HomeMy WebLinkAboutAirport.Minutes.09-01-2009AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES
September 1, 2009
SANDY'S PLACE RESTAURANT
SPECIAL MEETING
Members Present: Craig Bohnsack, John Dissaucr, Bill Dunn, Rick Hetzel, Robbie Rollins.
Mark Sccsinc, Walt Wildman
Others Present: Bruce Loy, Airport Manager Katrina Amos -Atkins. Airport Adminstrativc
Coordinator. Nate Valier, Locair; Rudi Keller. Southeast Missourian Reporter: Bill
Mallonee, Citizen
L NEW BUSINESS
A. Interview with Locair Airlines and Discussion Regarding Essential Air Service
Proposals — Mr. Loy introduced Nate Valier with Locair Airlines to the Board. Mr.
Valier started his presentation by giving the Board history on his career in the airline
industry. Ile stated that he began his career with Mesa Airlines and later Regions Air.
Ile then reported that Locair has been in business since 1993 and started as a charter
company flying to destinations such as the Bahamas. Ile informed the board that his
company tried service in Cincinnati at one point but it didn't go well.
Ile informed the Board that Locair currently uses a 19 passenger plane but could use a
nine (9( passenger plane if necessary. He stated fare pricing runs $99.00 to $200.00 in
the Washington market, which he believes would be comparable to Cape Girardeau.
I lowever, he believes he could get an average fare of $73.50 for Cape Girardeau.
Mr. Valier stated that Locair does not require TSA or Part 139. which makes it easier
for them to change markets. Mr. Valier said his company is proposing fiver (4) flights
to Kansas City, MO. Cincinnati, OH, Branson, MO. Bowling Green. KY, and/or
Nashville. I N per week. Mr. Hetzel recommended adding St. Louis to the list of cities
and Mr. Valier replied Locair would be willing to consider St. Louis if feedback from
the public requested it. Mr. Hetzel stated that St. Louis needs to be at ]cast one of the
options. Mr. Valier stated his objective is to connect people with destinations rather
than hubs. He also spoke of the downward trend the St. Louis airport has been on.
stating that American Airlines recently cut 180 flights with more cuts likely.
Mr. Valier reported that the destination cities have not been set: being that Memphis is
also an option. He also informed the board he is willing to add flights out of the
Essential Air Service program. Discussion continued on the subject.
This meeting was adjourned at 1:15pnt
Minutes prepared by Katrina Atkins. Administrative Coordinator
Minutes Approved By:
J -i, LLQ
Robbie Rollins
Chairman Airport Advisory Board