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APPLICATION UNDER 

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

DOCKET DOT-OST-2013-0120

SUMMARY INFORMATION

All applicants must submit this Summary Information schedule, as the application 

coversheet, a completed standard form SF424 and the full application proposal 

on www.grants.gov.

For your preparation convenience, this Summary Information schedule is located at 

http://www.dot.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/SCASDP

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: Lafayette Airport Commission

DUNS Number: 059118182-0000

EIN/Tax ID: 72-6001647

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

1. LAFAYETTE AIRPORT COMMISSION______________________

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. Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) 2.

3. 4.

D. LIST THE 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLICABLE TO THE SPONSORING 

ORGANIZATION, AND IF A CONSORTIUM, TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY.

1. # 03 2.
2

3. 4.

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): 2004

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

PUBLIC PRIVATE

1. Lafayette Airport Commission 1.

2. Louisiana Department of Transportation 

& Development

2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

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) GPS Approach VOR DME Approach ASR

I. PROJECT COST: DO NOT ENTER TEXT IN SHADED AREA
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LINE DESCRIPTION SUB TOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT

1 Federal amount requested 289,500

2 State cash financial contribution 40,500

Local cash financial contribution

3a Airport cash funds 75,000

3b Non-airport cash funds

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b) 405,000

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3)

In-Kind contribution

5a Airport In-Kind contribution**

5b Other In-Kind contribution**

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b)

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6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5) 405,000

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.
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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 UNDER THE SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DOCKET DOT-OST-2013-120

SUBMITTED BY:

LAFAYETTE AIRPORT COMMISSION

LEGAL SPONSOR – LAFAYETTE AIRPORT COMMISSION

DUNS # 059118182-0000

U. S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT # 3

AIR SERVICE NEEDS/DEFICIENCIES

Major Origin/Destination – Not Served or Not Served Adequately

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is a non-hub airport that provides air service to major hubs 

(IAH, ATL and DFW) for connecting service. Three commercial airlines provide service –

United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines. Cumulatively, these airlines provide 

approximately twenty inbound and twenty outbound flights per day. 

Three barriers that affects passengers from choosing to fly in/out of LFT include the lack direct 

air service to desired locations such as Lad Vegas, New York and Los Angeles, smaller-sized 

aircraft and a lack of education and understanding of the overall time and cost for air travel when 

passengers choose to fly in/out of a distant airport. 

Over the past two years, passengers flying in/out of LFT have expressed frustration and 

dissatisfaction about flights being overbooked, not receiving their luggage when they arrive and 

flight time delays. These problems are a direct result of the current air carriers’ reluctance to 

provide larger aircraft that can accommodate the number of passengers who wish to fly in/out of 

LFT. 

Another major deficiency is a lack of direct service to both the east and west coast. Delta 

Airlines is the only air carrier serving LFT that has direct flights to Atlanta. United Airlines and 

American Airlines only offer direct service to Houston and Dallas respectively. Individuals 

seeking a more time efficient and cost effective air travel look to flying out of New Orleans, 

primarily choosing Southwest Airlines to obtain direct flights to locations such as New York, 

Las Vegas and Los Angeles. 

Fare levels the Community Deems Relevant to Consideration 

The internet and social media has radically changed the methods and preferences that individuals 

utilize to research and select their air travel. This change is especially relevant for the 18 – 49 
age demographic. A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center reported that 87% of 

individuals in the 18 – 49 age demographic have a mobile device and utilize their mobile device 

to access the internet. Mobile devices have become the main source for these individuals to 

connect to social media and communicate with other individuals. 

When researching and booking air travel, this age demographic primarily goes to travel websites 

such as Expedia and Kayak. When individuals utilize the travel websites, their main priority is 

to find the lowest possible airfare, followed by finding a direct flight to their desired destination.

Southwest Airlines is LFT’s major competitor for losing this age demographic. Southwest 

Airlines offers direct flights and bargain airfares, especially if a person books their air travel 

through the Southwest Airline’s website. Booking through an air carrier is becoming far more 

common as people are more comfortable with their navigation skills and prefer to book their own 

flight reservations. Listed below is a price comparison of airfares that can be booked through the 

Southwest Airlines website verses the three major air carriers that fly in/out of LFT to major 

destinations: (Airfares are based on a round trip, five day stay for one person)

Travel to New York via New Orleans - $207

Travel to New York via Lafayette - $320

Travel to Las Vegas via New Orleans - $196

Travel to Las Vega via Lafayette - $357

Travel to Los Angeles via New Orleans - $199

Travel to Los Angeles via Lafayette - $346

All of the travel through New Orleans on Southwest Airlines are non-stop flights. Travel 

through Lafayette to the other destinations required a change of aircraft in either Houston, 

Atlanta or Dallas. 

