Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013

APPLICATION UNDER 

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

DOCKET DOT-OST-2013-0120

SUMMARY INFORMATION

A. PROVIDE THE LEGAL SPONSOR AND ITS DUN AND BRADSTREET (D&B) DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS)

NUMBER, INCLUDING +4, EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN) OR TAX ID.

Legal Sponsor Name: 

St. Clair County, Illinois

DUNS Number:

07-5897371

EIN/Tax ID:

37-6001924

B. LIST THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM OF COMMUNITIES APPLYING:

1._ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS_

C. PROVIDE THE FULL AIRPORT NAME AND 3-LETTER IATA AIRPORT CODE FOR THE APPLICANT(S) AIRPORT(S) (ONLY 

PROVIDE CODES FOR THE AIRPORT(S) THAT ARE ACTUALLY SEEKING SERVICE).

1. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV)
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013

D. LIST THE 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLICABLE TO THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION, AND IF A 

CONSORTIUM, TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY.

1. IL-12

E. APPLICANT INFORMATION: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Not a Consortium Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium

Community now receives subsidized Essential Air Service

Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Air Service 

Development Program Grant

If previous recipient: Year of grant(s): 

F. PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: (LIST ORGANIZATION NAMES)

PUBLIC PRIVATE

1. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport 1. Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois

2. St. Clair County 2. Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce

G. PROJECT PROPOSAL: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

Surface Transportation Regional Service Revenue Guarantee

Launch New Carrier Start-up Cost Offset First Service

Study Secure Additional Service Other (explain below)

H. EXISTING LANDING AIDS AT LOCAL AIRPORT:

Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach

Localizer Other (specify)

X
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013

I. PROJECT COST: DO NOT ENTER TEXT IN SHADED AREA

LINE DESCRIPTION SUB TOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT

1 Federal amount requested $200,000

2 State cash financial contribution $0

Local cash financial contribution

3a Airport cash funds $0

3b Non-airport cash funds $50,000

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b) $50,000

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3) $250,000

In-Kind contribution

5a Airport In-Kind contribution** Various

5b Other In-Kind contribution** Various

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b) Various

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5) $250,000

J. IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS**

For funds in lines 5a (Airport In-Kind contribution) and 5b (Other In-Kind contribution), please 

describe the source(s) of fund(s) and the value ($) of each.

Airport will waive landing fees for additional flights; local media companies will offer discounts on 

advertising; partner airlines will offer free tickets for giveaways, etc.
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013

K. IS THIS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS?

a. This application was made available to the state under the Executive Order 12372 

Process for review on (date) _____________.

b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the state for review.

c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.

L. IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT? (IF “YES”, PROVIDE EXPLANATION)

No Yes (explain) 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Legal Sponsor 1

Introduction 2

The MidAmerica St. Louis Air Service Market 3

Unique Catchment Area 3

Regional Capacity Reductions 6

Passenger Leakage and the Regional “True Market” 7

Airport Use 7

Top Origin and Destination Markets 9

Carrier Shares 10

Per Capita Capacity 11

Strategic Plan for New Air Service 12

New Target Markets 12

Project Timeline 15

Public/Private Partnership 16

Conclusion 17

LEGAL SPONSOR

St. Clair County, Illinois sponsor of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, is the legal sponsor responsible for 

administering the proposed air service development program.

St. Clair County, Illinois

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

9656 Air Terminal Drive, Suite 100

Mascoutah, Illinois 62258

Tim Cantwell, Airport Director

(877) 643-2637

director@flymidamerica.com

Section Page Number
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 2

INTRODUCTION

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport recently saw the reintroduction of commercial air service for the first 

time since the beginning of 2009, as Allegiant reinstated non-stop service to Orlando/Sanford. 

That service has seen its load factor climb to 92% as of spring of 2013, illustrating the local 

demand for service in the Illinois counties of the St. Louis metro area.

MidAmerica Airport serves a unique catchment area of 1.1 million people in the “metro east,” 

which is defined locally as the 18 Illinois counties in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area 

(MSA). These counties generate 25% of all passenger travel to and from the St. Louis area, as 

determined by MidAmerica Airport’s recently completed True Market/Leakage Study. That 

study also shows the “metro east” generates 2.4 million annual airline passengers, or an average 

of 3,264 passengers per day each way – more than enough to support significant local service 

on the east side of the Mississippi River. Still, in 2012, 

MidAmerica Airport had an average of just 0.02 

available airline seats per capita – the most underserved 

market in all of Illinois and Missouri.

