August 27, 2010 

An Integrated Program of New Service Development via: 

Advertising/Marketing and Revenue Guarantees 

 In Support of New Scheduled Air Service to/from San Francisco 

Sponsor: Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

 Idaho Falls, Idaho 

 Len Nelson, Airport Director 

 Congressional Code: ID-002 

 Dun & Bradstreet Number: 190437095 

IDAHO FALLS REGIONAL AIRPORT

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service Development Program 

 

Docket: DOT-OST-2010-0124

Before the Office of the Secretary of Transportation 

US Department of Transportation
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page 

Introductory Letters of Support 3 

Summary Information 5 

Introduction 8 

Primary Objectives of Proposal 9 

Executive Summary 10 

Detailed Explanation of Proposal 14 

Expected Results 16 

Letter of Support 20 

Current Air Service 21 

Air Service Deficiencies 26 

Extenuating Factors Affecting Air Service 29 

Availability of Alternate Airports 32 

Use of Local/Federal Funds 33 

Public/Private Partnerships 34 

Implementation Timeline 36 

Air Service Advisory Groups 37 

Local Air Service Development Efforts 38 

In-kind Services from the Community 40 

Performance Measures 41 

Legal Sponsor 42 

Financial Controls 43 

Return on Investment 44 

DOT Exit Strategy 45 

Alternate Plan 46 

Airport Information 47 

Community Profile 48 

Comparison to Other Communities in Region 60 

Conclusions 64 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 3

INTRODUCTORY LETTERS OF SUPPORT 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 4
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 5

SUMMARY INFORMATION 

Small Community Air Service Development Program 

Docket DOT-OST-2010-0124 

A. Applicant Information 

 Not a Consortium Community now receives EAS subsidy 

 Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium 

 Community previously received a Small Community Grant 

 If previous recipient, date of Grant: ________2005____________________ 

 expiration date of Grant: _October 2008_________ 

B. Public/Private Partnership

Public: 

1. Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

2. City of Idaho Falls 

Private: 

 

1. Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 

2. GROW Idaho Falls Economic Development Council 

3. Idaho National Laboratories (INL) 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 6

C. Project Proposal 

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route 

 Personnel Increased Frequency Low Fare Service 

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy 

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Other (Specify) 

 Revenue Guarantee Launch New Carrier 

 Start Up Cost Offset First Competitive Service 

 Study Secure Additional Carrier 

D. Existing Landing Aids at Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach 

 Localizer Other:

E. Project Cost 

1. Federal amount requested: $ 500,000 

2. State cash financial contribution: $ 0

3. Local cash financial contribution: $ 50,000

 3a. Airport cash funds: $ 25,000

 3b. Non-Airport cash funds: $ 25,000 

 3c. Total local cash funds: $ 50,000

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING: $ 550,000

5. Local funds contributed from already existing

Programs of projects included in line 3c: $ 0

6. Local funds contributed from new commitments 

Or new resources included in line 3c: $ 0

7. Airport In-Kind contribution: $ Various

Description: Fee waivers: One year without landing and terminal fees

8. Other In-Kind contribution: $ 10,000

Description: Advertising and marketing match money

9. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION: $ 10,000

10. TOTAL PROJECT COST: $ 560,000
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 7

F. Enplanements at Airport

 2000: 114,625 

2001: 110,185

 2002: 106,950

 2003: 108,165

 2004: 109,045

 2005: 126,935

 2006: 143,005

 2007: 152,660

 2008: 136,915 

2009: 127,325 

G. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

 This application was made available to the State on ______. 

 Program is subject to review, but has not been selected by the State. 

 Program is not covered. 

H. Is Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? 

 No 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 8

INTRODUCTION 

Idaho Falls was the recipient of what some have described as one of the most successful 

previous Small Community Air Service Development Grants. In 2005, the Idaho Falls Regional 

Airport was awarded a Grant in support of a revenue guarantee for the entrance of United 

Express to the market, supporting the non-stop route to Denver with two daily frequencies. 

Service launched in the summer of 2006. It was immediately profitable – in the first year of 

service. The full revenue guarantee portion of the Grant was returned to the DOT at the 

termination of the Grant, in 2008. 

Idaho Falls will be left without any westbound connecting service as of August 22, 2010, as 

Horizon leaves the market and pulls its Idaho Falls – Boise service. It appears the service is not 

being pulled because of lack of demand. On the other hand, it appears service is being pulled 

due to Horizon’s lack of the right type of aircraft to make 

the service work well for intrastate travel. The Airport 

believes there is significant demand for westbound service. 