When the LAC trip calculator is utilized to compare the actual travel costs to fly in/out of New 

Orleans as opposed to flying in/out of Lafayette, the difference in cost was less than $100 for the 

convenience of flying in/out of Lafayette. This cost comparison included the cost for parking 

and gas mileage to drive to/from New Orleans but did not include a cost factor for a person’s 

time to travel to/from Lafayette to New Orleans. When the comparisons were calculated the 

difference to fly to/from the three destinations through Lafayette were:

New York - $32

Las Vegas - $80

Los Angeles - $66
Air Service Development Efforts Over the Past Three years and Results of Those Efforts 

During the past three years, the LAC has made a concerted effort to promote flying Lafayette. 

Successes have included a total revitalization of the “Fly Lafayette” Club which provides 

incentives and door prizes for individuals who join the club. The LAC website was updated and 

added social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. The trip calculator is 

located in a more prominent location on the LAC website to help with the ease of locating the 

calculator. Another marketing improvement has been the installation of an LED sign at the main 

entrance to the airport. 

Some short lived successes included securing some direct flight service to destinations other than 

Houston, Atlanta and Dallas. In 2011, the LAC waived landing fees and terminal rent for four 

months and provided marketing funds to promote air service provided by Vision Airlines for 

twice weekly non-stop air service on a seasonal basis to Destin/Panama City, Florida. Vision 

Airlines ceased flight operations at LFT after four months due to low passenger volumes.

During 2011 through 2012, the LAC waived landing fees and terminal rent and allowed a turnaround rate plus $35,000 in marketing funds to promote Allegiant Airlines direct air service to 

Las Vegas. Passenger load was high, but the airline discontinued air service after four months 

due to economic reasons. 

The LAC has a standing offer to any airline to waive landing fees for airlines who will offer 

scheduled air service for their aircraft that is capable of offering first class for large groups and 

out-sized cargo. 

Impediments that occurred over the past three years included a runway construction project that 

expanded a runway from 6,500 feet to 8,000 feet. This construction project reduced the number 

of usable runways for the take-off and landing of aircraft. During this same time period, the 

LAC was required to comply with a congressional mandate for runway safety areas that left the 

airport with no instrument landing system. These barriers resulted in airline cancellations, lost 

baggage and diversions back to the departure airport because no precision approved system was 

operational. Passengers expressed their aggravation and verbalized that they would use alternate 

airports for their future air travel needs because of the inconveniences that were created by these 

problems. 

During the past three years, the LAC has been in continuous communication and discussions 

with United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines requesting that the airlines increase 

the aircraft size and the number of flights to their current hubs. The LAC has also made a 
concerted effort to encourage these airlines to offer direct air service to Chicago, Denver and 

Charlotte. 

STRATEGIC PLAN

The goal for this project is to research, develop and implement a social media program that will 

reach and increase the number of individuals in the 18 – 49 age demographic to fly in/out of 

Lafayette Regional Airport. This goal will be accomplished by meeting the following objectives:

• Conduct focus groups with individuals within the 18 – 49 age demographic to obtain 

information, insight, and opinions on the methods and tools that they utilize to research 

and plan their travel arrangements.

• Develop social media and analytic tools to reach and monitor travel related social media 

activity.

• Obtain opinions, insight and further recommendations from members of the focus groups 

regarding the improved and newly developed social media tools.

• Fully implement social media and analytic tools.

• Maintain daily social media and analytic activities.

Focus Groups

Three separate focus groups will be formed for this project. Each focus group will be comprised 

of a minimum of twelve individuals in the 18- 49 age demographic. Each focus group will 

include a combination of men and women from all socio-economic levels who reside within the 

eight parish Acadiana region. 

Each focus group session will take place over a two-hour period with a qualified consultant 

initiating the session with a brief overview of the airport and the current social media tools that 

are used by the airport. The members of the focus group will be asked to share opinions about 

flying in/out of Lafayette Regional Airport and the methods that they use to research and plan 

their travel arrangements. 

The members of the focus group will also be asked to share the primary factors that they 

consider when making their travel arrangements and specifically identify the primary factors 

they consider when making arrangements to fly to/from a destination. Additional information 

will be obtained to identify the most desirable locations that they choose to visit and the locations 
that they need to fly to for business purposes. The members of the focus groups will also be 

asked if they use other airports that are not located in the Acadiana region and if so, the names of 

those airports and the reasons that impacted their decision to utilize that airport. 

Based on the preferred travel destinations that are identified, the consultant will utilize the LAC 

trip calculator to demonstrate the true cost of flying in/out of Lafayette compared to flying in/out 

of a distant airport. Finally, the members of the focus group will be asked to share their 

thoughts and opinions of the most valuable social media tools that should be used to effectively 

communicate and maintain contact with individuals in the 18 – 49 age demographic when they 

research and plan their travel arrangements.

