Arkansas air traffic continues to grow

SeaPort Airlines announced record passenger traffic during the month of October 2011 in each of the four Arkansas communities served. Traffic in SeaPort’s Arkansas markets increased 72% total year-over-year, ranging from 27% at El Dorado to 182% at Hot Springs.
“Each of our Arkansas markets has experienced considerable growth during 2011 and we appreciate the support of each community as we have worked to rebuild consumer confidence in the local air service,” said Rob McKinney, President--SeaPort Airlines.

Background

When SeaPort initiated service at Harrison, El Dorado, Hot Springs, and Jonesboro in October 2009, the communities had been without scheduled air service since 2007. All four markets are served under the Essential Air Service program. The strong growth has resulted in SeaPort providing additional “speculative” flights beyond these EAS contract service minimums in some of the Arkansas communities. Unfortunately, while SeaPort has provided Jonesboro with quality service and reasonable fares, the consistently low passenger numbers relative to the other Arkansas communities make the market unprofitable, even with the current subsidy levels. SeaPort has notified the US Department of Transportation of its intent to discontinue service at Jonesboro, and will assist the community in transitioning to a new airline.