It believes Horizon’s service pattern made Boise the wrong 

hub for most of Idaho Falls’ westbound travelers. 

As of the first quarter of 2010, Idaho Falls had the highest 

average fare in the Northwest region, as defined by the 

FAA, of airports with catchment areas of 300,000 or more 

residents – at $223 each way. Fare relief will only come 

with additional competition. It is likely fares will increase more with the loss of Horizon service. As 

Horizon leaves the market, Delta gains a virtual monopoly to markets west of Idaho Falls. The 

only way the Airport will secure competition in these western markets is to add new westbound 

service. 

The Airport proposes a new route between Idaho Falls and San Francisco. The Airport met with 

United to discuss the potential route and its projected performance in July at United’s Chicago 

headquarters. United expressed interest in launching the route as soon as summer of 2011, but 

its forecast shows the route losing money in the start-up phase. The Airport is requesting a Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant to ensure this route is launched in the next 12 

months.

“As of the first quarter of 2010, 

Idaho Falls had the highest 

average fare in the Northwest 

region... it is likely fares will 

increase more with the loss of 

Horizon service.” 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 9

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF PROPOSAL 

Objectives for Program: 

 Increase connectivity to the western US 

 Create better opportunities for business connections 

 Increase connections to international markets 

 Increase the use of local air service 

Means to Achieve Objectives: 

 Continue discussion with United Airlines about additional markets 

 Develop risk mitigation package 

 Work towards launch of new route 

Course of Action to Support Means: 

 Make available revenue guarantee in first 24-months of new service 

 Initiate marketing and advertising campaign to publicize new air service 

 Work with local business partners to make sure new service is successful 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 10

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport has seen much success with its previous Small Community Air 

Service Development Grant, in support of United’s entrance into the market with non-stops to 

Denver. As of this fall, the service between Idaho Falls and Denver will increase to three daily 

flights in each direction, with an addition of 46% more available seats. As noted, this service has 

been profitable for United since its inception – and did not draw on any of the revenue 

guarantee money from Idaho Falls’ previous Grant award. The funding was returned to the DOT 

in 2008 for use in 

another Grant to 

another airport. 

The Idaho Falls 

Regional Airport 

serves an isolated 

area, as the hub for 

air travel in eastern 

Idaho. The Airport 

is four and a half 

hours from the 

nearest true 

alternate service – 

at both Boise and 

Salt Lake City. Due 

to its relative 

isolation, Idaho 

Falls’ service can 

draw from a very 

large geographic 

area – farther than even the two hour catchment represented in the dark, solid line in Figure 1. 

The 60-minute Idaho Falls catchment area is home to 231,741 people as of the latest US Census 

estimates, while the 120-minute catchment area is home to 340,073 people. This catchment 

area is the second largest in the State of Idaho. The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is classified as a 

non-hub. With the Airport serving such a large and isolated area, the service it provides is of 

utmost importance for the regional economy. 

FIGURE 1: The Immediate and Extended Idaho Falls Regional Airport

Catchment Areas; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Analysis
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 11

Despite the relative size of the Idaho Falls catchment area, the Airport has much less service 

than other Northwest markets that are home to almost 350,000 people. As of September 2010, 

the Idaho Falls Regional Airport will have service to just two network airline hubs – Denver and 

Salt Lake City (see Figure 2). 

Horizon Air has left the market as of August 21, 2010, ending its last route – the non-stop to Boise. 

Horizon had served the route profitably for almost two decades, when it had smaller aircraft as 

its disposal and could offer three to four frequencies to Boise per day. This business travel 

schedule was lost when Horizon retired its 48-seat Dash 8-200 aircraft and replaced them with 74-

seat Q400 aircraft. As soon as the route fell below three frequencies, and it was impossible to do 

a day trip between Boise and Idaho Falls, enplanements began to fall. This led to the eventually 

that, without the right kind of aircraft, Horizon could not support the intrastate route. 

