Iowa air service study 2008

Air service provides needed connectivity to get people and goods to their destination quickly and efficiently. It also plays a major role in quality of life and economic development in Iowa. Access to convenient and affordable air service is important to local communities and the State of Iowa. This report provides a summary of findings and recommendations that are documented in the study's full technical report which contains all study data and findings. The full technical report for the Iowa Air Service Study is available on the Office of Aviation website at www.iawings.com. A digital file of the study may also be obtained by calling the Office of Aviation at 515-239-1875. In the past decade, commercial air service has experienced significant change. This change has resulted from financial problems with legacy air carriers, a build up of low cost carriers, higher operating costs for airlines, and the events of 9/11. The number of air passengers served in Iowa has experienced a modest increase. Most commercial airports in Iowa have fares disparities with airports outside of the State. Two airports lost commercial air service completely, and service has been reduced at six of the remaining eight commercial service airports in Iowa. As air service has changed, questions have been raised regarding what role the State of Iowa plays, or should play, in sustaining and improving air service for the citizens of Iowa. At the same time, communities need to know what air service opportunities exist at the local level. To address these issues, the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation commissioned a statewide study to examine commercial air service and air travel in Iowa. The study collected data important to recruiting improved air service. Also analyzed were historical and current air service levels and recommendations for sustaining and improving air service for residents, businesses, and visitors in Iowa.