The Need for Better, More Competitive Air Service

Panama City has the highest one-way airfares in Florida, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation survey. Ft. Walton has the second highest. Can there be any doubt that our region needs more competitive airfares?

Recently, local media reported that Southwest Airlines was visiting the region, and is perhaps contemplating service. If a low cost carrier like Southwest were to serve our region, it would make a dramatic difference in the way the 7 million plus visitors travel to and from our region.

I think the low cost carriers are eyeing the region, but until our airport is relocated, there is no airport that ideally suits them. The existing Panama City airport is severely contrained. Its runways are too short, it is in a residential neighborhood and there is no room for expansion.

Ft. Walton is not ideal because of the limitations imposed by the U.S.A.F., whose mission at Eglin AFB must always take priority. And now the airport, community and AFB must prepare for the important new missions it secured in the BRAC process.

The new Panama City - Bay County airport is being designed with low cost carriers in mind. The Airport Authority is correctly insisting that the new airport allow all airlines to operate without constraints at all times and under all conditions.

But getting new air service is like attracting new jobs. We're going to have to work for it. The Airport Authority recognizes this; in fact, Chairman Joe Tannehill has said this repeatedly. Our region will have to work together to create a regional marketing effort to support new air service. Other communities have succeeded at this, and we can too.

But think what a difference it would make for our local economy if flights between Panama City and Chicago (or Baltimore or Nashville, etc.) cost $99 instead of $400.