Rapid City Airport
The airline industry was hit hard this past year. The pandemic meant less people traveling and fewer flights available.
But new legislation may help. Senate Bill 162 will distribute funds to restore flights that were cut last year due to COVID-19. It’s passed both chambers of the Legislature and recently gained Governor Kristi Noem’s signature.
Dan Letellier is the executive director of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. He says the new bill could be a great tool for recruiting airlines.
“You know, one important aspect of that is, you know, what, what type of risk abatement or revenue loss insurance do you have? So we often call it a revenue guarantee, but it's usually a fund that an airline can draw from for the first year, to really make sure they at least break even. So any losses they might incur, they can draw from this fund and at least break even, which typically happens in the first year of new service.”
The bill would appropriate $3.8 million to restore routes that were canceled and add new flight options. The funds will also be used for air service marketing and business development.