St. Joseph County Airport Authority

South Bend, Indiana

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2010-0124

Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number 074321134

Two Digit Congressional District Code: 02
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY LETTER .................................................................................. 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................... 5

AIR SERVICE OVERVIEW................................................................................... 6

South Bend Regional Airport's Catchment Area.................................................................................................... 6

Alternate Airports ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Routes Served from South Bend Regional Airport ................................................................................................ 9

Frequencies by Market and Carrier .....................................................................................................................10

Air Service Development Efforts ..........................................................................................................................11

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES ......................... 12

Declining Network Carrier Capacity .....................................................................................................................12

Network Carrier Capacity Trends by Carrier........................................................................................................13

Allegiant's South Bend Service ............................................................................................................................14

Declining Traffic ...................................................................................................................................................15

Leakage................................................................................................................................................................17

Rising Fares (Year-End Data)..............................................................................................................................18

Rising Fares (Quarterly Data) ..............................................................................................................................19

South Bend Fares Relative to Surrounding Airports ............................................................................................20

South Bend Fares Versus Chicago Fares ...........................................................................................................21

STRATEGIC PLAN ............................................................................................ 22

Goals ....................................................................................................................................................................22

Target Airline Support ..........................................................................................................................................22

Local Traffic and Revenue Trends in the South Bend-Denver Market ................................................................23

Connecting Traffic and Revenue Via Frontier's Denver Hub...............................................................................25

Proposed Schedule..............................................................................................................................................27

Alternate Strategies..............................................................................................................................................27

PROJECT FUNDING, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ....................... 28

Public / Private Partnerships ................................................................................................................................28

Project Funding ....................................................................................................................................................28

Implementation Timeline......................................................................................................................................29

Start-Up Period and Sustainability of the Market.................................................................................................29

PROJECT MONITORING AND FINANCIAL CONTROL.................................... 30
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

3

Success Metrics ...................................................................................................................................................30

Legal Sponsor......................................................................................................................................................30

Financial Controls ................................................................................................................................................30

Continuation of the Program Beyond the Grant Period .......................................................................................31

APPENDIX A: REQUIRED SUMMARY INFORMATION................................... 32

A. Applicant Information....................................................................................................................................32

B. Public/Private Partnerships ..........................................................................................................................32

C. Project Proposal ...........................................................................................................................................32

D. Existing Landing Aids at Local Airport ..........................................................................................................33

E. Project Cost .............................................................................................. 33

F. Enplanements...............................................................................................................................................33

G. Is this application subject to review by state under Executive Order 12372 Process? ................................34

H. Is this applicant delinquent on any federal debt? .........................................................................................34

APPENDIX B: AIRLINE LETTER OF SUPPORT.............................................. 35

APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND.................................................. 37

South Bend Regional Airport................................................................................................................................37

The City of South Bend........................................................................................................................................38

Economic Overview .............................................................................................................................................39

Source: Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County........................................................................................39

What’s New in South Bend ..................................................................................................................................40

Higher Education..................................................................................................................................................41

Points of Interest ..................................................................................................................................................43

APPENDIX D: LETTERS OF SUPPORT .......................................................... 45
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

4

INTRODUCTORY LETTER
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

South Bend Regional Airport is proposing a Small Community Air Service Development Grant from the 

Department of Transportation in the amount of $750,000 to supplement community and airport funding totaling 

$525,000 to provide a minimum revenue guarantee and marketing for one roundtrip operated by Frontier Airlines 

in the South Bend-Denver market. The community believes an award for Frontier service to Denver will reverse 

declining traffic at South Bend Regional Airport and lower the cost of air travel for residents and visitors to the 

area.

South Bend Regional Airport serves as the primary commercial service airport to communities Northwestern 

Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. The primary catchment area served by the airport has a population of 

approximately 1,230,000 residents, and the South Bend metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is the fourth largest

MSA in Indiana with a population of nearly 318,000 residents. South Bend is most famous as the home of The 

University of Notre Dame, with enrollment of 11,816 students and 1,045 faculty members.

Over the past ten years, the community has lost a significant amount of airline capacity. Since the year-end first 

quarter 2001, South Bend has lost 887 seats per day each way, or 48% of the seats operated by network airlines 

in 2001. Four airlines have discontinued service to five destinations since, and the merger of Delta and Northwest 

in 2008 eliminated a competitor from the market. 

The decline capacity at South Bend has resulted in traffic declining 44% since the year-end first quarter 2001 and 

average domestic fares increasing 27.6% from their low-point in the year-end first quarter 2003. While South 

Bend's fares declined from Summer 2008 "cost of oil highs" to two-year "recession lows" in second quarter 2009, 

the average ex-Allegiant domestic one-way fare in first quarter 2010 increased to $184 – higher than the "cost of 

oil highs" in Summer 2008.

South Bend retains just 50.5% of the traffic in its catchment area, with approximately 30% of its catchment area 

traffic lost to one of the two Chicago airports. Traffic is lost to the Chicago airports primarily because fares are 

lower. In the year-end first quarter 2010, South Bend's average ex-Allegiant domestic one-way fare was $171, 

but the average domestic one-way fare at Chicago Midway was just $116 – $55 lower each-way than the South 

Bend fare. Travelers in South Bend's catchment area drive as far as Indianapolis (158 miles) and Detroit (201 

miles) for air service.

Denver service on Frontier would not only provide service in the local South Bend-Denver market, but it would 

also provide travelers with the ability to connect to at least 27 destinations Frontier serves from its Denver hub.
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

6

South Bend Regional Airport believes a Small Community Air Service Development Grant for its proposed service 

would achieve both the goals of this proposal and the goals of the program by reversing declining traffic and 

lowering fares at the Airport.

AIR SERVICE OVERVIEW

South Bend Regional Airport's Catchment Area

As illustrated in Exhibit 1, South Bend Regional Airport is the primary airport serving Northwestern Indiana and 

portions of Southwestern Michigan. The catchment area has a population of 1.2 million residents and includes 

South Bend and Elkhart in Indiana and Benton Harbor-St. Joseph in Michigan.

