Study group launched on GR air service

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Addressing what he sees as a problem to the economic growth of the area, Dick DeVos launched the Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan.

Touted as a "consortium of regional business leaders," the RAAWM was started in 2008 to help find ways to improve air service into and out of the area. Another press conference is set for Thursday afternoon about "a major air service announcement."

In a statement release at a 2 p.m. announcement, DeVos said, West Michigan has the second highest commercial airfares in the country and we’re experiencing a declining frequency of air service, shrinking seat inventory and regional passengers abandoning the market."

DeVos serves as chairman of the RAAWM.

The cost of outbound commercial flights, the group says, is the second highest in the United States, causing local air travelers to fly out of either Detroit or Chicago. That "leakage," as they call it, costs the region tens of millions of dollars a year. And the limited frequency of flights is also a deterrent to businesses and conventions considering Grand Rapids as a destination.

Devos cited the fact the Gerald R. Ford International Airport handles 65% of the air travel in West Michigan (compared to other regional airports) but is operating at only around 50% capacity.

"We've pulled together a group to try and work with and assist the airport in their effort to raise their own game," DeVos said. "And as well as they've been doing, we all know we can and we must do better in the future."

Devos talked about the success of Allegiant Air, but said Ford International also needs to attract a low cost carrier that's part of a larger network.

Though infrastructure at the airport is solid, the key and perhaps most difficult challenge for the alliance is how to approach and convince the airlines themselves that it makes good business sense to add frequency and lower pricing in the Grand Rapids market.

The group identified five initiatives:

• Airport service quality survey
• Airport performance survey
• Regional airport economic impact study
• Improved service and pricing from existing carriers
• Recruitment of a “network” low cost carrier

The group believes the result will benefit all air travelers, including business and commercial fliers.