Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) has been selected to receive a $1 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to help recruit new nonstop service connecting Wichita to a major East Coast hub.
The grant will support a revenue guarantee and marketing program designed to reduce the financial risk associated with launching a new route and help establish sustainable nonstop service between ICT and an East Coast hub. Target markets include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) or one of the three major New York City-area airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
“This grant gives us another important tool as we continue advocating for the air service our community needs,” said Jesse Romo, Director of Airports. “Access to an East Coast hub would provide Wichita travelers with another valuable nonstop destination while opening additional one-stop connections throughout the East Coast and beyond. We are grateful to the community partners who supported this application and helped demonstrate the demand for expanded air service in south-central Kansas.”
ICT’s application received support from community partners throughout the region, reflecting the importance of expanded air service to Wichita’s businesses, residents, and visitors. American Airlines also provided a letter of support for the grant application.
The award does not guarantee that a new route will be added. Instead, it provides ICT with financial resources that can be used as an incentive as the airport continues discussions with airlines about potential service.
The SCASDP award strengthens ICT’s ability to make the case for additional East Coast connectivity and demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting new service.
“Every time someone chooses to fly ICT, they strengthen our case for more air service,” Romo said. “This award is an exciting step forward, and we look forward to continuing the work to bring more options to Wichita travelers.”
The Small Community Air Service Development Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is designed to help communities address air service and airfare challenges through initiatives including revenue guarantees, marketing programs and other air service development efforts.
This blog was shared in partnership with the City of Wichita
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