Cape officials cautiously optimistic after airline's first month of operation

Usage of Cape Girardeau's newest commercial air carrier was around 25 percent of capacity during its first month of operations in the area, leaving city leaders cautiously optimistic about the airline's future.

"Certainly one month does not make a relationship successful," said Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson. "But from the time Cape Air was selected to their one-month track record, I don't think anyone could have envisioned it would start off the way it has."

Cape Air began operations at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport on Nov. 8, with four passengers using the service that day. Since then, about 500 people have used the service, which averages to about 17 passengers per day, according to the airline. Great Lakes Airlines, which was the previous airline to offer commercial service at the airport, averaged two passengers per day.

Unlike Great Lakes Airlines, Cape Air began service a few weeks after receiving its contract to fly out of the city. Great Lakes Airlines took several months to start flying from Cape Girardeau.

Leslie Myrbeck, a spokeswoman for Cape Air, said the Hyannis, Mass.-based carrier will work hard to re-establish confidence in air service after the somewhat turbulent record of past carriers.

The Federal Aviation Administration grounded RegionsAir in March 2007 because of maintenance issues. Big Sky Airlines then began offering service in November 2007 but announced it was ceasing operations in January 2008, citing fuel costs and declining revenue.

By May 2008, commercial airline service resumed, with Great Lakes Airlines offering service. But Great Lakes Airlines only offered two round-trip flights per day, not fulfilling its promise of three flights per day, airport manager Bruce Loy said. Its contract expired Oct. 31.

The employee-owned Cape Air offers four arrivals and departures Monday through Friday and two on Saturdays and Sundays. A one-way ticket is $49. For $457, the airline offers a book of 10 tickets good at any time.

Loy said the airline earlier this month launched an advertising campaign that includes 15-second television ads, billboards and advertisements in the Southeast Missourian. In January the airline plans to expand its marketing campaign with more frequent advertisements. The airline also plans to hire a regional marketing manager, he said.

Cape Air also has secured a code-sharing agreement with American Airlines, which Great Lakes Airlines did not have. Myrbeck said it could be April when the agreement takes effect.

"The trend we've seen since starting service in Cape Girardeau is very positive," Myrbeck said. "Our goal and desire is to see this market continue to grow, as we want to see an increase in the number of passengers flying in and out of Cape Girardeau. We want to establish a strong base and see that loyalty continue to grow."

Loy believes the airline will succeed and stay in business through their contract.

"While we have a little ways to go with increasing our number of passengers flying, this is a really great start," Loy said. "I've been impressed with their attitude and how they run their business. They've held up every promise they've made, from the on-time arrivals to the low fares. It's like working with a larger airline."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO