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A New Connection
Delta Airlines and FLY YXC Strike a Deal
The most recent Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held at the College of the Rockies (COTR) in conjunction with the 2008 Business Expo & Career Fair, included a featured presentation from members of FLY Canadian Rockies International (YXC). John Sheehan and Kent Myers spoke on behalf of FLY YXC in a bid to raise awareness and pledges for the airport expansion.
Myers is the president and a managing partner of Airplanners, a company that specializes in matching airports in smaller centres to brand-name airlines as well as planning, developing and supporting service to those airports. According to Sheehan, Myers was instrumental in creating the connection between YXC and Delta Airlines, the major U.S. carrier that will be servicing the area. In the presentation, Myers explained that Delta would provide three flights a week during the peak tourist seasons between Cranbrook and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Salt Lake City's geographical location figured heavily in the airline and hub considerations. Over 63 million travellers a year use Salt Lake City as hub for U.S. destinations, making it attractive to resort developments in the region trying to woo tourists to the area. And as it is located almost directly south of Cranbrook, it is ideal for eastern or western American travellers.
"The greatest impact is that you get a brand name U.S. carrier," said Myers. "It's very prestigious for the community and the region. Number two is with one stop, with one flight, you can touch 63 million people who are going to ride on the same aircraft with a one-stop into the region. It just changes the whole paradigm of access."
Part of the deal with Delta includes a guaranteed annual net revenue of $784,000. FLY YXC has already invested close to $800,000 but is seeking matching pledges from local businesses and community members as a show of faith in the project. As Myers pointed out, an investment in the airport translates into a feeling of ownership in the project and in the success of tourism in the region.
For more information or to download a pledge form, see http://flyyxc.com.
by Tanya Laing Moore
Link: flyyxc.com
Added on April 17th, 2008
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