Exhibit 1: Primary Catchment Area of South Bend Regional Airport (shaded in green)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

7
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

8

Alternate Airports

South Bend Regional Airport is the primary airport for travelers in the South Bend area; however, there are other 

airports in the region that can be considered alternates to South Bend. Midway and O'Hare Airport in Chicago 

serve as large hubs for multiple airlines and are the closest alternate large airports to South Bend. Midway is 97

from South Bend, while O'Hare is 109 miles from South Bend. The drive to Ft. Wayne is 108 miles, while 

Indianapolis is 158 miles and Detroit is 201 miles from South Bend. See Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 2: Location of South Bend South Bend Regional Airport Relative to Other Airports in the Region, Distances and Drive 

Times from South Bend to Other Airports
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

9

Routes Served from South Bend Regional Airport

South Bend is currently served by Delta/Delta Connection with regional jet service to Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit

and Minneapolis/St. Paul. United/United Express operate regional jets to Chicago O'Hare, and Continental 

serves Cleveland with 37-seat turboprop aircraft (Exhibit 3). In addition to this network carrier service, Allegiant 

Air provides less-than-daily MD-80 service from South Bend to Las Vegas, Mesa/Phoenix (AZA), St. 

Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Sanford/Orlando (SFB).

Exhibit 3: Current Routes Operated from South Bend Regional Airport
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

10

Frequencies by Market and Carrier

November 2010 schedule data, illustrated in Exhibit 4, indicates the network carriers serving South Bend have 

scheduled 18 5/7 flights per day to the six destinations served. Delta operates the most service in South Bend 

and will operate 1 6/7 flights per day to Atlanta, 5 4/7 flights to Detroit, to daily roundtrips to Cincinnati and one 

daily roundtrip to Minneapolis. Continental will operate 2 2/7 flights on 37-seat Dash-8 turboprops to Cleveland 

and United will operate six daily roundtrips to Chicago with a mix of 50 and 70-seat regional jets.

Exhibit 4: Departures per Day, Seats per Departure and Seats per Day by Market and Carrier at South Bend – November 

2010

Carrier Destination

Departures per 

Day

Seats per 

Departure

Seats per 

Day

Continental CLE 2 2/7 37 85

Total 2 2/7 37 85

Delta ATL 1 6/7 50 93

CVG 2 50 97

DTW 5 4/7 48 266

MSP 1 50 50

Total 10 3/7 49 506

United ORD 6 54 322

Total 6 54 322

18 5/7 49 914
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

11

Air Service Development Efforts

South Bend Regional Airport meets with airlines on a regular basis to provide the airlines with updates on the 

market, the economy of the region and to discuss potential new service. Over the last year, the Airport has met 

with 10 airlines in headquarters meetings or at air service development conferences:

1. AirTran

2. Allegiant

3. American Eagle

4. Continental

5. Delta

6. Frontier

7. JetBlue

8. Spirit

9. Sun Country

10. United

South Bend Regional Airport aggressively markets existing service to travelers in the catchment area. In 2009, 

South Bend Regional Airport spent nearly $236,000 on marketing, promotion and advertising. Over the last five 

years, South Bend's marketing expenses have averaged approximately $269,000 per year.

Exhibit 5: 2009 South Bend Regional Airport Marketing Expenses

 

Category Amount

Advertising $139,372

Research $31,810

Marketing Representative $23,966

Lobbying $12,207

Items $7,661

Sponsorships $7,125

Co-Op Advertising $5,737

Website $3,045

Events $2,334

Misc. $1,450

Newspaper Clipping $939

Total Marketing Expense $235,646
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

12

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES

Declining Network Carrier Capacity

South Bend has lost 48% of the capacity (in terms of seats per day each way) network airlines and their regional 

partners serving the airport operated in the year-end first quarter 2001 (this number excludes Allegiant data). In 

the year-end first quarter 2010, network carriers serving South Bend operated just 947 seats per day each way, a 

decline of 887 seats per day each way since year-end first quarter 2001 (Exhibit 6). 887 seats per day is roughly 

the equivalent of the capacity provided by 18 50-seat regional jets. The largest decline in capacity came between 

the year-end first quarter 2005 and 2006 when capacity declined by 294 seats per day each way. This decline as 

ATA and US Airways exited the South Bend market. Note: Allegiant Air is not considered a network carrier, and 

Allegiant data is not included in the figures above or in the exhibit below.

Exhibit 6: Ex-Allegiant Seats per Day Each Way at South Bend Regional Airport – Year-End First Quarter 2001-2010 (DOT T100 data) 

1,834

1,637 1,626 1,596

1,538

1,244

1,098

1,197 1,152

947

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Seats per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way (Ex-Allegiant)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

13

Network Carrier Capacity Trends by Carrier

South Bend's capacity is down over the last ten years because American, US Airways and ATA exited the market 

and because Delta/Northwest reduced its capacity in South Bend (Exhibit 7). United's capacity is actually up 

about 50% relative to year-end first quarter 2001, but United's growth came at the expense of loosing American's 

service to Chicago O'Hare and to St. Louis.

Four airlines have discontinued their South Bend service in five markets since year-end first quarter 2001. Lost 

service includes American to Chicago O'Hare (2001), American to St. Louis (2004), ATA to Chicago Midway 

(2005), US Airways to Pittsburgh (2005) and Cape Air to Indianapolis (2008). 

The only new network carrier service introduced at South Bend since the year-end 2001 was Northwest service to 

Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2003. Cape Air operated point-to-point service to Indianapolis for a short period ending in 

the year-end first quarter 2009.

Exhibit 7: Ex-Allegiant Seats per Day Each Way by Carrier at South Bend Regional Airport – Year-End First Quarter 2001-

2010 (DOT T-100 data) 

0

250

500

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

825

732 738 756

869 831

705 705 627

528

213 320 294 304

345 338

327 379

384

311

67 25 40

62 75

66

99

124

108

362

215

205

187

82

304

170 203 120

63

176 186 189

180

14

16

Seats per Day Each Way

DL/NW UA CO US AA Others
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

14

Allegiant's South Bend Service

Allegiant began South Bend service in third quarter 2005 with less-than-daily flights to Las Vegas, followed by 

service to Sanford/Orlando in fourth quarter 2005 and St. Petersburg/Tampa in fourth quarter 2006. Most

recently, Allegiant added Mesa/Phoenix to the destinations it serves from South Bend. Allegiant's traffic has 

increased to 163 PDEW in the most recent year at an average fare of $85 (Exhibit 8). While the Airport 

appreciates the service provided by Allegiant, Allegiant operates point-to-point service that does not connect with 

a network, and the destinations served by Allegiant are primarily outbound leisure destinations. Unfortunately, 

this type of air service does little to enhance the economic development activity of the region.

