 By Joey Garcia August 23, 2010 I am writing about the news that the State of Alaska has been thinking of operating the Ketchikan International Airport. In my observation, there are pros and cons owing to the reason that if the Borough continues to handle the airport needs, they seem to have an internal power play that, in my opinion, crossed lines in such operation. We wonder if the State of Alaska can be gauged on applying the international standards as what the Anchorage airport can offer, thus fitting to be called INTERNATIONAL. As I understand, the monopoly of Alaska Airlines, the Horizon, and float planes are but locals that serve the best interest of the community. When I mentioned International, the facilities in Ketchikan International airport might need a boost from either Korean Airlines, the China Airlines, Delta Airlines, and others having to consider direct flights to Asian countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Hongkong and the Philippines. But, can the Ketchikan International Airport capable of innovating the present facilities to welcome foreign airlines as such? Can the State of Alaska, sort of, upgrade longer runways, terminal facilities, employment structures, and the teamwork of terminal services from departures to arrivals? Can the terminal booths equip themselves with personnel whose attitudes fit a good public relations from within and from without? Can the State effect that professionalism among it's personnel creating a mode of having what the job is worth? Can the present Ketchikan Borough spend more on inbound facilities from parking expansion, traffic enforcement, an additional manpower of police presence and additional vehicles to be manned? Can the revolving doors be fixed not to stuck passengers on wheelchairs in between; or enough carts for summer visiting sports fishermen bring in their fish catches in a 45 to 50 lbs. fish boxes? If the State of Alaska can do this, then the Gateway City can best be gauge that Ketchikan will truly be called "The Gateway and First City of Alaska". I guess this is the $64 dollar question that remains -- what happens next! Joey Garcia
Received August 22, 2010 - Published August 23, 2010
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