Presque Isle airport
seeks input from business passengers
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Northern Maine Regional Airport is looking for public input on what business passengers think of service at the facility.
“Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI) is committed to expanding and enhancing scheduled commercial air service to effectively serve the community. The airport is undertaking an aggressive yet focused initiative to further develop passenger air services at PQI,” said Airport Director Scott Wardwell.
As part of this work, said Wardwell, air service consultant ICF SH&E is conducting a business airline travel survey on behalf of PQI.
“PQI is looking to quantify the amount of business travel to and from companies in Aroostook County and New Brunswick areas,” he said.
“The goal is to demonstrate the strength of the business community’s air travel demand and possibly attract additional airlines/flights to potentially more destinations. The results of the survey could lead to lower fares, a better schedule and larger equipment at PQI,” continued Wardwell.
According to Wardwell, the information collected from the survey will be critical to the airport’s “extensive market analysis efforts” and will “enhance our air service development efforts, particularly the business case we present to airlines regarding the market opportunity of the Presque Isle region.”
The business air travel survey was requested by a major airline that is considering adding service to PQI.
“We need all 140 surveys completed by Wednesday, Nov. 16, by close of business. Given the relatively small size of the market, we are encouraging all participants to take the time to account for all business air travel. Participants should complete the survey for all locations in the Aroostook County and New Brunswick areas and include all travel to/from domestic U.S. points and international destinations.”
The 140 participants were selected based on the number of people employed at locations within the market study area. The market study area includes all of Aroostook County north of Houlton. In addition, the area of New Brunswick north of a line from Woodstock to Fredericton to Miramichi will be included in the survey.
“Attracting new or expanded airline service to Northern Maine Regional Airport will benefit the entire community. It will allow existing businesses to compete in a global marketplace and is crucial to attracting additional companies to the area,” said Wardwell.