Exhibit 8: Allegiant Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW) Seats per Day Each Way and Average One-Way Fare at South 

Bend Regional Airport – Year-End First Quarter 2006-2010 (DB1B data)

5 9

137

165

147

176

4 8

115

143

137

163

$103

$109

$104

$98

$85

$50

$75

$100

$125

$150

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average One-Way Fare Seats and Passengers per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way (Allegiant) Domestic PDEW (Allegiant) One-Way Domestic Fare (Allegiant)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

15

Declining Traffic

The decline in South Bend's capacity has resulted in a decline in traffic. As shown in Exhibit 9, South Bend's 

domestic and international ex-Allegiant traffic has declined by 368,680 passengers or 44% since year-end first 

quarter 2001. Ex-Allegiant domestic O&D traffic has fallen 45% – nearly 359,000 passengers, and international 

traffic has fallen 26% – 9,750 passengers. Allegiant's service in the market has softened the decline in South 

Bend's overall traffic, but Allegiant's service is limited to just four point-to-point leisure destinations and carries 

mostly outbound traffic.

Exhibit 9: Annual Domestic and International Origin and Destination (O&D) Passengers at South Bend Regional Airport –

Year-End First Quarter 2001-2010 (DB1B data)

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

900,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

803,760

700,830

769,350 764,280 731,040

625,010 612,370 611,410

526,730

444,830

34,700 83,610 104,510 

99,900 

118,900 

36,800 

27,630 

33,070 

31,630 33,940 

33,570 

32,860 

34,740 

32,330 

27,050 

Annual Domestic O&D (Ex-Allegiant) Annual Domestic O&D (Allegiant) Annual International O&D
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

16

Translated to passengers per day each way (PDEW) in Exhibit 10, South Bend generated 1,101 ex-Allegiant 

domestic PDEW in the year-end first quarter 2001; in the year-end first quarter 2010, South Bend generated 609

domestic PDEW – a decline of 492 PDEW. International traffic also declined, from 50 PDEW in the year-end first 

quarter 2001, to 37 PDEW in the most recent year. Allegiant's traffic has increased to 163 PDEW since service 

began five years ago.

Exhibit 10: Annual Domestic and International Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW) at South Bend Regional Airport –

Year-End First Quarter 2001-2010 (DB1B data)

0

300

600

900

1,200

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

1,101

957

1,054 1,047 999

856 839 835

722

609

48 115 143

137

163

50

38

45

43

46

46

45 47

44

37

Domestic PDEW (Ex-Allegiant) Domestic PDEW (Allegiant) International PDEW
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

17

Leakage

South Bend Regional Airport retains only slightly more than half of the traffic generated in its catchment area. 

Based on analysis of 24,933 tickets sold in the catchment area between September 1, 2007 and October 31, 

2008, 49.5% of the traffic in South Bend's catchment area uses one of five other airports in the region – South 

Bend retains 50.5% of the traffic. 30.4% of South Bend traffic is lost to Chicago airports with nearly one-fourth of 

the traffic lost to Chicago O'Hare and 6.5% lost to Chicago Midway. 9.1% of the traffic is lost to Detroit, 4.2% of 

the traffic is lost to Ft. Wayne, and 4.1% of the traffic in the catchment area is lost to Indianapolis (Exhibit 11).

Based on the leakage data, South Bend's catchment area generated slightly more than 1,300 domestic and 

international ex-allegiant passengers, 659 more PDEW than the traffic reported in DOT data. 659 PDEW is the 

equivalent capacity of more than 13 50-regional jets.

Traffic leaked to other airports leaked because South Bend Regional Airport average fares were lower at the 

alternate airports or because nonstop service was available to a traveler's final distination.

Exhibit 11: Airport Origin for South Bend Catchment Area Traffic (January 2010 Leakage Study)

50.5%

4.2%

4.1%

23.9%

6.5%

9.1%
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

18

Rising Fares (Year-End Data)

While South Bend travelers benefited from declining fares from year-end first quarter 2001 through 2003 and 

fares remained reasonable through 2005, South Bend's average fare increased in the year-end first quarter 2006 

to $166 and remained in a range between $165 and $175 between year-end first quarter 2006 and 2010 (Exhibit 

12).

Exhibit 12: Ex-Allegiant Seats per Day Each Way and Average Domestic Fare at South Bend Regional Airport – Year-End 

First Quarter 2001-2010 (DOT T-100 and DB1B data)

1,834

1,637 1,626 1,596

1,538

1,244

1,098

1,197 1,152

947

$170

$152

$134

$137

$142

$166 $165

$168

$175

$171

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average One-Way Fare

Seats per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way (Ex-Allegiant) One-Way Domestic Fare (Ex-Allegiant)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

19

Rising Fares (Quarterly Data)

Quarterly data indicates South Bend's average domestic one-way fare increased from a low of $160 in second 

quarter 2009 to $184 in first quarter 2010. So while the average fare for the year-end first quarter 2010 was $171, 

the average fare for the most recent quarter was $184. The quarterly data is particularly disturbing because it 

indicates South Bend's average domestic one-way fare is higher than the average domestic fares in second and 

third quarter 2008, when carriers increased fares to offset record high oil prices (Exhibit 13). 

It should also be noted with the quarterly data that South Bend's capacity is at a ten-year low with just 871 seats

per day each way in first quarter 2010 – a decline of 130 seats per day versus first quarter 2009 and a decline of 

395 seats per day each way, or 31.2% versus third quarter 2008. 

