Airport Manager Peter Soderquist. Photo by Leslie Bucklin

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County applauded the one-year anniversary of New Mexico Airlines’ commercial airline service between Los Alamos and Albuquerque, during its Friday meeting, and recognized all of the important general aviation-related contributions that the Los Alamos Airport brings to the community and Northern New Mexico.

The Council also issued a proclamation declaring the Month of April “Aviation Month” in Los Alamos County.

Airport Manager Peter Soderquist accepted the proclamation and announced an adjusted time schedule for New Mexico Airlines commuter flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque based on public input:

The proclamation:

WHEREAS: the County Council wishes to acknowledge the one-year anniversary on April 8th of the launch of commercial airline service between Los Alamos Airport and Albuquerque’s Sunport, restoring this important transportation option after many years; and

WHEREAS: General Aviation has a long history at the Los Alamos Airport – with 13,000 aircraft arriving and departing annually; and

WHEREAS: The addition of scheduled air service, having changed the official designation of Los Alamos Airport from a General Aviation Airport to a Commercial Service Airport, enhances the County’s economic development plans by facilitating access to Los Alamos by business owners who are interested in bringing new businesses to our community; and

WHEREAS: According to a 2008 study, the value-added economic benefit or economic impact of Los Alamos Airport for the County is anticipated to be over $6.5 million; and

WHEREAS: In its first year of operation, New Mexico Airlines has successfully launched 1,569 flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque with a total of 5,100 passengers; and

WHEREAS: Los Alamos County has a vested interest in the continued vitality of Los Alamos Airport, general aviation, and commercial airline service; and

WHEREAS: In addition to economic opportunities, the Los Alamos Airport plays a significant role in providing other valued services – including access to urgent medical treatment through Life Flight, non-emergency patient flights coordinated through pilot volunteers & Angel Flight, Search & Rescue efforts conducted through the local Civil Air Patrol, and providing a home base for U.S. Forest Service fire-spotting and tactical operations during the wildfire season;

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the Month of April 2014 as “AVIATION MONTH.”