Until Allegiant launched service at MidAmerica Airport, 

virtually all “metro east” travelers were forced to use 

Lambert St. Louis Airport to access the national air transportation system. But service at Lambert 

has continued to decline, largely due to airline consolidation, making air travel expensive and 

less convenient. The average one way fare paid by MidAmerica Airport catchment area 

passengers has increased by 19% in just the last four years, nearing $200 each way on average. 

At the same time, airlines serving Lambert Airport have cut available seats by 11%. Lambert has 

lost an average of 2,734 daily departing seats since the summer of 2011.

This capacity can be efficiently replaced, in targeted markets, by new service at MidAmerica St. 

Louis Airport. The Airport has defined its role as the low cost alternative to Lambert, and seeks to 

expand its slate of non-stop destinations offered by less-than-daily low cost carriers. In order to 

recruit additional service, the Airport is seeking its first ever Small Community Air Service 

Development Grant. It intends to use $200,000 in Grant funding, matched by $50,000 in nonairport local cash, to offer marketing incentives to carriers launching service to new non-stop 

destinations. This service will help replace lost airline seats, provide additional competition in the 

region, and better serve the most underserved market in the Midwest.

“The average one way fare 

paid by MidAmerica Airport 

catchment area passengers 

has increased by 19%...”
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 3

THE MIDAMERICA ST. LOUIS AIR SERVICE MARKET

Current and Historical Air Service

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, located in the “metro east” of the St. Louis area, is positioned as the 

low cost, hassle-free alternate airport for the St. Louis metro area – and especially those who live 

on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. The Airport is located on Scott Air Force Base, and is a 

joint use facility shared with St. Clair County. The County operates the commercial side of the 

Airport while the US Air Force operates the base.

MidAmerica has a unique catchment area, seen in Map 1 in red, of 302,651 people. But a 

recent market study commissioned by the Airport shows its low cost service draws from a much 

larger area. The 60-

minute drive time 

catchment area, 

seen in yellow in 

Map 1, is home to 

2.4 million people as 

of the 2011 US 

Census estimate. 

The 90-minute 

catchment area, 

seen in Map 1 in 

blue, is home to 3.1 

million people. While 

Lambert St. Louis 

Airport acts as the

main gateway for 

the area, it has seen 

huge declines in 

service over the last decade, and quickly increasing fares, making low cost service at 

MidAmerica Airport more attractive.

The 18 counties on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metro area comprise 24% of the regional St. 

Louis economy and 36% of the St. Louis metro population (see Map 2 and Figure 1 on next 

page). Collectively, the 18-county “metro east” has annual earnings of almost $23.4 billion and 

MAP 1: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Catchment Area

Source: Sixel Consulting Group, 2011 US Census Estimates
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 4

total personal income of almost $39.4 

billion. The 1.1 million people who live in 

this region make an average of $34,000 

per year per capita, or $81,600 per 

household per year. These numbers are 

much higher than both the Midwest and 

national averages. This indicates that 

those who live in the “metro east” have 

more disposable income to spend on 

things like airline travel.

MidAmerica Airport’s sole service as of 

summer 2013 is Allegiant Air’s non-stop 

flights, twice per week, to Orlando 

Sanford Airport. The service operates for 

most of the year, but has a seasonal 

hiatus from the end of August through 

the end of October. The service was reinstated in November of 2011, and saw 

quickly improving numbers. In its first 

month, its load factor was just 70%, as 

the service ramped up and as people 

began to discover the alternative to 

Lambert Airport (see Figure 2). By 

January of 2013, the load factor on the 

route had increased to 81%, and it 

further improved to 92% in March of 

2013. Allegiant, itself, has reported 

improving margins on the flight, which has 

encouraged the Airport to develop data and 

incentives in support of service to additional 

Allegiant destinations.

