REGIONAL AIRPORT CONTINUES TO SHOW POTENTIAL FOR AREA

MDI Corp.'s pending purchase of Air Evac Aviation's fixed-base operation at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport apparently will ensure that, for the time being, only one fixed-based operator, or FBO, will do business at the airport.

That there was interest by both MDI's Prestige Air Services and Air Evac Aviation in operating FBOs at the airport is a positive sign that this underrated and often ignored regional asset is turning the corner. There is a renewed interest in industrial growth at the airport, and a solid FBO is an important cog in the complex workings of economic development.

Air Evac, headquartered at West Plains, became the FBO in September 1994 when it assumed the operation from Cape Central Airways. Cape Central had come under fire from city officials for its spotty service record. When the city ended Cape Central's lease, it opened the door for new -- and, it was hoped, better -- service.

Air Evac's short tenure has been successful. The company made many changes at the airport to bring aircraft, hangars and fueling up to acceptable standards. But with Prestige Air planning to open a second FBO, Air Evac opted to sell its FBO assets to Prestige rather than compete in a narrow market that couldn't sustain two FBOs.

Prestige is a local company with a vested interest in the airport's growth and ongoing success, and both companies can be applauded for their efforts to maintain good aviation service at the airport.