Exhibit 13: Ex-Allegiant Seats per Day Each Way and Average Domestic Fare at South Bend Regional Airport – Quarterly 

Data – First Quarter 2008 through First Quarter 2010 (DOT T-100 and DB1B data)

 

1,125

1,230

1,266

1,108

1,001 1,014 1,007

895 871

$171

$178 $180

$173

$169

$160

$165

$179

$184

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

2008-Q1 2008-Q2 2008-Q3 2008-Q4 2009-Q1 2009-Q2 2009-Q3 2009-Q4 2010-Q1

Average One-Way Fare

Seats per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way (Ex-Allegiant) One-Way Domestic Fare (Ex-Allegiant)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

20

South Bend Fares Relative to Surrounding Airports

Year-End first quarter 2010 data indicates, with the exception of Ft. Wayne, airports surrounding South Bend had lower 

domestic ex-Allegiant fares. Chicago Midway had the lowest fare at $116 each way, and the weighted average of the six 

airports was $141 each way – $30 lower than South Bend's average one-way fare (Exhibit 14)

Exhibit 14: Ex-Allegiant Average Domestic Fares at South Bend and Airports Surrounding South Bend – Year-End First 

Quarter 2010 (DB1B data)

$0

$25

$50

$75

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

MDW IND Weighted 

Average

DTW ORD SBN FWA

$116

$136 $141 $149 $149

$171 $184

Average Domestic Fare (Ex-Allegiant)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

21

South Bend Fares Versus Chicago Fares

As the closest large airports to South Bend, average fares at Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare are most 

relevant to our analysis of South Bend's fares. Among South Bend's 30 largest domestic ex-Allegiant markets in 

the year-end first quarter 2010, South Bend had a lower fare than Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare in only two 

markets, Cincinnati and Harrisburg. The most notable differences in South Bend's average fare versus the 

Chicago airports was in the Atlanta market, where South Bend's average fare was $114 higher each way and in 

the Minneapolis market, where the average fare was $138 higher each way in South Bend. The average South 

Bend ex-Allegiant domestic one-way fare in the 30 largest markets was $39 higher than the fare at the Chicago 

airports (Exhibit 15). (In all cases, Midway's average fare was lower than the average fare at Chicago O'Hare.)

Exhibit 15: PDEW and Average One-Way Fare in South Bend's 30 Largest Ex-Allegiant Domestic Markets Versus Average 

Fares at Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare – Year-End First Quarter 2010 (DB1B data)

Midway O'Hare

Rank Market PDEW

Average 

One-Way Fare

Average 

One-Way Fare

Average 

One-Way Fare

South Bend vs. 

Lowest Fare

1 LGA/JFK/EWR 58.0 $116 $111 $138 $5

2 DCA/IAD/BWI 37.5 $133 $114 $135 $19

3 LAX/SNA/ONT/BUR/LGB 26.1 $208 $149 $180 $59

4 MIA/FLL/PBI 24.1 $153 $113 $133 $40

5 CLE 23.3 $104 $85 $103 $20

6 MCO/SFB 19.8 $149 $105 $116 $44

7 ATL 19.6 $213 $99 $126 $114

8 PHX/AZA 18.7 $186 $141 $149 $45

9 DFW/DAL 16.4 $185 $142 $169 $44

10 RSW 16.3 $146 $116 $122 $30

11 BOS 14.1 $175 $105 $130 $70

12 TPA/PIE 13.6 $141 $110 $122 $31

13 CVG 13.5 $102 $159 $153 ($58)

14 PHL 13.2 $160 $119 $131 $41

15 LAS 12.9 $183 $140 $156 $43

16 SFO/OAK/SJC 12.9 $206 $148 $198 $58

17 SEA 11.5 $187 $155 $179 $33

18 CLT 10.9 $166 $113 $154 $54

19 SAN 9.7 $199 $143 $170 $57

20 DEN 9.6 $187 $107 $148 $80

21 RDU 8.3 $148 $111 $121 $36

22 MSP 8.0 $218 $80 $89 $138

23 IAH/HOU 6.9 $211 $134 $143 $77

24 PDX 6.9 $228 $160 $203 $68

25 BDL 6.6 $179 $137 $156 $43

26 MCI 6.6 $136 $93 $98 $44

27 SAT 6.0 $183 $126 $153 $57

28 JAX 5.6 $169 $108 $151 $61

29 MDT 5.4 $134 $178 $194 ($44)

30 BNA 5.1 $140 $84 $96 $57

30 Largest SBN Markets 447.2 $160 $117 $145 $39

South Bend
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

22

STRATEGIC PLAN

Nonstop service from South Bend to Denver on Frontier would begin to reverse the deficiencies in South Bend's 

air service by lowering fares and increasing traffic.

Goals

South Bend's strategic plan has two primary goals:

 Lower fares in the local and connecting markets Frontier could serve via Denver

 Increase origin and destination traffic by stimulating with traffic with lower fares and recapturing 

catchment area traffic lost to other airports

Target Airline Support

There are several options South Bend Regional Airport could have pursued with a proposal for a Small 

Community Air Service Development grant. The Airport selected the Frontier Denver option because it is the best 

option to enable the Airport to achieve its goals of lower fares and increased traffic. Frontier is considered a lowcost carrier, and generally prices origin and destination markets lower than the legacy airlines price the same 

markets prior to Frontier entering a market. Once Frontier enters the market, other airlines match Frontier's 

pricing, and traffic at the airport increases by a wider margin than the traffic carried by just Frontier. 

While the Airport recognized and identified the benefits Frontier service would bring to the community, Frontier 

has expressed interest in serving the market. Frontier has written a letter of support for South Bend Regional 

Airport's Small Community Air Service Development grant proposal, and Frontier's letter is attached in Appendix 

B.
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

23

Local Traffic and Revenue Trends in the South Bend-Denver Market

Although South Bend-Denver year-end first quarter traffic has declined over the last ten years, Denver has 

generated as many as 29.2 PDEW at an average one-way fare of $112 and 28.2 PDEW at an average one-way 

fare of $121 in the year-end first quarter 2003 and 2004, respectively (Exhibit 16). In the most recent year, South 

Bend-Denver had declined to 9.2 PDEW at an average fare of $187 each way.

Exhibit 16: South Bend-Denver PDEW and Average One-Way Fare – Year-End First Quarter (DB1B data)

19.0

22.0

29.2 28.5

26.3

19.0

20.2

18.0

11.7

9.6

$166

$137

$112

$121 $122

$160

$138

$157

$193

$187

$0

$25

$50

$75

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average One-Way Fare

Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW)

SBN-DEN PDEW SBN-DEN Average Fare
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

24

Analysis of quarterly data indicates Denver traffic was down year-over-year in each of the last five quarters, but 

the decline can't be blamed on higher fares. In the last three quarters, the average South Bend-Denver fare was 

slightly lower year-over-year (Exhibit 17). The decline in Denver traffic, both at annual and quarterly levels, is 

more likely a direct result of the decline in South Bend's decline in capacity. Fewer seats to hub airports from 

South Bend provide fewer opportunities for potential South Bend-Denver traffic to connect at the hub airports.

