![]() Grunke said last week that no one has committed to a specific amount of money, but that there has been widespread support for the idea. The Authority, which has a $10 million restricted reserve, plans to use a portion of those funds for two years to attract increased service, he said. ![]() Rouch said the Erie Regional Airport Authority also has money available to help fund temporary deficits until enplanements rise. That fund isn't the only source of income that the chamber envisions as it begins to make the case for expanded air service, including an effort to attract a low-cost carrier that could potentially serve Erie with twice-weekly flights to Florida. The Fly Erie Fund would be administered by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, which would provide the legal structure to receive public and private funding. More: United Airlines will end service at Erie International Airport beginning in June Grunke said the chamber's proposal calls for a three-year commitment to raise $1 million a year, splitting the expense between the public and private sectors. In a recent meeting with members of the business community, the chamber proposed establishing a $1 million fund that could be used each year to help airlines bridge the gap between the number of tickets they expect they can sell on flights departing Erie and the amount they need to sell in order to be profitable. James Grunke, CEO of the chamber, believes financial incentives are likely the best way to encourage airlines to add service here. "Historically, when an air service exceeds 80% load factors, the air carrier is adding routes, frequency and larger airplanes into the market," he said. More: Airport is partnering with Erie community to build air service, airport director saysĮrie's flights operated at close to a 90% load factor, compared to a national average of about 80%, Rouch said in recent presentation. Under normal circumstances, Derek Martin, executive director of the airport, would have had no reason to be concerned about United ending its flights to Chicago, said Jake Rouch, vice president of economic development for the chamber. ![]() Shortages of pilots, planes and mechanics have airlines looking to fly only the most profitable routes. More: Lack of air service is holding Erie back. According to the Erie chamber, 300 airports have lost some level of commercial service since the beginning of the pandemic and 14 airports have lost all commercial service. The trend does not favor Erie and other non-hub airports. During September, head to the Ohio State Fairgrounds for Oktoberfest.Leaders of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership are hoping that a partnership between local government and the business community and an initial investment of $1 million could prevent further service declines. Take part in the annual Jazz and Rib Fest or explore the Ohio State Fair, held every summer. The city hosts many festivals through the year, including the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival in early summer Red, White and Boom over the July 4 weekend and the Caffeine Crawl Columbus in the fall. Columbus offers four seasons of weather, though it rarely gets too hot in the summer. Visit Columbus for any Ohio State home game in the fall and watch the city come alive with Buckeye fever.
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