Cape airport ends 2014 flying high

The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport had a successful year in 2014.

Several years ago Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. was to begin a small plane production company at the Cape Girardeau airport. However, the company failed to make lease payments dating back to 2007. It was evicted in 2011 but had not vacated the hanger. In May that changed, and the company cleared the 52,000-square foot facility.

Having a vacant facility was good for a couple of reasons. First, it helps the city market the hanger to find a new tenant. Second, it provided storage space for the Canadian Snowbirds when they appeared for the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Show.

Speaking of the air show, this year's event was a success that nearly did not take place. Bruce Loy, airport manager, announced in February that the show was canceled due to the Snowbirds not being able to perform. However, in March it was announced the show was back on and the headlining act would participate.

On May 17 and 18 an estimated crowd of 12,000 to 15,000 spectators came out to see the Snowbirds and other ground and air entertainment. Despite sketchy weather and a commencement ceremony in Cape Girardeau, the show was successful.

Loy told the Southeast Missourian that the construction of 10 new T-hangars also was a success story. The airport received the funding through the state Department of Transportation, and the hangars were then leased.

On Sunday, the newspaper reported that Cape Air, the commercial airliner that transports passengers from Cape Girardeau to St. Louis, saw a 37 percent increase in boardings since full-year service started in 2010. Boardings at Cape Girardeau were 6,511 and the return trips totaled 5,833. The $50 one-way trip offers customers a relatively inexpensive fare to St. Louis when you consider free parking in Cape Girardeau vs. up to $20 per day at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

Loy said total occupancy rate in 2014 was between 60 to 65 percent, which, he said, is considered a good percentage for a nine-passenger plane.

The airline company also is pleased to see the consistent growth.

"Cape Air has grown significantly over the last three years, with 8 percent growth each of the last three years. We have been consistently profitable the last seven years; 2014 was our greatest growth year, with 10 percent growth ... ," said Erin Hatzell, Cape Air regional marketing manager.

The contract with Cape Air is set to expire Nov. 30, and Loy told the Southeast Missourian he believes the U.S. Department of Transportation will issue its request for bids to continue service as of Dec. 1.

Cape Air said it plans to issue a bid once the process begins.

We're pleased to see some good news coming from the airport. Between Commander leaving, to the air show, new construction and Cape Air's growth, there is reason to be excited about the airport's future.