Non-Stop Departures Seats Departures Seats Capacity

Carrier Destination Per Day Per Day Per Day Per Day Change

Alaska/Horizon BOI 1.7 128 0 0 -100.0%

Alaska/Horizon Total 1.7 128 0 0 -100.0%

Delta SLC 4.8 242 5.7 283 16.9%

Delta Total 4.8 242 5.7 283 16.9%

Allegiant LAS 0.3 45 0.3 45 0.0%

LAX 0 0 0.3 45 100.0%

Allegiant Total 0.3 45 0.6 90 100.0%

United DEN 2 98 2.9 143 45.9%

United Total 2 98 2.9 143 45.9%

Idaho Falls Total 8.8 513 9.2 516 0.6%

Sep-09 Sep-10

FIGURE 2: Idaho Falls Regional Airport Service Profile

September 2009 vs. September 2010; Source: Airline Schedules
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 12

In all, the Idaho Falls market will have lost an average of 90 network carrier departing seats per 

day between September of 2009 and September of 2010 (see Figure 2). This network carrier seat 

loss is somewhat mitigated by the addition of Allegiant Air service between Idaho Falls and Los 

Angeles/Long Beach – but it should be noted Allegiant doesn’t offer the same kind of network 

connectivity that Horizon offered through Boise. These Allegiant seats are more than welcome in 

the market, but they don’t replace the loss of Horizon. The Airport must recruit additional 

westbound service to fill the gap left by Horizon. 

As seats have been pulled out of the Idaho Falls market, it has seen a decline in overall 

passengers since the year ended first quarter 2008. The year ended first quarter was a record 

setter in Idaho Falls, with 418 passengers per day each way (see Figure 3). Since then, as Idaho 

Falls has lost available seats, and as fares have continued climbing, Idaho Falls passengers have 

dropped by an average of 69 per day each way, or 17%. 

Rising fares have also had the effect of suppressing passengers in Idaho Falls. Since the year 

ended first quarter 2002, when the average one way fare was $166 each way, Idaho Falls fares 

225,590 216,300 210,020 212,890 213,450

248,860

279,960

298,000

266,280

246,930

3,660

4,070

3,880 3,440 4,640

5,010

6,050

7,320

7,550

7,720

314.0

301.9

293.0 296.3 298.8

347.8

391.8

418.2

375.1

348.8

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW International Domestic

$176

$166

$172

$178

$187

$197

$216

$221 $225

$215

FIGURE 3: O&D Passengers and Average Fares at Idaho Falls Regional Airport

YE1Q01 – YE1Q10; Source: US DOT Table DB1A
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 13

have risen to $215 each way – an increase of 30% (see Figure 3). As of the first quarter of 2010, 

Idaho Falls average one way fare had risen to $223, ranking it as the highest in the Northwest 

region, as defined by the FAA, of airports with catchment areas of 300,000 or more residents (see 

Figure 4). 

While the average one 

way fare in the first 

quarter of 2010 in Idaho 

Falls was $223, just 

across the State, in 

Boise, the average fare 

was $151 each way for 

the same period - 47% 

cheaper on average 

(see Figure 4). In fact, 

the average first 

quarter fare in Idaho Falls was 21% higher than the next closest market – Pasco/Tri-Cities, 

Washington, which had an average fare of $184 each way in the same period. 

Due to Idaho Falls relative isolation – more than four hours away from an alternate airport – the 

region’s travelers have no choice but to pay the higher than average fares. This exacerbates 

the already difficult travel situation, and suppresses demand. The fare challenges will likely 

continue, as the Airport loses a carrier – Horizon – in August 2010, and all westbound connecting 

service. 

In order to bring additional seats into the market, and to bring fares in line with those found at 

other markets in the Pacific Northwest, it is imperative the Idaho Falls Regional Airport offer risk 

mitigation to encourage United/United Express to add westbound service through San 

Francisco. While the Airport has mined very specific data, showing the route will be successful, 

United will require some insurance to ensure it doesn’t lose money. 

With Idaho Falls’ track record of success in the SCASD Grant program, it should be at the top of 

the list for a second Grant opportunity. Much like the situation in 2005, when Idaho Falls won its 

previous, successful Grant, the market is underserved and suppressed by high fares, and a 

general lack of adequate connectivity. 

$223

$184

$180

$172

$165

$164

$160

$151

$146

$61

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200

Idaho Falls, ID

Pasco, WA

Billings, MT

Eugene, OR

Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Portland, OR

Medford, OR

Boise, ID

Spokane, WA

Seattle Boeing Field, WA Northwest Average: $171

FIGURE 4: Average Fares in Northwest Markets of 300,000+

First Quarter 2010; Source: US DOT Table DB1A
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 14

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes to use a combination of locally raised funding in 

conjunction with federal Small Community Air Service Development Grant funding in support of 

the addition of a new westbound hub. In the Airport’s discussions with United Airlines and United 

Express, most recently at an in-person meeting in July of 2010, the Airline indicated an interest in 

flying a Canadair Regional Jet CRJ200 between Idaho Falls and San Francisco (see Figure 5). 

