How much? President Obama gave us a few hints about his aviation thinking with a budget outline, one that fell far short of the details a budget often has. That's understandable, since it's his first, 
but Obama tantalises. And promises. He does say he would increase funding for Essential Air Service, the subsidy that keeps rural flights operating, with a proposed $55 million increase over the 2009 level, intended to meet increasing demand. Last year's Bush budget had trimmed EAS to $50 million, although appropriators rejected the administration position and added about $75 million. This may help the new president avoid what had become an annual legislative charade: slashing or zeroing out EAS, then waiting for Congress, in particular the appropriations committees with their rural state members, to restore funding. The problem with this no-no, yes-yes approach is not just its inherent chicanery, but the fact that legislators, working from a base of zero, feel pressured to control their largess.
but Obama tantalises. And promises. He does say he would increase funding for Essential Air Service, the subsidy that keeps rural flights operating, with a proposed $55 million increase over the 2009 level, intended to meet increasing demand. Last year's Bush budget had trimmed EAS to $50 million, although appropriators rejected the administration position and added about $75 million. This may help the new president avoid what had become an annual legislative charade: slashing or zeroing out EAS, then waiting for Congress, in particular the appropriations committees with their rural state members, to restore funding. The problem with this no-no, yes-yes approach is not just its inherent chicanery, but the fact that legislators, working from a base of zero, feel pressured to control their largess.
The administration also intends increasing the $2.50 Aviation Passenger Security Fee in fiscal 2012, but did not specify the amount of the increase. However, budget documents indicate that the present fee, sometimes dubbed 'The 9/11 Fee,' captures only 36% of the cost of aviation security. The increase would be another fee, tax, charge or impost on an airline ticket.
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