ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Strong Argument for Cargo Flight Test

As part of Orange County’s effort to remain competitive, a strong argument is being advanced for allowing a few all-cargo jetliner flights at John Wayne Airport. Last week the county Airport Commission approved a plan that would allow United Parcel Service and Federal Express to begin some flights in a two-year test. The County Board of Supervisors should do likewise when it considers the proposal on Tuesday.

The commission’s unanimous approval was an indication of the successful job that proponents have done in addressing any concerns that such flights would be loud, occur late at night, add to air traffic congestion or otherwise adversely affect the environment. The City of Newport Beach even released a statement consenting to the amendments before last week’s hearing, contingent on confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration that the agreement does not violate federal law.

The question of air traffic over Newport Beach is always delicate, as shown by the 1985 court agreement aimed at reducing noise at John Wayne and by the enthusiasm Newport Beach has had for getting a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. But the issue of cargo flights is an important one for businesses in Orange County.

Since all the flights out of John Wayne now are passenger, it is only fair to allow some cargo flights. In the past, county supervisors have given passenger service top priority in assigning the scarce operational slots at the airport. But this has put the county, which generates 30% of the region’s total air cargo load, at a disadvantage in the face of projections that the area’s cargo load will increase substantially by 2010.

As it now stands, United Parcel Service and Federal Express are forced to truck the packages of customers out before they can be flown to other parts of the country. This is much more than an inconvenience for the carriers. It forces local businesses to meet earlier deadlines for getting packages out, and in some cases can mean that needed medical equipment cannot be transported quickly.

Ultimately, the lack of cargo service affects not only businesses and their customers but the entire community by adding to the county’s street and freeway congestion and air pollution. The arguments over the future of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station have turned in part on the lack of air cargo traffic capacity. But with the future of El Toro very much undecided, it makes sense to take action now to help Orange County stay competitive.