The Airline did indicate it would need some 

type of risk mitigation to enter the market. 

A westbound service is essential in Idaho Falls 

after the loss of the region’s only westbound 

service in August of 2010: Horizon’s service 

between Idaho Falls and Boise. The loss of this 

flight left the market with no easy westbound 

access. All westbound connections must now 

be made with a “backtrack” connection over 

Salt Lake City or Denver. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport seeks a Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant, in the amount of $500,000, to help mitigate United’s 

initial monetary risk in serving the Idaho Falls – San Francisco route. The Airport proposes one 

daily flight on the route in each direction. The route between Idaho Falls and San Francisco 

would cover 677 miles in a flight time of one hour and 30 minutes, on average, assuming an 

average groundspeed of 425 knots on a CRJ200 aircraft seating 50 in an all-economy layout 

(see Figure 6). 

Origin Destination Departs Arrives Block Time Equipment 

IDA SFO 6:36am 7:30am 1:54 CRJ 

SFO IDA 7:15pm 10:09pm 1:54 CRJ 

FIGURE 6: Proposed Schedule,

Idaho Falls – San Francisco

FIGURE 5: Proposed Route,

Idaho Falls – San Francisco
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 15

The proposed schedule is designed for ease of network integration into the San Francisco hub, 

ideal business connectivity to west coast destinations for Idaho Falls business travelers – allowing 

for same day business trips to most destinations in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, and 

to avoid San Francisco’s peak hub timing at midday so as not to add to the congestion of that 

Airport (see Figure 6). The aircraft would overnight at Idaho Falls, departing early enough to hit 

the first departing bank of the morning at SFO on United, and returning in mid-evening, during 

the second-to-last United bank of the night at SFO. To achieve the best possible Asian 

connections, a second daily frequency would need to be 

added, although this patterns does connection to Tokyo, 

Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Osaka with long 

layovers. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes that a relatively 

small portion of the cost of starting the new service be 

supported up-front with federal funds from the Small 

Community Air Service Development Program. Of the total Grant request of $500,000, only 

$60,000 will be used for marketing and advertising projects. The federal share of the project will 

be $500,000, all of which will be used for the airline revenue guarantee. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport projects that the bulk of the grant money be available to 

provide insurance in case United/United Express incurs a loss during the first year of operations. 

With demand for westbound service in the Idaho Falls market, and the lack of any current 

westbound service as of the end of August 2010, the Airport projects the new flights will be 

profitable within one year. 

If, for some unforeseen reason, service is not commenced in a timely manner by United, the 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes to use federal grant money awarded under the Small 

Community Air Service Development Program for additional westbound connectivity on another 

airline. Other options include service to Boise on a carrier to be determined, service to Phoenix 

on US Airways, service to Los Angeles on United, Horizon, or American Eagle, service to Portland 

on Horizon, and/or service to Seattle on Horizon or one of its partner carriers. Should none of 

these options become workable, the Airport will continue its discussions with all other carriers 

than can provide additional seats to a hub not currently served. 

“The proposed schedule is 

designed for... ideal business 

connectivity to west coast 

destinations for Idaho Falls 

business travelers...” 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 16

EXPECTED RESULTS 

Route Specific Data: Idaho Falls – San Francisco 

Idaho Falls will be left without any westbound connecting service as of August 22, 2010, as 

Horizon leaves the market and pulls its Idaho Falls – Boise service. It is imperative that the Airport 

work quickly to replace westbound service, to provide the connectivity to the west coast that is 

necessary for the region’s major businesses. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

proposes United/United Express 

launch non-stop service between 

Idaho Falls and San Francisco 

with 50-seat regional jets. This 

service would provide Idaho Falls 

with its first ever non-stop flight to 

the San Francisco Bay Area, 

along with one-stop connections 

to 40 cities (see Figure 7). 

The Idaho Falls market currently 

produces 108 unstimulated origin 

and destination passengers per 

day each way to destinations 

that naturally connect over the 

United Airlines/Star Alliance San 

Francisco hub. As of the year ended first quarter 2010, Idaho Falls produced 79,045 total origin 

and destination passengers that would flow over San Francisco on United (see Figure 8). 

