial activity that occurs at BIA between the hours of midnight and 5:00am, closing the control tower during that period of time would have a highly detrimental effect on the airport," said Senator Collins. "BIA officials are concerned that the proposed control tower shut down would cause some airlines to leave the airport altogether, which would cost it as much as $3 million in lost revenue. Furthermore, it would also be detrimental to the charter carriers contracted through the Department of Defense (DOD) to transport troops, to DOD aircraft that frequently refuel at BIA, and to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, which is based at the airport."

"I would urge you to maintain your agency's current, around-the-clock control tower service at BIA," said Senator Collins.

Senator Collins pointed out that on Friday, February 25th, 13 flights carrying approximately 3,000 passengers – including American troops – landed at BIA during the hours that FAA is considering shutting down the airport's control tower. In addition, she stressed that in 2004, 292 flights landed at BIA between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., and airport officials have indicated that these flights generated direct revenue of $871,000 for refueling, ground handling, and landing fees.

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