Industry News

wayne county airport authority — reports that airlines will pay some 38 percent more to operate at Detroit Metropolitan Airport under a proposed budget move. The average cost per enplanement is expected to rise to an average of $8.13 for FY2009 (average is expected to be $5.91 for FY2008, which ended Sept. 30, and was $5.13 in FY2007). Overall, the authority expects to charge airlines $39.8 million more in 2009.

wichita aero club — is formed by a consortium of business, government, and educational organizations in the greater Wichita, KS area. Patterned after the Aero Clubs of Washington and Atlanta and The Wings Club in New York, the new group plans to host monthly luncheons and invite high profile speakers to address major aviation industry issues. It will also have a website, publish an online newsletter, and host fund-raising events.

xojet — announces that it has reduced the fuel surcharge (put in place in the wake of record-high oil prices) for on-demand flights by 9 percent. It’s estimated the reduction will save clients some $1,000 on the cost of a round trip transcontinental flight.