Exhibit 17: South Bend-Denver and Average One-Way Fare – Quarterly Data – First Quarter 2008 through First Quarter 2010 

(DB1B data)

*

12.2

13.7

15.7

10.2

7.3

9.0

12.7

8.3 8.6

$160

$172

$205 $201 $196

$178

$190

$200

$182

$0

$25

$50

$75

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

$225

$250

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2008-Q1 2008-Q2 2008-Q3 2008-Q4 2009-Q1 2009-Q2 2009-Q3 2009-Q4 2010-Q1

Average One-Way Fare

Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW)

SBN-DEN PDEW SBN-DEN Average Fare
 

 

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Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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Connecting Traffic and Revenue Via Frontier's Denver Hub

While the local South Bend-Denver market will generate some traffic for Frontier and would likely emerge as 

Frontier's single largest South Bend market, the primary benefit of service on Frontier to Denver is the ability for 

South Bend travelers to connect to points on Frontier's network beyond the Denver hub. Assuming circuity no 

greater than 67%, travelers could connect to 27 destinations beyond the Denver hub, and the cumulative number 

of passengers connecting beyond Denver will be greater than the number of local Denver passengers. The 

connecting markets include markets in the Rocky Mountain West, the Southwest, the West Coast, two markets in 

Mexico and San Jose, Costa Rica (Exhibit 18). 

Exhibit 18: Non-Circuitous Markets Frontier Could Serve with South Bend-Denver Service (circuity not greater than 67%) 
 

 

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Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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The markets Frontier could serve with South Bend-Denver service generated 180 passengers per day each way 

at an average one-way fare of $174 in the year-end first quarter 2010 (Exhibit 19). The largest markets Frontier 

could serve with service via its Denver hub are Las Vegas, the Los Angeles metro area, Phoenix, the San 

Francisco Bay area and Seattle – markets that each produced more than 10 PDEW in the year-end first quarter 

2010. The size of the local market, plus the cumulative size of connecting markets via Denver at relatively high 

average fares should make South Bend-Denver an attractive opportunity for Frontier. (Allegiant data is included in 

Exhibit 18 below, but only appears in the Las Vegas data since Las Vegas was the only market served on the list 

in the year-end first quarter 2010)

Exhibit 19: Annual O&D Passengers, Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW) and Average One-Way Fares in the Markets 

Frontier Could Serve with South Bend-Denver Service (Includes Allegiant Data) – Year-End First Quarter 2010 (DB1B data)

Rank Market Annual O&D PDEW

Average 

One-Way Fare

1 LAS 45,020 61.7 $123

2 LAX/SNA/ONT/BUR/LGB 19,070 26.1 $208

3 PHX/AZA 13,630 18.7 $186

4 SFO/OAK/SJC 9,390 12.9 $206

5 SEA 8,420 11.5 $187

6 SAN 7,060 9.7 $199

7 DEN 7,020 9.6 $187

8 PDX 5,070 6.9 $228

9 SAT 4,370 6.0 $183

10 SMF 2,730 3.7 $211

11 SLC 1,860 2.5 $241

12 ABQ 1,820 2.5 $163

13 TUS 1,540 2.1 $184

14 COS 1,100 1.5 $209

15 GEG 910 1.2 $209

16 BOI 690 0.9 $221

17 BZN 390 0.5 $251

18 SBA 360 0.5 $174

19 SJD 220 0.3 $370

20 BIL 180 0.2 $225

21 PVR 150 0.2 $341

22 DRO 140 0.2 $195

23 ANC 130 0.2 $410

24 JAC 130 0.2 $166

25 FAI 110 0.2 $427

26 RAP 70 0.1 $288

27 ASE 60 0.1 $182

28 SJO 60 0.1 $194

Total 131,700 180.4 $174
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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Proposed Schedule

A one roundtrip pattern using an Embraer 190 timed to connect with flights at Frontier's Denver hub to/from 

destinations west of Denver will maximize Frontier's profitability in South Bend (Exhibit 20).

Exhibit 20: Proposed South Bend-Denver Schedules

Alternate Strategies

If Frontier is not able to launch service between South Bend and Denver, South Bend Regional Airport would like 

to offer the Small Community Air Service Development grant and the community funding of the project to Frontier 

for regional jet service to its hub in Milwaukee or to American Airlines for regional jet service from South Bend to 

Dallas/Ft. Worth.

South Bend to Denver (969 Miles)

Depart Arrive Block Aircraft Frequency

8:00PM 8:40PM 2:40 E90 Daily

Denver to South Bend (969 Miles)

Depart Arrive Block Aircraft Frequency

2:55PM 7:20PM 2:25 E90 Daily
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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PROJECT FUNDING, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Public / Private Partnerships

Public

 St. Joseph County Airport Authority

 State of Indiana

 City of South Bend, Indiana

Private

 University of Notre Dame

 American Electric Power

 NIPSCO

 Project Future

Project Funding

In addition to the Small Community Air Service Development Grant of $750,000 requested from the Department, 

the State of Indiana can provide $100,000 in cash, various organizations in the community can provide $100,000 

in cash, and the Airport can provide $75,000 in cash for the project. The final amount offered to Frontier as cash 

for the minimum revenue guarantee will be subject to agreement between the Airport, the Department and 

Frontier. The Airport believes a significant portion of the $275,000 in cash offered by the State, community 

organizations and the Airport should be used for marketing and advertising the proposed service. 

Airport in-kind funding, in the form of waived fees and charges, is valued at $200,000 over the proposed two year 

life of the project. Community in-kind funding, in the form of advertising placement, is valued at $50,000 over two

years.

The total value of the project is $1,275,000

Exhibit 21: Types and Amounts of Project Funding by Source

Grant Cash In-Kind Total

U.S. Department of Transportation $750,000 $750,000

State $100,000 $100,000

Local Community $100,000 $50,000 $150,000

Airport $75,000 $200,000 $275,000

Total $750,000 $275,000 $250,000 $1,275,000
 

 

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Implementation Timeline

The proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department will award Small Community Grant 

Funding in December 2010 (Exhibit 22). Once the award is announced, South Bend Regional Airport will begin 

discussions with Frontier to begin service. Based on airline planning lead times and the need for advance 

bookings, we assume Frontier would not be able to begin service until at least June 2011. The first two 

milestones on the Airport's timeline are to execute the grant agreement with the Department and the minimum 

revenue guarantee agreement with Frontier. Once service is announced and schedules are published, the Airport 

would begin marketing the new route and working with Frontier to monitor advance bookings. The Airport will 

continue its marketing program and continue to work with Frontier to monitor the route once service begins. The 

Airport will submit grant status reports on a quarterly basis to the Department throughout the proposed two year 

term of the minimum revenue guarantee.

