THINGS LOOKING UP AT AIRPORT

With a new name to recognize its service to the region, a year-old expanded terminal building, a new fixed-base operator, and a commuter airline setting records for passengers, things are looking up at the airport.

Last month, on the recommendation of the airport's advisory board, the city council agreed to change the name from municipal airport to the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

Bill Walker, chairman of the advisory board, said the new name will not only be a marketing tool but also recognizes what was done during the tenure of Randy Holdman as director to better promote the airport.

Walker said the new fixed-base operator, Air Evac, purchased the assets of Cape Central Airways recently, and will do more to promote the airport around the region.

Also Trans World Express, the airport's commuter airline, is having a record year with more than 5,000 boardings so far. Many of its customers come from around the area, not just the immediate Cape Girardeau market.

"As you look at what Air Evac has planned, you can see an even greater regional influence in terms of their services," Walker said.

Assistant City Manager Doug Leslie said the new name reflects the services and market area of the airport, but does not change in any way how the airport is funded, supported or maintained.

It is still operated by the city.

"This airport is viewed as one of the top facilities between St. Louis and Memphis in terms of instrument approaches, having a control tower, length of runways and services," Leslie said.

A new airport manager will take over Dec. 5, replacing Andy Perry who has held the job on an interim basis since Holdman left.

The new manager, Greg Chenoweth of Hutchinson, Kan., has managed an airport there for the last four years.

Two potential areas of expansion for the Cape Girardeau airport would be the addition of new commuter airlines and another fixed-base operator.

TWE goes only to St. Louis, but has one flight that makes a stop in Marion, Ill.

Leslie said efforts have been made to recruit a commuter airline that would go to Chicago, and also one that might have flights to Nashville or Memphis.

With de-regulation of the airline industry, Leslie said it is more difficult to get commuter airlines.

"We are in frequent touch with airlines to let them know we are here and have an interest in talking with them. Periodically they take at look at us in terms of our market," Leslie said.

In addition, efforts are being made to get TWE to increase its number of flights.

A group called Prestige Air, headed by Cape Girardeau businessman Duane Beussink, has had discussions with the city about becoming a second fixed-base operator. Those talks are continuing.

A group called Leopold Corp. currently has a six-month option to lease 7.6 acres and is considering a larger scale commercial maintenance operation.

Procter and Gamble also operates a charter shuttle service from the airport to meet its needs.

Under a contract with the FAA, the city operates the control tower at the airport from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the winter months and from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the summer.

The airport has about 575 acres, and some of that land is leased by two different farmers.

Leslie said the acreage the city has is enough to meet the immediate needs of the airport.

A new terminal building that opened in October 1993 has been well received, according to Leslie and Walker. It has provided more convenience for passengers, free parking and a covered area for loading and unloading.

Other leases the city has at the airport includes 10 hangar tenants, two car rental agencies, one to a gift shop operator, WEB Aero, Tomlinson Avionics, the National Weather Service, and the Drury Corp.

Riverboat gambling operations planned in Cape Girardeau, and possibly in Scott County could also increase traffic at the airport.

Funds for improvements at the airport come from state and federal funds, with small local matches.

At one time, the airport had more than 10,000 boardings a year, which guaranteed FAA entitlement money of about $400,000 a year for improvements. Because the airport has fallen below that level, the city has to compete for funds administered through the state.

"We are very optimistic that we will be able to continue working with state and federal agencies to maintain funding for needed projects to improve the airport," Leslie said.

"We are really optimistic about the airport and the direction it is headed. I feel this is a very vital part of the transportation system for the entire region."

Walker said if the current growth rate continues, the airport will top the 10,000 level in 1995.

He explained that the board had been working to get the airport turned around and growing again, and it believes it has reached that point.

"Our goal was to get the airport growing and we feel good about its future. We are poised to do some pretty good growth," Walker said.

There is a master plan in place for the airport that calls for infrastructure improvements, and eventually expansions of the taxi way and runways.