Airport Seeks Federal Grant for Air Service Marketing Efforts

As reported in the News Herald, the airport is seeking a federal grant of between $500,000 and $600,000 in Small Community Air Service Development Program funds to bolster efforts to attract improved air service to our region.

Airports applying for the grant need to show a sizable community contribution to the air service marketing effort. Local businesses interested in contributing to the effort should contact airport executive assistant Kip Turner at 763-6751.

Turner said the money could be used in a variety of ways, including efforts to lower airfares, doing market studies and marketing efforts directed at potential air carriers.

While this particular grant would be used to improve air service at the current airport, any marketing effort would also work to the benefit of the new airport. As we move forward, it will be to our benefit to begin thinking about regional air service marketing efforts.

Recently, Mike Bell, Delta’s former VP for schedule and planning, visited Panama City to meet with the newly formed Regional Airport Commerce Council. At the meeting, Bell told attendees that Northwest Florida is a “fractured” market.

Bell outlined the importance of creating a compelling story for the region that includes existing demographic and economic facts – but also “tells airlines what the numbers and analysis don’t show.”

He said: “Go to the airlines with a mix of people in leadership positions from government, business and the airport. The key is demonstrating regional cooperation and support.”

We can start by joining to support the airport in its grant application to attract better air service to our existing airport.