The Port of Seattle Commission has approved an enhanced incentive program designed to increase commercial air service between Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and small communities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
The program provides participating airlines with temporary waivers of landing fees and some facility charges, as well as joint promotional support designed to assist in the establishment of new services during the first two years. Depending on service levels, benefits could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The enhancement updates incentives to include full waivers of landing fees, gate and lobby fees, and ticket counter fees for the first two years of service. A Small Community Air Service Incentive Program has existed since 2007, but no airlines have taken advantage of the program.
“This continues our efforts to be an economic engine for our entire region,” says Stephanie Bowman, co-president of the Port of Seattle Commission. “We recognize the difficulties faced by small Pacific Northwest communities in attracting viable air service. This incentive could bring this closer to reality for these communities.”
