OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Chautauqua County Airports Manager Shannon Fischer introduces Evan Berg who did a market research and analysis for the Jamestown airport.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County is exploring options to bring commercial air service back to Jamestown.

During the county legislature meeting, lawmakers heard from Evan Berg, the director of Air Service Development & Project Lead, who did a study regarding commercial air service at the Chautauqua County Airport – Jamestown.

County Airports Manager Shannon Fischer noted the market research and analysis is required before commercial air service can be brought back to the county.

Commercial air service in Jamestown ended in 2018.

Some of the key findings include:

– Economic and tourism role: Air service would enhance regional business prospects and tourism, boosting access to attractions like Chautauqua Institution, Lake Erie wine country, and the National Comedy Center.

– Passenger leakage: Over 60% of potential passengers within the Jamestown airport’s defined catchment area reside within 45 miles of the airport, and potential passengers currently use competing airports due to the absence of local service.

– Market demand: The top origin and destination markets include Orlando, New York City, Tampa, and Atlanta. Southwest Airlines leads the market share in the region followed by the other large U.S. network airlines.

Some key challenges include:

– The Jamestown airport faces competition from larger regional area airports offering extensive route networks, several airlines options, and low fares.

– Previous service under the Essential Air Service program was discontinued, highlighting the need for sustainable operational models.

There are three proposed pathways:

– Reinstate Essential Air Service.

– Pursue a Small Community Air Service Development Program. Grants are available for route development and marketing initiatives.

– Evaluate a Minimum Revenue Guarantee. Financial backing is needed to ensure airline profitability during the startup phase.

For the short-term, the consultants recommend pursuing a partner airline under the EAS program, focusing on hub connectivity.

Should the county be unsuccessful with EAS, it could collaborate with major carriers like American or United for consistent hub services.

For the long term, the county could explore ultra low cost carrier options for leisure markets. The county would need to consider its runway limitations at the Jamestown airport.

Next steps include:

– Engaging with regional stakeholders, including government, businesses and community leaders.

– Continue to develop compelling proposals backed by data on passenger demand and economic impact.

– Secure funding through federal programs and local partnerships to attract airline interest.

OFFICIALS REACT

Once Berg finished his presentation, Legislator Fred Larson, D-Jamestown, criticized the study for not including the Bradford airport. Airports included in the study were the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, Erie International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and the Rochester International Airport.

Larson noted how Bradford, Pa. is a much smaller community than Jamestown. “Southern Airways dependably serves that little Bradford market,” he said.

Larson said one of the reasons he ran for office was to try to get commercial air service back at the Jamestown airport. He expressed concern that once the Republicans take control of the Senate in January, Sen. Charles Schumer may not have the leverage necessary to bring air service back.

After the legislature meeting, County Executive PJ Wendel said he has been working with Schumer and others trying to get air service back. He doesn’t think that just because the Democrats will no longer have control of the Senate that it will automatically hurt the airport’s chances. “He’s still a very ranking member, even in the minority. He’s very well aware of where we are. This has been on his radar every year we go to talk with him,” Wendel said.

Wendel said he would like to see commercial air service return. “The data shows we support it. We need to get behind it and see where we go,” he said.

Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, said for now the consultants are going to pursue EAS subsidy and then talk with potential airlines who may be interested in serving the Jamestown market. “That was the purpose of the funding that we allocated, was to pursue Essential Air Service,” he said.

Legislator Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia, who consistently votes against receiving any state or federal funding for the airports, said he found the presentation “interesting” but “non-specific.”

In Scudder’s opinion, a lot of what was shared in the study legislators have heard before. “There’s a lot of hope in there. … I think it’s going to be a real effort to get it (EAS funding),” he said.

Scudder said while he often votes against funding for the airport, “nobody wants to see the airports succeed more than I do.” His concern is that the county didn’t meet the required number of minimum passengers before and he isn’t sure this study has done anything to show that will change in the future.