Jets considered at airport

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From a press release:

Delta Airlines has expressed an interest in upgrading to 50-seat regional jets in the Pocatello – Salt Lake City market, replacing the current 30-seat turboprop aircraft. The change could come as early as Spring 2009, and an opportunity to test the market will occur in September 2008.

City of Pocatello officials recently visited Delta Airlines at their Atlanta headquarters. Robert Chambers, Director of Planning and Development Services, and David Allen, Airport Manager, met with a Delta official to establish a relationship, present the City's concerns and discuss possible solutions.

Allen said he and Chambers were very pleased with the outcome of the meeting and optimistic about the potential conversion to regional jets. ''Delta has seen consistent success with these conversions in similar markets,'' Allen said, adding, ''Jet service will give Pocatello the ability to increase market share while holding or even lowering airfares.'' Both the current turboprop aircraft and the proposed regional jets are operated by SkyWest Airlines as the Delta Connection.

The upgrade is a double-edged sword as the conversion would result in a drop in frequency from five flights a day to three. ''Delta will only agree to start the service with three flights a day,'' Allen said, adding, ''While it keeps our daily capacity at 150 seats, it will affect scheduling and convenience. They did agree to reconsider a fourth flight after a few months if the initial loads support it.''

There is work to be done before Delta will make a decision. During the next few months airport and city personnel will compile additional data for Delta's review, apply for a Small Community Air Service Development Grant to help with marketing and revenue guarantees, and prepare to successfully accommodate and promote temporary jet service that will be available in September.

The September jet flights will occur because Idaho Falls is scheduled to close their only air service runway for construction. Delta has already canceled affected Idaho Falls flights and added three daily regional jet flights from Pocatello to Salt Lake City to accommodate additional passengers. The three new jet flights will be in addition to the airport's five daily turboprop flights, but Delta officials will want to see the passenger loads on the jet flights in September before making a decision to convert to jet service to Pocatello.

''Delta wants to see high passenger loads on the regional jets during this test in September. Since they will be operating both types of aircraft it will be important for customers to distinguish or specify a regional jet flight when booking on-line or talking to an agent,'' Allen said. He plans to convey this information to the flying public through advertising and public speaking engagements. For more information, citizens can contact David Allen at 208-234-6154.

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