CAPE'S AIRPORT ATTRACTS COMPETITIVE INTEREST

A hot item right now is who will be the next fixed-base operator at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport. There are three proposals, and each plan has merits worth considering.

A fixed-base operator, usually call an FBO by pilots and others who have an interest in aviation, is an all-purpose business similar to the full-service filling station. There aren't very many full-service filling stations left for motorists these days, but an airport without an FBO isn't likely to have much traffic.

The current FBO, Cape Central Airways, has been asked by the city to leave. Cape Central has responded by suing the city and by entering into discussions with potential buyers.

Among those who have expressed an interest in buying the existing FBO are Prestige Air Services and Air Evac Lifeteam Corp. Prestige, which is owned by Duane Beussinnk, announced recently its plans to start up an FBO at the airport even if it is unsuccessful in its efforts to purchase Cape Central or even if another operator is approved to replace Cape Central. Air Evac, which is based in West Plains and operates an emergency helicopter service that includes the one at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, would make its entry into FBO management, if its plan to take over Cape Central is successful.

There is still another player at the airport. Leopold Corp. is a group of investors interested in starting an executive FBO. This means it would be interested in servicing the types of aircraft used by corporations and executive aviation. Leopold, too, says it intends to start its operations regardless of who replaces Cape Central as the airport's FBO. Leopold recently obtained a six-month option on property at the airport that surrounds the existing Cape Central operation.

What does all of this mean? For one thing, it means there is sufficient interest in the Cape Girardeau airport to ensure at least one FBO for general aviation, and perhaps another for executive and corporate aircraft. Most business executives who have an interest in airport operations tend to agree the airport here can't support two full-fledged general aviation FBOs. Whether or not there is enough business for an executive FBO remains to be seen. Leopold seems interested in developing that potential, which could mean more traffic at the airport and more jobs.

It is up to the city council to review and assess the various proposals while, at the same time, trying to untangle its legal dispute with Cape Central. The city is awaiting formal written proposals, but it clearly is interested in having a well-run FBO at the airport. The city also has shown its willingness to explore other options for development at the airport by giving Leopold Corp. its six-month option for a dollar.

For most folks in this area, the intricacies of airport management and operation are of passing interest, unless they are chartering a plane or taking a connecting flight to a major airport hub. But both general aviation and executive aviation are big business. Owners of aircraft and pilots expect a well run FBO, and they will use airports that provide both service and convenience.

Because of its location, the Cape Girardeau airport has untapped potential that should benefit from the latest round of interest in providing the service and convenience that are expected. There are many details to be resolved, but aviation services can be expected to improve as a result of the keen interest and competition.