Plenty of obstacles remain, but the extinction of passenger planes from the skies above Chico may not be permanent.
Airport Manager Sherry Miller said plans are afoot for an official study of potential air ticket demand. Miller said consultants could be invited to bid on writing the report as soon as next month. The completed report would give airline executives an idea of the profit potential for launching service.
But that’s only the beginning. Small turbo-props are being replaced by larger jets throughout the industry. Carriers would have to sell more tickets to break even.
The existing terminal is too small to handle many more passengers or accommodate TSA-compliant security screening. Miller said the terminal would have to be substantially remodeled or replaced at a seven figure cost.
The problems aren’t insurmountable. Miller said federal and state funding could cover much of the expenses. Commitments are also being assembled from major local employers, including CSU, Chico and Enloe Medical Center to use the service for a certain percentage of company travel.
Friday will mark two years since the final SkyWest turbo-prop departed Chico Municipal Airport — an inconvenience to travelers and a slap to local pride.