Allegiant had previously served MidAmerica 

Airport from 2005 through the beginning of 2009, 

MAP 2: The “Metro East” Counties of the St. Louis MSA

Source: Sixel Consulting Group, July 2013

FIGURE 1: Economic Breakdown of “Metro East” Counties

Source: Sixel Consulting Group; US Census Data, July 2013

FIGURE 2: PDEW, SDEW, and Load Factor, BLV-SFB

Source: US DOT T100, November 2012 – March 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 5

but ended service due to low ancillary revenue. Between 2009 and 2012, the market dynamics 

changed appreciably, with service at Lambert Airport continuing to decline, making 

MidAmerica service more attractive. At its peak in 2007, MidAmerica generated 51,190 annual 

passengers on Allegiant (see Figure 3) or an average of 70 passengers per day each way 

(PDEW). Still, that peak number represented just 0.5% of the total passengers generated in the 

St. Louis metro area, with the other 99.5% using Lambert Airport.

Since the 2007 passenger peak at St. Louis’ two airports with scheduled air service, origin and 

destination passengers have dropped by 10% or an average of 1,571 PDEW. At the same time, 

the average one way fare in the region has increased from $167 to $199 (see Figure 3) – a jump 

of 19% or an average of $32 each way.

Since summer of 2011, airlines have cut an average of 2,734 daily departing seats at Lambert 

Airport, or 11% of all capacity (see Figure 4 on next page). Surprisingly, this has resulted in a 

decrease in load factors at Lambert. Some of that can be attributed to the loss of connecting 

passengers, which would be included in this data. 

FIGURE 3: O&D Passengers and Average One Way Fares, at MidAmerica and Lambert Airports

Source: US DOT OD1A, Calendar Year 2004 – Calendar Year 2012
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 6

Comparing this data to origin and destination data, about 15% of Lambert’s passengers were 

connecting in 2012, down from almost 20% in 2011. As airlines have cut flights and seats, 

connecting passengers have routed their travel through other hubs. Additionally, as flights and 

seats are cut, local passengers have seen fares increase and travel options decline, underlining 

the importance of additional service at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

FIGURE 4: Passengers and Seats per Day Each Way, and Load Factor at Lambert St. Louis Airport

Source: US DOT T100; June 2011 – February 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 7

PASSENGER LEAKAGE AND THE REGIONAL “TRUE MARKET”

To better understand its market, and the ability of the market to support additional air service, 

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport commissioned a True Market/Leakage Study in April of 2013. The 

study pulled actual ticket stock, from the Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) from the zip codes 

in the 18-county “metro east” area, as defined previously in this application. The ticket data 

represented the year ended third quarter 2013. This was the period before Allegiant reinstated 

MidAmerica service.

The study shows the MidAmerica catchment area, on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metro area, 

generates almost 2.4 million annual airline passengers, or an average of 3,264 passengers per 

day each way (PDEW) (see Figure 5). Not surprisingly, 96% of those passengers choose to use 

Lambert St. Louis Airport instead of other airports in the region. Small percentages were found to 

use Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington/Normal, or Indianapolis, among other airports, in rare cases.

FIGURE 5: Originating Airport for BLV Catchment Passengers, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV True Market/Leakage Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 8

Passengers use Lambert Airport despite the fact that its fares tend to be higher than the fares 

found at other airports in the region. The average fare paid by MidAmerica catchment area 

passengers at Lambert Airport was found to be $183 one way (see Figure 6). 

Fares at Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington/Normal, and Indianapolis were all lower than the 

average at Lambert. The overall average fare for the MidAmerica Airport catchment area was 

found to be $183, as well, the same as the average at Lambert, itself. People in the MidAmerica 

catchment area are willing to pay more for the convenience of service nearby. They have also 

been found to pay more for non-stop flights. These are two reasons Allegiant service at 

MidAmerica is a good fit for the market.

Most notably from the report, the Illinois side of the larger St. Louis catchment area generates 

almost 25% of all the region’s passengers. The Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows the 

FIGURE 6: Average One Way Fare by Airport for BLV Catchment Passengers, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV True Market/Leakage Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 9

Illinois side share by 

the region’s top 25 

origin and 

destination markets 

(see Figure 7). The 

MidAmerica Illinoisside catchment area 

generates an even 

higher proportion of 

St. Louis’ passengers 

to leisure 

destinations. For 

example, the “metro 

east” generates 31% 

of passengers, or 

112,201 annual 

passengers, to 

Orlando/Sanford; 

36% of passengers, or 106,872 annual passengers to Las Vegas; 34% of passengers, or 91,396 

annual passengers to Phoenix/Mesa; and 37% 

of passengers, or 47,523 annual passengers to 

Southwest Florida, which includes Ft. Myers 

and Sarasota.

