WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced legislation to bolster and attract new air service to small communities across the country.

The Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) was designed to allow small airports to apply for grants to help support and draw air carrier service to their airports. Sens. Moran and Tester’s legislation, the Small Community Air Service Enhancement Act, will improve the SCASDP by increasing available funding for this competitive program and ensuring airports which have experienced a significant reduction in air service are prioritized.

“Every flight counts in small communities with limited access to air travel, where each flight can have a significant impact on drawing new businesses and families to a region,” said Sen. Moran. “Strengthening the Small Community Air Service Development Program will help small airports attract commercial flights increasing connectivity across the state of Kansas.”

“Expanding reliable air service is essential for Montana so we can lower flight costs, create jobs, and keep families connected across our state,” said Sen. Tester. “That’s why I’m teaming up with Senator Moran to reauthorize the Small Community Air Service Development Program, which helps our rural airports offer more flights and support travel and commerce in Montana for years to come.”

“Senator Moran has been a consistent supporter and friend to aviation so we feel extremely fortunate to have his leadership as we look towards FAA Reauthorization and finding opportunities to help us rebuild post-COVID,” said Jesse R. Romo, Director of Airports, Wichita Airport Authority. “We support the proposed improvements to the SCASDP that not only gives the U.S. DOT increased funding, but it also expands their focus to take into consideration several items that are pertinent to small hub airports, like Wichita Eisenhower National Airport.”

“Increasing the funding to the Small Community Air Service Development Program will allow regional airports an opportunity to grow commercial service and further enhance those communities,” said Brandon Keazer, Airport Director of Manhattan Regional Airport.

“Unfortunately, the global pandemic accelerated air service losses in small and rural communities throughout America,” said Kevin Burke, ACI-NA President and CEO. “Airports appreciate Senators Moran and Tester leading this effort to give those communities most impacted by air service challenges another opportunity to showcase their vitality and viability to airlines and travelers alike.” 

“We’re grateful to Senators Moran and Tester for their continued leadership in helping airports and communities attract and maintain air service,” said Todd Hauptli, AAAE President and CEO. “Enhancing the Small Community Air Service Development Program is an important element in helping ensure that travelers in underserved areas have continued access to the nation’s air transportation system.”
 

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