Passengers using the Joplin Airport soon will be flying to Kansas City with a taste of "Aloha." Island Air, with its home base in Hawaii has been chosen as the carrier for an Essential Air Service contract by the US Department of Transportation--this in spite of Joplin's recommendation that the bid by Northwest Mesaba Airline providing service to Memphis be considered.
Joplin is one of the communities, including Grand Island, NE and Harrison/Hot Springs, AR, packaged in a $2,000,000 EAS contract linking these areas to the Kansas City International Airport. Joplin's portion of the annual subsidy will be $1,276,818.
While Island Air initially promised to provide one Dash 8 aircraft and build up to at least three to service these communities, the EAS award stipulates a total of three planes, allowing two of them to be left overnight at Joplin and Grand Island, assuring the departure of an early morning flight the next day. The third plane would be a spare. The exact flight plan--and how the Arkansas locations will be included--has yet to be determined as well as how fares will be priced.
“Daily flights to Kansas City has helped to revitalize our air service over the last few years,” said Steve Stockam, manager of the Joplin Airport, acknowledging current carrier Mesa Air’s service. “Island Air’s bid included three flights to a facility that our customers are used to, and this will provide a consistency in our service. We anticipate a seamless transition to this new carrier.”
In its proposal, Island Air indicated using a 37-seat Dash-8 aircraft, which reportedly is larger than any other airline that has served the Joplin market in the last 20 years, an increase of Joplin’s current daily seat capacity by 47%. Stockam described the 36-seat Dash-8 as a "cabin class" aircraft, more like what would be found in a hub. Island Air describes their Dash 8 aircraft serving destinations in Hawaii as having roomy overhead bins, leather seats and a beverage service.
“In their bid documents and conversations we’ve had, Island Air officials have indicated a competitive fare with other airports in our region,” Stockam said. “Obviously with fuel prices escalating, all carriers are having to adjust their pricing schedules accordingly. Many of our customers are reviewing the cost factors involved when driving to other airports. Frequently, they not only save money by flying Joplin, but also their time.”
EAS provides a test market for a new carrier. Selection, according to the DOT is not made on a low bid system, but instead is based upon a number of factors including the introduction of a different type of aircraft. Their governing statutes, they say, require that they consider carriers’ abilities to offer through ticketing and joint fares for connecting passengers, any code-share relationships the applicants may have with a major partner, and the carriers’ experience in providing scheduled air service. Of course, staying within a budget--trying not to lose money if the service doesn't attract passengers--is an obvious factor.
Les Murashige, COO Island Air said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring a taste of “Aloha” to the Midwest. As the airline industry evolves, so does Island Air in its decision to diversify....."
According to B.J. Whitman, a spokesperson for Island Air, service is expected to begin within 90-120 days. Island Air will honor the tickets of Mesa passengers at that time. Until then, in Joplin Mesa Airlines will continue to provide service to KCI.
An article entitled, "Joplin recommends Memphis route to DOT" may be found here.
Lynn Onstot, Joplin information officer, contributed to this report. Go Back | 
