Monday, December 12, 2011

Springfield airport surveying about possible western destinations

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport has begun an online survey similar to one taken prior to the start of Dallas-Fort Worth flights early this year -- but this time concentrating on western destinations to Denver and beyond.

Airport executive director Mark Hanna said on Monday the five-question survey at www.flyspi.com would continue through the end of the year.

Questions center on travelers' annual trips to Denver, current airport usage for westbound flights, estimated number of flights to Denver if Springfield service was available and travel habits to destinations west of Denver.

Hanna said there already is plenty of anecdotal evidence and ticket data to suggest a westbound destination would work for Springfield.

“Denver is a huge westbound hub for the airlines,” said Hanna. “When they look at a market, they are looking for destinations beyond the hub.”

United Airlines, Delta, Southwest and Frontier all have major connecting operations in Denver.

The airport also conducted an online survey of possible southbound destinations before American Eagle switched flights in April from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport.

As with the earlier survey, Hanna said results would be shared with prospective carriers. He added that unlike Bloomington-Normal and Peoria — where State Farm and Caterpillar are staples of business travel — Springfield must rely on small and medium-sized companies to help entice additional air service.

“It is very important to demonstrate to airlines what kind of market this is,” said Hanna. “We have such a large base of small and medium-sized businesses, and they do frequently travel.”

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