All of the information gained and gathered from the focus groups will be reviewed and a 

comprehensive report will be prepared. The report will be shared with the LAC board and staff. 

Development of Social Media and Analytic Tools

Based upon the information, opinions and recommendations obtained from the members of the 

focus groups, a comprehensive social media program will be designed to increase contact and 

communication with potential air travelers within the 18 -49 age demographic. The current 

social media tools utilized by the airport – Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare – will be enhanced 

and other preferred and recommended social media tools will be added to maximize the number 

of contacts and interaction with individuals within the 18 – 49 age demographic. 

During the development period, a comprehensive review of analytic and tracking tools will be 

conducted. This review will include research on analytic tools that have a proven success record 

with other airports to help assure that the appropriate analytic tools are selected for obtaining

accurate and pertinent information. The analytic tools will help to track information such as the 

number of contacts and communication activities that are received from the 18 – 49 age 

demographic, the number of persons within the 18 – 49 age demographic that choose to fly 

in/out of Lafayette and the number of individuals within the 18 – 49 age demographic who 

choose to utilize the LAC trip calculator. 

Evaluation and Recommendations for the New Social Media Program 

Each of the three focus groups will be reconvened to view the new social media program. The 

participants will be asked to provide their opinions regarding the enhanced and newly added 

social media tools as well as the level of ease to utilize and access the various social media tools. 

All of the participants will be asked to prioritize their preferred social media tools and to make 

any recommendations for changes, additions and deletions to the social media program. The 

information received from the members of the focus groups will be reviewed and a report will be 

prepared and shared with the LAC board and staff. 
Implementation of Social Media and Analytic Tools 

After a complete review and evaluation of the information received from the second focus group 

sessions, the social media tools will be fully implemented and activated. Simultaneously, the 

analytic tools will be implemented and activated. 

Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance of Social Media and Analytic Tools 

Upon completion of the full implementation of the social media program, all aspects of the social 

media program will be monitored and maintained to assure that all contacts and communications 

receive a timely response. With the addition of the analytic tools, all relevant information will be 

collected on a daily basis. The collected data will be prepared into a monthly report that will 

include information such as the number of contacts received from individuals within the 18 – 49 

age demographic, any trends that can be detected, preferred social media tools and any changes 

and/or revisions that need to be made to improve the social media program. The monthly report 

will be shared with the LAC board and staff. 

FUNDING DESCRIPTION

Total 3 Year Budget: $405,000

Funding Requested Through the Small Community Air Service Development Program: $289,500

Other Funding Sources:

Lafayette Airport Commission - $75,000 Cash Match

Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development - $40,500 Cash Match

Funding Expenditures:

Year 1

Focus Groups - $75,000 – 2 Professionals @ 160 Hours/Person

Program Development - $55,000 – 2 Persons @ 175 Hours/Person

Year 2

Program Development and Implementation - $130,000 – 3 Professionals @ 250 Hours/Person
Year 3

Program Implementation, Maintenance, Results Tracking - $145,000 – 3 Professionals @ 310 

Hours/Person

Total Project Budget: $405,000

The professional consultant fees are based on current GSA billing rates with all professional 

consultants possessing a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and at least 

five years of working in airport marketing and promotion.

At the end of the project period, the Lafayette Airport Commission will assume the financial 

responsibility to maintain a viable social media program.

How This Project is Different from Previous Funding

In 2004, the Lafayette Airport Commission was awarded a grant in the amount of $240,000 

through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. These funds were utilized to 

develop and implement a marketing program that focused on developing stronger relationships 

with travel agencies, air service sales personnel and major employers to book their clients’ air 

service needs in/out of Lafayette Regional Airport. Traditional marketing methods were used 

such as the development of brochures and implementing a billboard campaign that was launched 

in adjacent states to encourage passengers utilizing other airports to consider flying in/out of 

Lafayette. 

The proposed project is specifically designed to target individuals within the 18 – 49 age 

demographic by utilizing social media. Through the utilization of this age demographics 

preferred method for research and communication, the LAC social media program will be able to 

educate and communicate the positive aspects of flying in/out of Lafayette.

This project will also focus on gaining a better understanding and knowledge about this age 

group’s social media preferences that will help to create a continuous form of communication 

with these individuals. This project will also develop and implement an analytic component to 

help assure that pertinent data is continuously collected and evaluated to maintain a viable social 

media program.
LEGAL SPONSOR

The Lafayette Airport Commission, a public entity of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, 

will serve as the legal sponsor for the project. The LAC has the legal authority to assume the 

responsibility to ensure that all funding under federal, state and local laws will be carried out for 

all aspects of this grant program.