MISSOULA, Mont. -- A Billings business organization is in talks with a Florida based airline to extend intra-state air service in Western Montana.
Big Sky Economic Development is conducting an online survey to gauge public interest.
It could mean direct flights from Billings to Missoula, Helena and Williston, North Dakota.
The Missoula International Airport says one of its biggest traveler requests is about in state flights. The brief survey asks users a number of questions.
If people want flights from Billings to Missoula or Helena, how often would they use them? What would they be willing to pay?
"It would have to be comparable to gas to make it worth it," said traveler Serena Lewis. "I don't mind driving." But a lot of people do, especially in the winter. Montana business travelers rack up gas bills.
Big Sky Airlines provided intra-state service until 2008.
"The only option now is to travel by vehicle," said Missoula business man Jeremy Nelson. "The option to fly to Billings would be nice." He has lunch with his wife Shawnee Jackson at the airport. Her extended family would like extended service.
So would Shawnee. "We do quite a few jobs across the state so for my work it would be helpful as well," she said.
It's 637 miles from Superior to Plentywood. Sarah Graham recently drove it. "It would be amazing to just get on a plane and fly there," she laughed. "Even halfway there would be better than the 11 hour drive.
For more information on the survey click on the Missoula Air Service Fastlink.
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