Passenger service from Prescott’s Municipal Airport now offers travelers new flight times and two major destinations – Los Angeles International Airport and Denver International Airport – because of expansion of service from Prescott by Great Lakes Airline (GLA).
The first flights under the expanded schedule began Dec. 17.
Expansion was announced by Charles H “Chuck” Howell, GLA president. The Prescott City Council unanimously voted support for expansion after Howell addressed the council during its Dec. 12 meeting. Council chambers were packed with local residents.
Howell told council members that GLA had been planning expansion for some time.
“We see major potential for our airline to provide increased airline service to people from throughout Central and Northern Arizona. They can park free at the local airport and not have to worry about commuting in heavy traffic to Phoenix and battling long waiting lines and possible flight delays or cancelled flights,” he said. “Better than that, people can fly to either destination for a fare that’s cheaper than a speeding ticket.”
Advance one-way fares to Los Angeles start at $97. Non-stop flight time is estimated at 90 minutes. Advance one-way fares to Denver start at $130. Flight time, including a brief stop in Farmington, New Mexico, is approximately two hours, fifteen minutes. Round trips are available, too.
Earlier, Prescott Municipal Airport Manager John Cox told council members that the City receives an annual federal subsidy of $150,000 to provide what is called “Essential Air Service” to the greater region.
Cox said, “That amount is determined by the number of enplanements – passengers flying – annually. Once an airline has 10,000 or more annual enplanements, the subsidy goes to $1 million. Our records show that we’re near that threshold now, and with the increased number of flights and the new route to Denver, we don’t think it will be long at all until we receive the larger subsidy.”
Major Marketing Effort Directed at Quad Cities
In earlier exclusive comments to the Quad Cities Business News, Howell stressed that GLA “…was focusing on working with your community and region to grow passenger enplanements. We are emphasizing the promotion of Prescott and the region and in growing the existing service to Los Angeles. Going from a nine-seat aircraft to one with 30 seats and more flights will certainly allow more passengers to take advantage of our air service. “
He said airline executives will soon direct major marketing promotions throughout Central and Northern Arizona. “We’ll be working with the airport and many others to create increased awareness of advantages of flying with GLA.”
He said recent research has demonstrated that Prescott has a strong tie to the Los Angeles basin area. “LAX is a great international hub and also offers many destinations domestically.”
Howell pointed out that initially, GLA will have only limited service to Denver – twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. “Even so,” he said, “research shows that a large number of passengers want to fly to Denver, where they can connect with other flights that take them to the Midwest and East Coast.”
GLA serves 13 airports in seven states: California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, South Dakota and Wyoming. The home office is in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Howell said GLA will hire another two or three local employees to accommodate the anticipated passenger increase and airplane maintenance. Currently, GLA has six local employees – three full-time and three part-time.
Howell pointed out another advantage GLA can offer passengers. “We have a United Code share, and we have interline and baggage agreements with American Airlines and Delta. What that means is passengers can transfer between us and other carriers without going to baggage claim to recover bags and to avoid the TSA hassle.”
The larger aircraft Howell mentioned are Embraer EMB Brasilia twin-engine turbo-prop airliners. They are equipped with restroom facilities and will have a flight attendant. Passengers can expect water and other beverages served on all flights. “We have always believed in the Prescott area and its demand for more seats. We now are in a position to add this Brasilia aircraft, which will allow the market to grow exponentially.”
Howell emphasized that GLA does not have additional fees for luggage.
The airline will continue using its 19000 Beechcraft 19-seat turbo-prop planes, too.
Airport Preparing for More Traffic
“I view this renewed focus of increased flights, introduction of larger aircraft and increased service, as an indication that Great Lakes considerers Prescott a focus airport,” said Cox. “As Mayor Oberg has stated on numerous occasions, the public is now granted an opportunity to ‘vote’ their feelings on the upgraded transportation services through their ticket purchases for additional flights to LA or Denver. Our airport staff is preparing the terminal for increased traffic and more efficient flow of arriving and departing passengers.”
Kathy DeFrietas, GLA station manager in Prescott and a 14-year employee of the airline, said she has heard nothing but positive comments from people who fly in and out of Prescott.
Retiring Prescott Chamber of Commerce CEO David Maurer is enthusiastic. “This is the best announcement in recent years. More flights, larger airplanes and two major destinations. Great news for Prescott airline passengers.”
Saying that he anticipates even more tourists than before because of the increased air service, City of Prescott Tourism Director Don Prince said, “We know many of our residents have personal and business relations in the Los Angeles area. We also know that many make national and international flight connections at LAX. Los Angeles is our most important inbound tourism market outside of Arizona. With larger aircraft, better service and more frequent flights, we fully expect passenger traffic between Prescott and Los Angles to increase. The city will be working with the airport and GLA to get the word out about these new flights to LA and Denver.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information about the airlines, flights or tickets, visit GLA’s website flygreatlakes.com, call 800-554-5111 or contact local GLA manager Kathy DeFreitas at 928-771-0065.
Photo by Ray Newton
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