Exhibit 22: Proposed Project Timeline (assumes grant announcements in December 2010 and service launch in June 2011)

Start-Up Period and Sustainability of the Market

The Airport will aggressively market the new service to business and leisure travelers in the catchment area. A

benefit of beginning service in June 2011 is to capture the peak of traffic seasonality in the U.S. domestic and 

international air travel market. Beginning service in the summer will provide a strong start for the service and 

provide two-and-a-half to three months to build business traffic in the market before leisure traffic demand falls in 

mid-August to early September. Business travel will become more important for the success of the route as 

leisure travel declines in the Fall. The Airport expects the route to be self-sustaining within the first two years of 

service and will include Denver as part of its on-going marketing and promotional campaigns of the airport.

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Dates

SCASD Grant Award Announcement December 2010

Execute Grant Agreement with DOT January 2011

Negotiate Minimum Revenue Guarantee with Airline January 2011

Announce Service February 2011

Publish Schedule February 2011

Market Route (Pre-Launch) March-May 2011

Monitor Advance Bookings March-May 2011

Begin Service June 2011

Market Route (Post-Launch) June 2011 and Beyond

Operate Service with MRG June 2011 - May 2013

Monitor Route Performance June 2011 - May 2013 and Beyond

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly 2Q 2011 - 2Q 2013
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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PROJECT MONITORING AND FINANCIAL CONTROL

Success Metrics

The success of the program will be based on achieving the objectives of the program. The Airport will 

continuously monitor the performance of the route. Even before service begins we will communicate with Frontier

on a weekly basis to monitor advance bookings and week-over-week of advance bookings. Marketing and 

promotional activities can be adjusted if advance bookings are weak or are not booking at a rate comparable to 

other Frontier Denver markets.

Project Goals Success Metric

 Lower fares in the local and connecting markets 

Frontier could serve via Denver

 Lower quarterly year-over-year fares in both the 

local and connecting markets

 Increase origin and destination traffic by 

stimulating with traffic with lower fares and 

recapturing catchment area traffic lost to other 

airports 

 Increased traffic (among all carriers) in the 

markets Frontier serves via Denver

Once service begins, the Airport will rely on traffic and revenue data provided directly by the airline and the 

amount of reimbursements requested by the airline as indications of project success. T-100 data and DB1B data 

will also be analyzed to compare year-over-year market size growth on a quarterly basis. In addition, the airport 

will analyze leakage once the service has operated for a full year to determine the trend in leakage to other 

airports. The Airport will report its success metrics in the quarterly grant reports to the Department. 

Legal Sponsor

St. Joseph County Airport Authority is the legal sponsor responsible for administering the program. St. Joseph 

County Airport Authority is a government entity.

St. Joseph County Airport Authority

4477 Progress Drive

South Bend, IN

John C. Schalliol, A.A.E., Executive Director

574-282-4590

Financial Controls

As the sponsor, St. Joseph County Airport Authority will be the responsible party for all fiscal matters and the 

Department's reporting requirements. The Commission is established as a public governing body. As a public 

entity, the Department can be assured that proper financial controls are in place to guarantee that the 
 

 

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Department’s Grant will be used in accordance with any subsequent agreement. The South Bend Airport 

Commission understands that the Grant is a reimbursable grant, meaning the Airport is responsible for program 

expenditures and will submit invoices to the Department for reimbursement, based on a percentage of the total 

grant request.

Continuation of the Program Beyond the Grant Period

The purpose of the proposed Small Community Air Service Development Grant for a minimum revenue guarantee 

for service to Denver on Frontier Airlines is to offset any losses Frontier might incur in the start-up period of its 

service. The minimum revenue guarantee would be offered to Frontier for a period of two years to establish itself 

in the South Bend market. After the two-year start-up period, Frontier's service to Denver would be included in 

the Airport's on-going marketing and promotional campaigns. 
 

 

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APPENDIX A: REQUIRED SUMMARY INFORMATION

A. Applicant Information

 Not a Consortium

 Interstate Consortium

 Intrastate Consortium

 Community now receives EAS subsidy

 Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Grant

If previous recipient:

Date of Grant: ____________________

Expiration Date of Grant: ____________________

B. Public/Private Partnerships

Public

 St. Joseph County Airport Authority

 State of Indiana

 City of South Bend, Indiana

Private

 University of Notre Dame

 American Electric Power

 NIPSCO

 Project Future

C. Project Proposal 

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

 Personnel Increase Frequency Low Fare Service

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Other (specify)

 Revenue Guarantee Launch New Service

 Start-Up Cost Offset First Service

 Study Secure Additional Carrier
 

 

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D. Existing Landing Aids at Local Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument 

Approach

 Localizer Other (specify)

E. Project Cost

1. Federal amount requested: $750,000

2. State cash financial contribution: $100,000

3. Local cash financial contribution: $175,000

3a. Airport cash funds: $75,000

3b. Non-airport cash funds: $100,000

3c. Total local cash funds (3a + 3b): $175,000

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1 + 2 + 3c): $1,025,000

5. Local funds contributed from alreadyexisting programs or projects included in 

line 3c amount:

$50,000

6. Local funds contributed from new

commitments or new resources included in 

line 3c amount:

$100,000

7. Airport in-kind contribution:

(waived fees)

$200,000

8. Other in-kind contribution:

(advertising/media placement)

$50,000

9. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION (7 + 8): $250,000

10. TOTAL PROJECT COST (4 + 9): $1,275,000

F. Enplanements

2000 432,643 2004 389,386 2008 354,015

2001 372,817 2005 347,509 2009 314,745

2002 408,151 2006 367,750

2003 401,333 2007 389,562
 

 

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Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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G. 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

H. Is this applicant delinquent on any federal debt?

 No

 Yes (explain)
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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APPENDIX B: AIRLINE LETTER OF SUPPORT
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

South Bend Regional Airport

South Bend Regional Airport is located a few miles south of the City of South Bend, in the very northern part of 

the State of Indiana and close to the state border of Michigan, as well as within a 35-mile drive west to the shores 

of Lake Michigan. The airport has easy access to Interstate 80/90 and to State Hwy 20/31. South Bend is home to 

famed Notre Dame University and four other universities & colleges. Thanks to a multi-modal transportation 

complex in the Michiana Region, South Bend Regional Airport is the only small airport in the United States 

featuring air, interstate rail, and interstate bus services at one multi-modal terminal location.

