CAPE AIRPORT FACES CHALLENGES AHEAD IN GROWTH, SERVICE

The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport got some good news recently. The city learned that a Federal Aviation Administration official has determined the control tower at the airport is "mission essential." While it doesn't guarantee federal funding for the tower next year, the designation certainly sounds promising.

The FAA had talked of closing some 23 air traffic control towers nationwide as a way to save $5 million annually. Cape Girardeau's tower had been discussed as one that wasn't cost-effective.

But city, state, federal and airport officials disagree. U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond said the FAA's cost to operate the tower here -- about $170,000 a year -- is 30 percent less than many similar towers. The city also has opted to pick up the liability insurance in an effort to lower the FAA's costs to $145,000. That move, no doubt, helped.

The airport can operate without a tower but not as effectively. Safety is always a major concern.

Boardings down 400 this year

Meanwhile, boardings so far this year out of the Cape Girardeau airport haven't kept pace with 1994. Cape Girardeau has been struggling to get back over the 10,000-passenger mark for several years, but that goal has proved elusive.

Through September, there were 4,181 Trans World Express boardings at the regional airport, compared to 4,576 during the same period last year. Total TWE boardings for 1994 reached 6,330 passengers. Add charter service and flights for Procter and Gamble and the total tops 8,000. Officials are still hoping to at least match those numbers in 1995.

The drop in TWE boardings isn't an isolated situation in Cape Girardeau. TWE boardings are down 5 to 10 percent at most small airports close to St. Louis. TWE has reduced its marketing efforts in smaller communities it serves. Nonetheless, the billboard just past Perryville on northbound Interstate 55 remains convincing: Motorists are reminded they would have arrived at the St. Louis airport by that time if flying TWE.

The St. Louis-based commuter airline is considering resuming marketing efforts in this region, and that would be welcomed. Perhaps there are other marketing opportunities as well: the city, through the airport board and the convention and visitors bureau; the chamber of commerce; and industrial development efforts. Obviously, TWE numbers has a major effect on total boardings at the airport, which in 1987 boasted an impressive 14,000 boardings when two commuter airlines were operating here.

Despite a boarding downturn, the city continues to receive its share of federal dollars for airport projects. Currently, the city is using a $2 million grant for ramp and taxiway improvements. The project will provide more parking for general aviation planes. When completed, the airport will be able to accommodate larger passenger planes.

Air Evac remains the FBO

Air Evac EMS Inc. continues to serve the airport as its fixed-base operator. The previously announced sale of the operation to MDI Corp. fell through. In the business world, some deals soar, others crash and burn.

Both companies mutually agreed to terminate the proceedings in early October.

The important thing to remember is that the airport continues to be an important asset for Cape Girardeau and the region. Utilization of the airport will be affected by the growth in industry, retail outlets and medical services here. Air Evac will play a key role as the airport's FBO.

The future, for now, appears bright at the airport. The control-tower funding, a push to improve boardings and the commitment by the FBO all point to future gains and successes that will benefit air travelers throughout the area.