Competition is important, but it's only one factor in keeping airfares low. Airline costs are a much larger influencer on price. In that respect, the numbers don't lie. The cost of flying a passenger on a 50%-full flight is exactly 50% more than on a 75%-full flight, so it's much more important to get capacity right.
In closing, there has been much discussion about financial aid for airlines and about competition and service to regional communities, but the numbers really tell the story. The industry is in trouble and in need of more help. The data show that the impact of industry aid may be optimized with minimal impact on taxpayers while protecting regional communities and consumers if appropriate policies and associated conditions are used to leverage aid dollars.
Thank you.