FIGURE 7: One‐Stop Connections Over SFO on United,

YE1Q10; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 17

In all, the Idaho Falls – San Francisco route has the potential to capture 26% of the current 

passengers flying in and out of Idaho Falls, itself, without taking into account any passenger 

leakage, which will be more significant when Idaho Falls loses all westbound service (see Figure 

8). 

At the same time, the United San Francisco hub could capture 29% of the current revenue 

generated in the market as of the year ended first quarter 2010 (see Figure 8). Currently, 

United/Star Alliance markets from Idaho Falls that flow over the San Francisco hub generate 

almost $18 million in annual airline revenue, or $24,600 in revenue per day each way (RDEW) to 

and from Idaho Falls as of the year ended first quarter 2010. 

The United hub at San Francisco has potential to capture large portions of traffic in 40 of Idaho 

Falls’ largest origin and destination markets. The San Francisco hub is especially well positioned 

to capture traffic traveling to the west coast and to Asia – including large Idaho Falls markets 

such as the Los Angeles Basin, which produces 20.2 passengers per day each way (PDEW) to 

and from Idaho Falls as of the year ended first quarter 2010; the San Francisco Bay Area, itself, 

which produces 14.4 PDEW; Sacramento, which produces 8.4 PDEW; San Diego, which produces 

PDEW; Honolulu, which produces 2.8 PDEW; and Reno, which produces 2.4 PDEW as of the year 

ended first quarter 2010 (see Figure 9 on next page). 

San 

Francisco 

26%

Other 

Hubs 74%

San 

Francisco 

29%

Other 

Hubs 71%

Idaho Falls O&D Revenue $62,639,900 100%

Revenue Flowing Over SFO $17,959,010 29%

Idaho Falls O&D Passengers 304,998 100%

Passengers Flowing Over SFO 79,045 26%

FIGURE 8: Available Passengers and Revenue Over SFO on United,

YE1Q10; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 18

It is likely United would stimulate the passenger market significantly in Idaho Falls, with a 

projected stimulation rate in its market of, at least, 50%. This stimulation would be seen most on 

new one-stop markets to the west of Idaho Falls, that were not served by Horizon over Boise with 

one stop. This gives the Airport reason to be optimistic that the service can be self-sustaining in 

as little as 12 months from the start of flights. 

Should it launch service between Idaho Falls and San Francisco, United would be adding service 

in markets that have current fares well above the Pacific Northwest regional average of $171 

each way. The average one way fare to Idaho Falls markets that United would connect with 

one-stop service over San Francisco was $227 as of the year ended first quarter 2010 – which is 

33% above the current regional average of $171 each way (see Figure 10 on next page). United 

service to San Francisco would provide much-needed competition for Idaho Falls catchment 

area residents traveling to the market’s top destinations in the west and overseas, where fares 

top the regional average, such as San Francisco, itself, where the average roundtrip fare was 

$360 as of the year ended first quarter 2010; Sacramento, where the average roundtrip fare was 

$358; San Diego, where the average roundtrip fare was $364; Fresno, where the average fare 

14,740

14,430

10,510

6,160

5,570

4,800

4,630

3,820

2,350

2,020

1,740

1,090

850

760

650

600

590

560

510

479

20.2

19.8

14.4

8.4

7.6

6.6

6.3

5.2

3.2

2.8

2.4

1.5

1.2

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.7

0.7

0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000

Los Angeles Basin - 1

Washington/Baltimore - 2

San Francisco Bay Area - 3

New York/Newark - 4

Sacramento - 5

San Diego - 6

Orlando/Sanford Area - 7

Boston - 8

Philadelphia- 9

Honolulu - 10

Reno - 11

Cancun - 12

Fresno - 13

Kahului- 14

Kauai Island- 15

Palm Springs - 16

Santa Barbara - 17

Kona - 18

London Heathrow - 19

San Jose Del Cabo - 20

Annual Passengers PDEW

FIGURE 9: Top 20 O&D Passenger Markets Over SFO on United,

YE1Q10; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 19

was $462 roundtrip; Santa Barbara, where the average roundtrip fare was $386; and London 

Heathrow, where the average roundtrip fare was $988 as of the year ended first quarter 2010. 

The only real chance at fare relief in markets to the west of Idaho Falls is for an airline to offer 

new service to a new hub along the west coast. 

The Airport believes there is sufficient passenger traffic and revenue that would flow over 

United’s San Francisco hub to make the service profitable. United would not be forced to offer 

rock-bottom fares in Idaho Falls to be competitive – even fares slightly higher than those found in 

other western markets would be considered low for local Idaho Falls travelers. The Idaho Falls 

Regional Airport believes in this new market, and must develop a risk mitigation package to 

ensure United can enter the market without the fear of an operating loss during the start-up 

phase of new service.

