Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Capital Region International Airport (KLAN) urges support for American Airlines bid

Members of the Capital Regional Airport Authority joined Lansing officials and business leaders to urge the community to support American Airlines’ bid to begin service from Lansing to Washington D.C. once Sun Country discontinues its flights in October.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity to fill the void left by Sun Country and bring in new, expanded travel options,” said Chris Holman, who chairs the CRAA.

American Airlines would offer daily, nonstop service from Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Nov. 5 if the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation approve its application. It would also offer three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, starting in early 2016.

“Sun Country leaving is not a positive, but we can turn it around into something good,” said Howard Kass, American Airlines’ vice president of Regulatory Affairs.

With American Airlines’ service, passengers could fly to D.C. in the morning and fly back home that night.

“Having American Airlines replacing Sun Country requires a big effort,” Kass said. “The letters and phone calls (to Washington) really help.”

The airport reached its peak traffic in 1997 with 720,365 total passengers. By 2009, the first full year of the recession, those numbers had plummeted to 265,967 but steadily crept back up to 418,850 in 2013. In 2014, the number dipped again to 376,912 passengers.

As of July, the airport’s number of passengers totaled 200,737.

More than 500 Lansing area-businesses and residents have already expressed support through phone calls and letters to the FAA and USDOT through www.FlyLansing.com/SupportAmerican.

Holman said businesses in Virginia have also reached out to regulators because they see business opportunities in Lansing.

“D.C. is a top travel destination and this opens up global market opportunities for us,” said Tim Daman, president and chief executive officer of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “That quality air service is a cornerstone. We believe it’s essential for our people to continue to invest here and grow in our region.”

Story and comments:  http://www.lansingstatejournal.com

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