During a recent County Commission Meeting, County Administration presented a proposal on the Air Service Incentive for RON Flight. On December 12, Tim Rogers, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority, and Gary Foss, air service consultant, delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Commission.
The proposal outlined a $900,000 community incentive package aimed at persuading SkyWest Airlines to shift the schedule of non-stop flights between Salina and Denver to a "remain overnight" (RON) format. This change would involve a late afternoon/early evening arrival in Salina, followed by an early morning departure to Denver the next day, optimizing connectivity in both directions through Denver for Salina passengers.
To fund the incentive, a collaborative effort was proposed, with $400,000 allocated from the City of Salina (approved by the City Commission on December 4), $100,000 from the Airport Authority, and a suggested $400,000 from Saline County. The County's contribution would be sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Notably, this funding is available as an equivalent amount previously designated for an airport maintenance hub, which will not be utilized.
In practical terms, the County's financial commitment would function as a grant to the Salina Airport Authority. The authority would then be responsible for disbursing the incentive to SkyWest based on the successful implementation of the RON schedule over a one-year period.
The motion to approve the incentive package garnered a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Hay registering a dissenting vote.
