DeVos: W Mich flight costs to come down

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan says the skies are getting friendlier on your wallet.

Chairman Dick DeVos on Wednesday morning made that case to local business leaders while asking them for money during a presentation at the JW Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids.

He said money from businesses will help the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township strengthen air service for the next couple years.

DeVos said prices of flights from Ford Airport average 10% more than the rest of the country, but he argues costs will come down. He said the decision by Southwest Airlines to stay in West Michigan after it merged with AirTran will drop the prices of other carriers.

"Southwest coming in with its very powerful brand is going to encourage people to look and to consider traveling Southwest in brand new ways. I think that's an opportunity for us to reduce the average airfare cost out of Gerald Ford even more going forward."

DeVos said the next goal is to add more Southwest flights to West Michigan and possibly add another low fare carrier.

He said the RAAWM is currently not in talks with any other carriers.

Dan Wiersma, executive director of RAAWM, and Rick Baker, president and CEO of Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, joined DeVos at Wednesday's event.