The Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce wants to know what businesses think about air service in Wichita and what they're willing to do to keep fares low.
Airfares have again emerged as a hot topic among business leaders. The FAA has warned the city about subsidizing low-cost carrier AirTran Airways, a move that competing Delta Air Lines says is economic discrimination.
The city recently agreed to give AirTran a $2.5 million subsidy. The county has pledged $1 million.
The city has been subsidizing AirTran since 2002. The city says people traveling out of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport have saved about $85 million because of the subsidy.
It also says that airfares have decreased 30 percent because of AirTran and that passenger traffic at Mid-Continent is up 33 percent.
Business leaders are trying to boost ridership on AirTran, and the chamber will be holding a series of meetings next month about airfares in Wichita.
Sam Williams, chairman of the Fair Fares campaign that helped to bring discount carrier AirTran to Wichita, said the purpose of the meetings is to bring members up to speed about issues affecting low-cost fares and about a plan to double frequent flier miles on AirTran.
"We're trying to raise money," Williams said Tuesday.
The idea is for area businesses to donate money to a pool that AirTran then would use to double customers' miles during specific time periods.
The meetings will be:
- 4 to 5 p.m. May 4
- 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. May 5
- 4 to 5 p.m. May 5
- 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. May 10
- 4 to 5 p.m. May 10
- Noon to 1 p.m., May 12
Lunch is available for $10 at the May 12 meeting only.
The deadline for reservations is Friday. Reservations may be made by contacting Diane Longfellow at 268-1141 or [email protected].The meetings will take place at the chamber offices, 350 W. Douglas.