Currently the passenger terminal offers the following amenities: Fee-based Wi-Fi internet access throughout the 

Airport; Air Host/Cafe; Sugar & Spice--a candy store; the Gift Shop; and the Business Center offering WiFi 

access, laptop charging stations, work desks and comfortable chairs. 

The South Bend Regional Airport has two runways. Runway 18/36 was extended by 1,100 feet in 2007 for a total 

of 7,100 feet and is asphalt. The second runway, 9L/27R, is also asphalt and in 4,300 feet in length.

Expansion of the passenger terminal has started and should be completed by 2011. The new 45,000 square foot 

concourse expansion will include 5 new gates, dining room, lounge and gift shop and a children’s room, and will 

consolidate passenger screening operations into a single expanded location. The expansion will extend from the 

east side of the Concourse A holding room past the existing Concourse C walkway, which will be demolished. An 

arching translucent panel roof will provide bright daylight and large windows.

COMMUNITY PROFILE
 

 

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The City of South Bend

With a 2010 population of 103,807 South Bend is one 

of Northern Indiana's fastest growing areas and the 

metro area ranks third in population in Indiana. The 

cultural and entertainment diversity is enhanced by 

the University of Notre Dame and 5 other area 

colleges. Century Center on the river in the 

downtown area plays host to many business and 

cultural events and trade shows. South Bend is now 

home to a striking new College Football Hall of 

Fame facility which attracts visitors throughout the 

year and plays host to the annual enshrinement 

activities attracting national media. 

The park system consists of 75 local parks and 

facilities which include Coveleski Stadium, the 

home of the South Bend Silverhawks, a class A minor league baseball franchise. South Bend is also the home of 

two unique features that were originally the first of their kind. The Potawatomi Zoo constructed in 1902 is currently 

the oldest accredited zoo in the state of Indiana. Also, our East Race Waterway constructed in 1984, was the first 

and only man made white water rapids facility in the entire North American Hemisphere. These facilities and 

many others have provided our residents and guests the opportunity to recreate and enjoy their leisure activities 

in South Bend. 

A vibrant community, rich in history, rich in tradition. A golden glow illuminates this city where the river bends in 

northern Indiana. From pigskin pageantry and game day excitement at the College Football Hall of Fame, the 

rushing rapids of the East Race Waterway, the opulence of Copshaholm, the Oliver Mansion, the rich 

transportation history at the Studebaker National Museum, the tranquility of Shirojiri Niwa Gardens to the hustle 

and bustle of the Grape Road shopping area, South Bend is full of great places to explore. 
 

 

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Economic Overview

Major Employers in St. Joseph County

Employer Employee

University of Notre Dame 4,707

Memorial Health System 3,545

South Bend Community School Corporation 3,212

AM General 2,400

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Inc. 2,123

City of South Bend 1,361

1st Source Bank 1,257

Martin's Supermarkets 1.092

Wal-Mart 1.031

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation 998

School City of Mishawaka 986

Indiana University South Bend 900 

St. Joseph County 900

Madison Center 871

Honeywell 777

Bayer Corporation 700

Source: Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County

The median family income in South Bend is $51,354, with a higher purchasing power of $55,698. The current 

unemployment rate of 11.5% (May 2010) is only slightly higher than the US average (9.5%). However, new 

business and enterprises, as well as the rebound of current companies, are improving the economy of the region. 

There are signs of regional economic development efforts, such as the rise of the eye-catching Innovation Park at 

Notre Dame, with its growing number of client companies. Recognizing that new business opportunities will 

continue to form a portion of the regional economy, local non-profit business organization, Project Future, is 

focusing its recent economic development efforts on several key strategies: promoting the entire region, 

highlighting common strengths, and capitalizing on the innovative companies that made the region famous.
 

 

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What’s New in South Bend

Innovation Park at Notre Dame

Located adjacent to the University of Notre Dame, Innovation Park 

provides client companies with first-class space, resources and services to help 

them identify and meet key commercialization milestones. Innovation Park is 

designed to serve early-stage businesses in varying stages of development, including ventures with expected 

commercial applications from Notre Dame research areas as well as ventures that can benefit from access to 

expertise and resources available through the park. The park’s first 55,000-square-foot facility includes private, 

build-to-suit office suites and laboratory space, incubation space in the ―Greenhouse‖ area and high-technology 

collaborative areas.

RV’s heading to South Bend

Thor Industries subsidiary Redwood RV announced in August 2010 that it has bought a 

closed factory in northern Indiana where it plans to start building a new line of luxury trailers 

in the coming months. It purchased the factory in Syracuse that was formerly owned by 

Ameri-Camp RV, which shut down in 2008. Redwood president Don Emahiser says the 

company has already hired some staffers and is developing a prototype fifth wheel trailer that it will display during 

the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Emahiser says some renovations will be 

done at the factory in the next few months and that Redwood expects to hire between 60 and 80 employees 

during its first year.

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Opened

The new Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center opened on December 14, 2009. The 

new $355 million hospital includes 254 private inpatient rooms, a beautifully 

landscaped 90-acre campus and the most advanced healthcare technology the South 

Bend area has ever seen. The entire campus was designed to promote safety, 

efficiency and healing in a soothing environment. This project was a massive undertaking that could not have 

been possible without the dedication, support and hard work of our Associates, our Physicians, our partners in 

design and construction and every member of the community. Facilities include a top emergency department, 

state-of-the art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and world-class patient rooms.
 

 

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Higher Education

The South Bend area is a major center of higher learning and is home to five major colleges and universities, as 

well as seven smaller institutions of higher education.

