It's not such a bad idea.
The port of Astoria may hire someone to market airline tickets to potential users in the business world. The offer would be a $50 price per ticket in a bulk buy.
The thinking is that this approach will keep the airline in business at least another 11 months. After that it's most likely to join Empire and Horizon in the history books as far as air service to the north coast is concerned.
I'm assuming here that unless you have the wherewithal to lay out the bulk price most people would still pay normal fares and fees and continue driving instead of flying.
To pay for this, $40,000 would come off the back end of the connect Oregon funds to pay for the marketing effort. I just wonder who might buy?
If government buys them to use for trips it may be cheaper than reimbursing staffers for driving. Port Director Crider points this out saying it could end up costing the port half the cost since he is eligible for a $100 reimbursement for using his own vehicle. Seems excessive but after all we are talking government here.
How many private businesses would consider buying into this strategy is anybodies guess and I certainly don't have the answer. It will come down to how that decision will impact cash flow at a time when people are nervous about the state of the economy. For some it might pay. I hope it does and I wish the Port luck in the endeavor.
I have flown Seaport several times and have greatly enjoyed the service. It's unfortunate that more people haven't taken advantage of this quick hop to Portland. I also wish the Port luck in this endeavor.
ReplyDeleteJeff Hazen