When you split with the airlines, that is different at the big eight airports compared to the small airports. For the small airports, 46% of a landing fee is subsidized by the other financial activities at my airport. I need the freedom to generate more commercial revenues to continue that subsidy, otherwise the big airlines will overfly small airports. So it's inappropriate for small airports to pay this rent tax and take away money from the airline business.
On October 5th, 2006. See this statement in context.