As previously noted, the overall average one 

way fare in the greater St. Louis catchment 

area, and in the “metro east,” is $183 (see 

Figure 8). The region has relatively high fares 

to leisure markets – and those fares have 

been steadily rising. Despite low cost service 

to Florida, the Orlando/Sanford fare averages 

$133 each way, while the South Florida 

(including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and West 

Palm Beach) fare averages $158 each way, 

and the Southwest Florida fare averages $156 

FIGURE 7: Top 25 O&D Markets in the St. Louis Area, by Catchment, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV True Market/Leakage Study, April 2013

FIGURE 8: One Way Fares in Top 25 O&D Markets, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 10

each way. While Allegiant service from MidAmerica Airport is the lowest cost service in the 

region, there are a number of other markets where Allegiant would be able to significantly 

reduce the cost of travel from the St. Louis area by adding service at MidAmerica.

While Lambert Airport no longer has a “hub” airline, 

as it did when TWA, and later American, operated 

large connecting complexes at the Airport, more 

than 50% of all passengers in the region use 

Southwest (see Figure 9). As of the year ended third 

quarter 2012, 48.1% of St. Louis area passengers, 

including those in the MidAmerica catchment area 

on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, used Southwest 

Airlines, while another 2.7% used Southwest 

subsidiary AirTran – in effect, a total of 50.8% of 

passengers were traveling on Southwest flights.

The effects of consolidation in the airline industry 

have been dramatic in the St. Louis area, as seats 

have been drastically cut and fares have 

increased by 25% in the last ten years. MidAmerica 

Airport’s True Market/Leakage Study shows 97.3% of 

all passenger traffic in the market is carried by what 

will be the “big four” carriers – American+US Airways, Delta, Southwest+AirTran, and United (see 

Figure 9). Only 2.7% of passenger traffic flies on other carriers. While the market is not 

dominated by a single carrier, its traffic is split in such a way that few carriers compete for 

passengers, causing subsequent service cuts and increasing fares.

MidAmerica Airport ranks as the most underserved airport in all of Missouri and Illinois – with less 

service than the Essential Air Service (EAS) markets in the two states. The average airport in 

Missouri and Illinois has 6.88 available airline seats per capita of its metro area (see Figure 10 on 

next page). The Missouri side of the St. Louis area has just 87% of the average number of 

available seats, or 5.97 seats per capita. The Illinois side of the St. Louis area is the most 

underserved metro area in the region, with an average of just 0.02 airline seats per capita in 

2012, or just 0.29% of the regional average number of seats. This number will increase slightly in 

FIGURE 9: Carrier Share, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 11

2013, with expanded service on Allegiant, but it will still remain below 1% of the regional average 

number of seats per capita.

The size of the “metro east” market is large enough to 

support significantly more airline service at MidAmerica 

Airport. The number of available airline seats at 

Lambert Airport is at its lowest point in the last several 

years. At the same time, MidAmerica’s focus on lessthan-daily low cost service has resulted in a strong 

alternate market being developed. MidAmerica is well 

positioned to continue to grow its leisure-oriented traffic 

base, bringing much needed fare relief to the wider St. 

Louis area.

FIGURE 10: Seats per Capita in Illinois and Missouri

Source: US DOT T100, Calendar Year 2012
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 12

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NEW AIR SERVICE

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport’s recent market study confirms the fact that the “metro east” 

counties, in Illinois, in the St. Louis area can support additional service. Allegiant’s reinstated 

service to Orlando Sanford has seen load factors increasing each month since its launch. The 

Airport has confidence new service to additional destinations will be equally as successful.

As with any new service – especially at smaller, alternate airports – marketing and advertising 

are keys to immediate success. New routes at MidAmerica Airport must be supported with large 

campaigns to ensure the market is aware of the availability of airline seats. Moreover, in a 

market like MidAmerica’s, the Airport must break consumer habits. People in the “metro east” 

are trained to cross the Mississippi River to access flights at Lambert Airport, regardless of the cost 

differential. Marketing is paramount to breaking the habit – especially in cases where service 

from MidAmerica is more convenient and cheaper.

