Title
Authorizing City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings to investigate how the Philadelphia International Airport can expand its international flight options to position the city to become more competitive in serving area residents and more attractive for tourism and conventions.
Body
WHEREAS, Currently, there are 22 airlines that operate out of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), however, only four of these airlines offer international flights: Air Jamaica; British Airways; Lufthansa; and US Airways; and
WHEREAS, Comparably, Newark Liberty International Airport, which is a 1.5 hour drive and easily accessible by public transportation, has 42 airlines including over 20 that offer international flights; and
WHEREAS, The difference in the number of international flights directly effects the number of international passengers served each year. While PHL served over 3.5 million international passengers in 2007, Newark Liberty accommodated over 10.5 million the same year; and
WHEREAS, If Philadelphia increased the number of international flight and airline options, the City would position itself to better serve the greater Philadelphia area and benefit economically by an increase in overall passenger traffic and tourism; and
WHEREAS, Already, PHL is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania and generates $14 billion annually for the local economy. Expanding international flight options would bolster these benefits and allow Philadelphia to better market itself and its attractions world-wide; and
WHEREAS, Expanding flight options, especially for international travel, would also allow Philadelphia to compete for more conventions and corporate meetings; and
WHEREAS, Given Philadelphia's close proximity to 40 percent of the U.S. population and its economical, cultural, and historical appeal, the city is an attractive place for a convention and conducive to any corporate travel budget; and
WHER...
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