Total Enrollment of the Five Major South Bend Region Institutions - Fall 2009

Institution Enrollment

University of Notre Dame 11,816

Indiana University – South Bend 8,394

Bethel College 2,165

Saint Mary’s College 1,664

Holy Cross College 445

Total Enrollment 24,484

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C., of the 

Congregation of Holy Cross, is an independent, national Catholic university located in 

Notre Dame, Ind., adjacent to South Bend and approximately 90 miles east of 

Chicago. 

The University is organized into four colleges—Arts and Letters, Science, 

Engineering, and the Mendoza College of Business—the School of Architecture, the Law 

School, the Graduate School, six major research institutes, more than 40 centers and special programs, and the 

University library system. The source of the University’s academic strength is its faculty, which since 1988 has 

seen the addition of some 500 members and the establishment of more than 150 new endowed professorships. 

Notre Dame faculty members have won 37 fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities in the 

past ten years, more than for any other university in the nation.

With 1,250 acres containing two lakes and 138 buildings with a total property replacement value of $2.8 billion, 

Notre Dame is well known for the quality of its physical plant and the beauty of its campus. The Basilica of the 

Sacred Heart, the 14–story Hesburgh Library with its 132–feet–high mural depicting Christ the Teacher, and the 

University’s beautifully renovated 130–year–old Main Building with its famed Golden Dome are among the most 

widely known university landmarks in the world.
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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Indiana University South Bend (IUSB)

Indiana University South Bend is the only comprehensive public 

university in North Central Indiana and the third largest campus in 

the Indiana University system. We’re a university grounded in 

academic excellence that also offers the full collegiate experience 

including student housing, more than 100 degree programs, 

men’s and women’s NAIA basketball and a full complement of 

activities to enhance your college career. 

Saint Mary’s College

Saint Mary’s College is a four-year, Catholic, women's institution, with a community of 

more than 1,600 students, talented professors, and dedicated staff. Saint Mary's 

College ranks among the top 100 ―Best National Liberal Arts Colleges‖ in the 

U.S.News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Saint Mary's has six nationally 

accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, 

chemistry, and nursing.

Bethel College

Bethel College is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Mishawaka, 

Indiana. It was established in 1947 by a Mennonite group which was one of the 

founding members of the Missionary Church. The Bethel College faculty is

composed of about 115 full-time members. Bethel College offers 17 sports, as 

well as cheerleading and competes in the Mid-Central Conference of National Association of Intercollegiate 

Athletics Division 1.

Holy Cross College

Holy Cross College is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, residential 

institution of higher education in Notre Dam. The college was founded in 1966 

and is administered by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Holy 

Cross athletic teams are known as the Holy Cross Saints. HCC 

competes in the NAIA's Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference for most 

sports. 
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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Points of Interest

College Football Hall of Fame

Opening its doors in August 1995, the College Football Hall of 

Fame re-located to South Bend, IN from Kings Mills, OH. The state of the 

art 55,000 square-foot facility that honors the history and tradition of 

college football has been witness to history as well. Being located just 

off the busy east-west I-80/I-90 corridor, the Hall is toured each 

season by numerous college football teams as they travel. The 

museum displays priceless artifacts from every era of the game's 140-

year history.

The South Bend Museum of Art

The SBMA's exhibition program highlights current art activity taking place 

on a local, regional and national basis, features critical social and art 

historical themes, and provides opportunities to artists for in-depth solo 

exhibitions. This includes group and traveling exhibitions and shows 

organized by the museum's curatorial and education staff or guest curators. 

The Permanent Collection of the South Bend Museum of Art presents over 

60 years of acquisition. The collection features the work of historical Indiana 

artists, and significant contemporary regional artists, which makes it a 

unique collection for the community it serves.

The Studebaker National Museum 

The Studebaker National Museum is a state-of-the- art, 

55,00 0-square-foot facility that opened in October 2005. 

The building is on three levels and features fully 

climate-controlled galleries and storage facilities to 

ensure the best possible care for the collection. The 

Studebaker National Museum was designed by South 

Bend’s own James Childs Architects and features several design elements from Studebaker’s factory buildings.
 

 

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The South Bend Chocolate Museum 

The South Bend Chocolate Company’s Chocolate Museum houses a collection that is among the world’s largest, 

specializing in North American chocolate companies. The collection includes rare 

boxes, tins, pots and containers of every size, shape and color. There’s also posters, 

signs, books and other chocolate related memorabilia. Visitors get an opportunity to 

watch behind the scenes production and packaging, learn about where chocolate 

comes from, and sample.

HealthWorks! Children’s Museum

HealthWorks! is an interactive, hands-on health education center for children (K- 6th 

grade) infectiously contaminating them with ways to stay healthy and unlock the 

mysteries of the human body. Let's Play Grossology, Off the Wall, Patients 

Please, live demonstrations and more are just the beginning of your fun filled 

experience.

Parks

The South Bend area offers visitors numerous state and local parks to explore. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve is a 

320 acre state-dedicated nature preserve that features kettle-hole lakes and wetlands abundant with rich plant 

life. Several state endangered plants and animals live here. Over 6 miles of trails and a quarter-mile boardwalk 

are ideal for bird watching and nature study. St. Patrick’s County Park offers 398 acres of wooded trails, picnic 

shelters, hiking trails and a playground. This park is a popular destination for visitors from around the region. In 

winter, innertubing, cross-county ski rentals and groomed trails transform the park into winter wonderland. Canoe 

and kayak rentals are offered on the St. Joseph River May through early October. The Red Barn and nearby farm 

buildings are on the State Listing of Historic Sites. There is also a recreated orchard with heirloom apple trees and 

grapes and the Goodhew Gazebo. Potato Creek State Parks is a 3,800-acre park that abounds with diverse 

habitats and wildlife and has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and 

Birdlife International. The Potawatomi Greenhouse and Conservatory features the lush jungle feel of the Morris 

Conservatory with its large rubber trees, bamboo and citrus trees and the relaxing sound of the small waterfall 

surrounded by bougainvillea, bird of paradise and many other exotic plants. It features growing houses that grow 

the flowers and plants for three seasonal flower shows and supply the conservatories and South Bend parks, as 

well as an Arizona Desert Dome.
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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APPENDIX D: LETTERS OF SUPPORT
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

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South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

54
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

55
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

56
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

57
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

58
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

59
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

60
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

61
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

62
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

63
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

64
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

65
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

66
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

67
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

68
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

69
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

70
 

 

South Bend Regional Airport, South Bend, Indiana

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

71