MidAmerica Airport is seeking its first federal Small Community Air Service Development Grant in 

support of additional non-stop destinations on less-than-daily low cost carriers. The total project 

cost is $250,000, 

with $50,000 

coming from 

non-airport local 

sources, 

including the 

Leadership 

Council of 

Southwestern 

Illinois and the 

Greater Belleville 

Chamber of 

Commerce. The 

funding will be used as a marketing incentive to a carrier beginning non-stop service to a market 

without current non-stop service from MidAmerica.

Through its recent market study, completed in preparation for this application, the Airport has 

identified a set of routes on which it will actively recruit low cost service (see Map 3). The Airport 

MAP 3: Target Routes for MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

Source: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, July 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 13

has a sufficient market to support additional Florida service, with routes to St. Petersburg –

Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, and Punta Gorda/Southwest Florida being the prime targets. To the 

west, the Airport has sufficient passenger travel to support service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or 

Phoenix/Mesa.

The MidAmerica Airport catchment 

area, which consists of the Illinois 

side of the larger St. Louis metro 

area, generates 31% of all current 

Florida passengers to and from the 

region. In all, the MidAmerica 

Airport catchment area generates 

almost 329,000 annual passengers 

to and from Florida destinations 

(see Figure 11), or an average of 450 passengers per day each way. Orlando/Sanford is the 

largest origin and destination market in Florida to and from the St. Louis area, which is likely why 

Allegiant chose it as its first MidAmerica Airport destination. The next three largest markets are 

the targeted markets for MidAmerica Airport – South Florida, through Ft. Lauderdale; Tampa/St. 

Petersburg; and Southwest Florida, through Punta Gorda. Each market generates at least 178 

passengers per day each way, so all are large enough to support new less-than-daily service 

without significant passenger stimulation.

The average fare from the St. Louis 

area to these Florida markets was 

$148 each way as of the year ended 

third quarter 2012 (see Figure 12). 

The Orlando/Sanford fare is the 

lowest, at $133 each way, but it will 

fall further with the introduction of 

Allegiant service. Allegiant loses 

money on its MidAmerica –

Orlando/Sanford fare, but makes 

money on its ancillary fees. Of the 

top four markets, South Florida and Southwest Florida support the highest fares – and also have 

the least non-stop service from Lambert Airport.

FIGURE 11: Top O&D Markets from the St. Louis Area to Florida, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013

FIGURE 12: Average One Way Fares in Top Florida Markets, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 14

The Illinois side of the St. Louis 

area generates 29% of 

demand to and from 

destinations in the southwest 

US. The MidAmerica Airport 

catchment area generated 

351,000 total passengers to and 

from these destinations in the 

year ended third quarter 2013 

(see Figure 13), or an average 

of 481 passengers per day 

each way. While the largest southwest US market from the St. Louis area is the Los Angeles Basin, 

the largest from the Illinois side of the catchment is Las Vegas. Illinois passengers generate 36% 

of St. Louis’ total demand to and from Las Vegas, with nearly 107,000 annual passengers, or an 

average of 147 passengers per day each way. The Illinois demand to and from Las Vegas is 

enough to support, at least, twice-weekly service from MidAmerica Airport.

The average one way fare between the St. Louis area and southwest US markets is $175 (see 

Figure 14). The Los Angeles Basin fare is the highest of all southwest US markets at an average of 

$193 each way. The Las Vegas fare is at $167 each way, while the Phoenix/Mesa fare is at $164 

each way. In all cases, the low cost 

service being recruited by 

MidAmerica Airport would provide 

the market with fares lower than 

current averages.

FIGURE 13: Top O&D Markets from the St. Louis Area to the Southwest, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013

FIGURE 14: Average One Way Fares in Southwest Markets, YE3Q12

Source: Sixel Consulting Group BLV Study, April 2013
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 15

The Airport’s marketing plan for new 

service would include a wide range 

of media, based on the success the 

Airport has seen in building its load 

factors on Orlando/Sanford service. 

For Allegiant’s reinstatement of 

service, the Airport provided a 

number of marketing efforts, 

including targeted web-based 

advertising (see Figure 15). The 

Airport will continue to build upon 

the low fare message it has 

developed, as it works to become 

the low fare alternate airport for the 

St. Louis metro area.

