Cape Air

Two months after it began flights between Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Cape Air was officially welcomed as the latest provider of commercial air service under the federal Essential Air Service program that subsidizes flights to smaller markets.

It was good to have something to celebrate. Recent commercial passenger carriers at the airport had seen boardings drop for a variety of reasons. In its first two months Cape Air has brought back a sizable and growing number of passengers who like the convenience of flying from Cape Girardeau.

Cape Air's success is attributed to reliable service, more frequent flights and catering to customers' needs. Still to come is a code-sharing agreement with American Airlines that is to begin in April, Cape Air officials said. This will be another improvement likely to encourage even more passengers.

Another positive announcement was Cape Air's commitment to improving service by adding more flights and considering a second destination for local air passengers. Paducah's air service now flies jets to Chicago, a hub for both domestic and international flights.

The Cape Air service is a bright note in the city's fanfare of regional services.