Jackson, TENNESSEE – A special called meeting of the Jackson-Madison County Airport Authority board lasted well over three hours as two airlines pitched their Essential Air Service proposals in person vying for recommendation to the Department of Transportation.
Five airlines originally submitted their proposals which were narrowed to Air Choice One, and Southern Airways Express. After hearing proposals and receiving answers to questions from both commuter airlines, the board voted to recommend Southern Airways Express as their selection with a two-year contract.
“Southern Airways has 35 aircraft with over 220 daily departures across the country,” said Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Jackson-Madison County Airport Authority. “Their on-time performance is #1 in the nation at 94.1%, and their controllable completion rate was over 99%.
“Those are two areas we expect an airline to deliver when flying out of McKellar-Sipes, and those facts resonated with the board, as well as the option for a King Air 200 aircraft.”
Stan Little, Chairman/CEO of Southern Airways Express said, “Jackson/McKellar-Sipes WILL be a success under Southern Airways!” Little, who labels himself a ‘proud West Tennessean’, added “I graduated from UT-Knoxville, worked for the Tennessee Legislature, founded a business in Humboldt, and lived here for 25 years.
“You can rest assured that no city in the system will receive a higher priority from my airline.”
Ford’s upcoming Blue Oval City project in neighboring Haywood County also played a factor in the decision, as Southern Airways is offering flights to and from Chicago, home to many of the nation’s largest companies. Flights to and from Atlanta would continue as well under this proposal.
The official recommendation as well as letters from the Airport Authority, the Mayors of the City of Jackson and Madison County, and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce will be sent to the Department of Transportation where the final decision will be made.
“We can be confident in saying the new airline will be operational and ready for area travelers by May 1,” said Smith, “until then, the Department of Transportation will require Boutique Air to provide services as required by their contract.”