The anticipated timeline for the 

project assumes a Grant would be 

awarded in September of 2013 (see 

Figure 16). If the Grant agreement 

with the DOT is finalized in October 

of 2013, during the fall of 2013 and 

into the spring of 2014, the Airport will 

work to recruit less-than-daily, low 

cost air service through the 

incentives offered under this 

program. As soon as that service is launched, the campaign will launch, in support of that new 

service. The Airport anticipates closing the Grant by September of 2015, if not before.

FIGURE 16: Project Timeline

Source: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, July 2013

FIGURE 15: Example of Advertising Content

Source: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, November 2012

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Date

SCASD Grant Award Announcement Sepetmber 2013

Executive Grant Agreement with DOT October 2013

Meet with Airlines to Recruit Route Fall/Winter 2013 - 2014

Targeted Announcement Date for Service April 2014

Develop Creative/Launch Marketing April 2014

Targeted Start Date for Service June 2014

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly Q4 2013 - Q3 2015

Close Grant Sepetmber 2015
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 16

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

This application for federal Small Community Air Service Development Grant funding is 

supported by several community partners who have pledged matching cash. These partners 

include the local chamber of commerce, the area economic development authority, and the 

county that owns and operates MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that supports and 

advances business and community interests, as well as the quality of life in Belleville and 

surrounding communities. The mission of the Chamber is to identify and serve the needs of 

businesses. That means working to increase prosperity by encouraging growth of existing 

businesses and fostering the establishment of new ones. In addition, it translates to providing 

representation in government affairs, and working with educational, cultural, civic and service 

organizations. The Chamber has supported each effort to bring scheduled air service to 

MidAmerica Airport.

Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois

The Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois is the premier organization fostering economic 

growth in Madison and St. Clair counties. It developed the first regional economic development 

agenda, and for almost 30 years, the organization has strengthened public/private partnerships 

throughout Southwestern Illinois to lay the foundation for job growth and retention. The 

Leadership Council’s membership includes approximately 150 top executives and decision

makers from the five sectors it unites, providing a level of diversity that makes the organization 

unique. The Council understands the importance of MidAmerica Airport to the economy of the 

region and continues to work with the Airport to recruit additional service.

St. Clair County

St. Clair County was one of the guiding forces in developing Scott Air Force Base into a joint use 

facility The County was responsible for developing MidAmerica Airport’s passenger terminal and 

other facilities. While Scott Air Force Base pumps $2 billion each year into the region's economy, 

the addition of commercial service to the facility is the key to continued growth in the County.
Proposal of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport • Mascoutah, Illinois • July 2013 17

CONCLUSION

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is at the center of the single most underserved catchment area in 

all of Illinois and Missouri. The 18-county “metro east” – comprising the Illinois counties in the St. 

Louis metro area – has service on just one airline to one destination twice per week. The result is 

96% of “metro east” passengers driving to Lambert St. Louis Airport for access to air service.

Airlines continue to cut service at Lambert, suppressing local passengers. Since summer of 2011,

airlines have cut an average of 2,734 daily departing seats from the market – 11% of the 

market’s total capacity. In the last four years, airline seat cuts have caused fares to increase by 

19%, to their highest point in the last decade, at $199 each way.

MidAmerica Airport had recent success with the reintroduction of Allegiant service to 

Orlando/Sanford last November. Since its re-launch, load factors on the route have climbed to 

92%, which illustrates the fact that local travelers have been looking for an alternate airport with 

low cost service. This success has also helped to focus 

MidAmerica’s air service recruitment efforts on less-than-daily 

low cost carriers. These carriers offer something unique in the 

region, and provide excellent competition against the 

established “big four” serving Lambert Airport.

MidAmerica Airport has been able to recruit service without the 

aid of a federal Small Community Air Service Development Grant. This is its first application, as 

the air service environment has changed and the need for additional incentives is paramount in 

new service recruitment.

The Airport’s new service plan includes non-stops to a city without current service. The Airport 

has identified several areas of focus for new service, based on regional demand spelled out in its 

recently completed True Market/Leakage Study. The focus markets include cities in Florida and 

in the southwest US. 

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport seeks a federal Grant of $200,000, matched by $50,000 in nonairport local cash, to offer marketing incentives to carriers launching service to new non-stop 

destinations. This service will provide the region with new competition, lower fares, and more 

travel options through its secondary gateway.

“...airline seat cuts have 

caused fares to increase by 

19%, to their highest point in 

the last decade...”