Klamath Falls, Ore. – Commercial air passenger service will soon be returning to Klamath Falls.
That will have a big impact on jobs, tourism, and the economy – and steps are already underway to keep that service in place.
Jim Chadderdon of ‘Discover Klamath’ says the contract with Peninsula Airways, or ‘PenAir’ is a big plus for tourism…
“It gives folks an opportunity to get out to see the two big attractions in our area, which is of course Crater Lake National Park, and the Lava Beds National Monument.”
In addition to creating directly-related airport jobs, Klamath Falls Mayor Todd Kellstrom believes restoring air service can help strengthen existing businesses, and spark new growth…
“From the economic standpoint, businesses wanting to come and visit to see either their businesses that are here, or potential new businesses.”
PenAir is scheduled to begin service out of the Crater Lake / Klamath Regional Airport in early November.
PenAir’s schedule calls for daily flights leaving for Portland at 6:45 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.
On weekends, a flight will leave at 9:00 a.m.
Ticket prices are still unknown at this time.
Melissa Roberts of PenAir says those figures should be available in about a month.
While the service hasn’t even started yet, Jim Chadderdon is already working on ways to keep that service from flying away…
“They’re looking for a 65% load factor on a 30 seat plane.”
But for now, Mayor Kellstrom is just happy the city and PenAir have reached an agreement…
“Everybody chipped in. It was just a wonderful community effort.”
PenAir isn’t the only big story in the air at the Crater Lake / Klamath Regional Airport this week.
Wednesday will mark the first day on the job for the new airport director, and ‘Sentry Eagle’ is expected to draw over 10,000 guests to Kingsley Field this Saturday.
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