Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport has been awarded a $1 million federal grant to help pursue new nonstop air service between Wichita and a major East Coast hub.
The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program and will provide ICT with funding to help recruit an airline for a potential new route.
The airport is targeting nonstop service to either Charlotte Douglas International Airport or one of three major New York City-area airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport.
The funding would support a revenue guarantee and marketing program designed to reduce the financial risk for an airline launching the new service. The goal is to help establish a route that can eventually become financially sustainable.
“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.”
Romo said the airport is grateful to the community partners who supported the grant application and helped demonstrate the demand for expanded air service in south-central Kansas.
Community organizations and businesses throughout the region backed ICT's application, emphasizing the importance of additional air service for Wichita-area residents, businesses and visitors. American Airlines also provided a letter of support.
The grant does not guarantee that a new nonstop route will be added. Instead, the funding gives ICT additional financial resources that can be offered as an incentive while airport officials continue discussions with airlines.
An East Coast hub would give Wichita travelers another nonstop destination while also providing access to numerous connecting flights throughout the eastern United States and beyond.
“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. The program helps communities address air service and airfare challenges through initiatives such as revenue guarantees, marketing programs and other efforts aimed at developing new air service.
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