Midlands leaders banding together

[Charlestondata]

Whoever flies out of CAE frequently will be interested in this.

Columbia Regional Business Report | Columbia, SC

[Woodlands]

Cool thanks for sharing.. I have to admit I was surprised when I saw Alaska Airlines on that list though I know that it is probably some form of partnership or alliance with another airline.. I think a Columbia to Anchorage route would be cool link between the to cities.... Famously Hot to Famously Not(Hot)

[Chi2Midlands]

Interesting program on the Frequent Flyer incentives - I'm not sure it would really convince a whole lot of folks. Business travelers can write off parking expenses (many may be taxiing it anyways). The infrequent traveler (i.e., family of four seeing grandparents twice a year) will not be swayed by that (they're going for the lower fare, be it at CAE, CLT, or wherever). Perhaps a small businessman who travels frequently and drives up to CLT COULD be swayed by parking, but we're still talking a very marginal benefit.

One thing that should be tried, and it's cheap, is a "Check CAE First" marketing effort (billboards, etc.) - it's been done at other small, high-leakage airports (like Lynchburg, VA). The air service development consultant who was in town a few weeks ago mentioned this in the discussion. This way you'll at least try to capture those folks who don't even bother checking Columbia each time they book (I'm not one of them, so I can legitimately say I know that CAE still has a high fare differential, at least in some markets).

[Woodlands]

I was onced told by a friend of mine that he planned to run for mayor of the town of Eastover. He said if he was elected, the first thing that he would do would be to dissolve the town... He didnt win the election.

All humor aside.. I wonder what the vision is for these smaller towns in the midlands..ie. the Eastover, Irmo, Forest Acres, Springdale, Arcadia Lakes, Gaston, Swansea, Pelion.. you get the picture.. And how do they fit into the larger equation or do they just let their Counties handle their destiny