Columbus Metropolitan Airport wants to revitalize regularly scheduled air traffic, and boost business. They're trying to get American Airlines back, after a decade's absence.
Currently, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, which serves Delta Air Lines, is the only regularly-scheduled carrier servicing Columbus, with just a few flights a day.
The airport commission is trying to revitalize the flagging facility and is weighing going ahead with comprehensive plan to bring long-term lease businesses to the facility.
Don Cook, one of five airport commissioners, who currently chairs the group, says they are aiming high, and have a good business case:
“We don't get a conversation with United, we don't get a conversation with Allegiance [Air], we don't get a conversation with US Airways or American Airlines if we can't build that business case... the facts say we can support three to four airlines.”
Cook says that they are seeking commercial development of the area, and are weighing several development proposals.
He says they are in intensive talks with American Airlines, and - if talks go according to their plan – expects flights by year's end.
“From June to July would be the decision-making process for American Airlines, and the first flight – if all the numbers go well – would land in December 2007.”