$173

$303

$180

$227

$179

$182

$202

$223

$226

$282

$174

$241

$231

$306

$211

$145

$193

$131

$494

$231

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300

Los Angeles Basin - 1

Washington/Baltimore - 2

San Francisco Bay Area - 3

New York/Newark - 4

Sacramento - 5

San Diego - 6

Orlando/Sanford Area - 7

Boston - 8

Philadelphia - 9

Honolulu - 10

Reno - 11

Cancun - 12

Fresno - 13

Kahului - 14

Kauai Island - 15

Palm Springs - 16

Santa Barbara - 17

Kona - 18

London Heathrow - 19

San Jose Del Cabo - 20

Average Over SFO: $227

London Heathrow Not to Scale

FIGURE 10: Average One Way Fares at Top 20 O&D Passenger Markets Over SFO on United,

YE1Q10; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 20

LETTER OF SUPPORT 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 21

CURRENT AIR SERVICE IN IDAHO FALLS 

As of the beginning of August of 2010, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport had service to three hub 

airports in the west, on regional affiliates of three major airlines. But on August 22, 2010, the 

Idaho Falls market will lose its only westbound connecting service, as Horizon Air leaves the 

market. As will be explained in this proposal, Horizon could not continue to operate the IDABoise route with the size of aircraft it now uses – the Q400 is just too big to offer sufficient 

frequency. The Airport must now work to attract an airline to offer a new westbound hub 

service. 

In September of 2010, Idaho Falls will have network service to Denver on United and Salt Lake 

City on Delta, with Allegiant Air low cost leisure service to Las Vegas and Los Angeles 

International (LAX). In the fall of 2010, Allegiant’s LA Basin service will shift from LAX to Long 

Beach. In all, Idaho Falls network seats will be down by almost 20% from September of 2009 to 

September of 2010. 

Current Passenger Traffic in the Idaho Falls Market 

Since the summer of 2009, Idaho Falls has seen a steep reduction in the number of daily flights, 

the number of seats offered per day, and subsequently, in the number of passengers able to 

travel to and 

from the Idaho 

Falls Regional 

Airport. 

During the 

summer of 

2008, airlines 

offered an 

average of 

almost 13 

daily 

departures 

from Idaho 

660

742

723 736 738

714

740

758

717

554

498

738 724 729

603 603 602 598 608 608

670

564

597

658

687

645

509 515 503

525

470 467 468

509

505

550

488 482 484 474 458

510

465

288 274

478

501 498

424 424

377

405

355 355 372

337

399

450

484

456

382 375 360 371

329 340 343

366

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights Per DEW

12.6 12.7 12.6 12.7 12.7

12.0

12.8 13.0

12.1

9.1

8.0

12.5 12.2

12.8

11.1 11.1

10.5 10.5 10.5 10.6

11.3

9.7 9.8

11.6

12.1

11.3

8.8 8.8 8.6 9.0

7.8 7.9 8.0

8.7

FIGURE 11: Flights, Seats, and Passengers Per Day Each Way,

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, July 2007 – April 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 22

Falls (see Figure 11). 

By the winter of 2010, the average number of daily departures had fallen to roughly eight – a 

drop of five daily departures or 39%. 

In the summer of 2008, the average number of daily departing seats at the Idaho Falls Regional 

Airport was around 730 (see Figure 11). This number dropped to just 470 daily departing seats – 

including all airlines – by the winter of 2010 – a decrease of 260 seats per day each way or 36%. 

The effect of the flight and seat reductions in the Idaho Falls market has been to suppresses 

overall onboard passengers. In the summer of 2008, the Idaho Falls market generated an 

average of 500 passengers per day each way (see Figure 11). By the winter of 2010 the average 

number of passengers per day each way had fallen by 30, to 470 passengers per day each way 

– a decline of 6%. It is interesting to note that, while the number of seats offered by Idaho Falls’ 

airlines fell by 36% between 2008 and 2010, the average number of passengers using the service 

provided at the Airport each day dropped by just 6%. Even as airlines cut service, and as fares 

go up, demand for service stays strong in Idaho Falls. 

30,950

19,780

13,030

12,760

11,710

11,420

9,180

8,940

6,550

5,860

4,780

4,610

4,230

4,150

4,010

3,560

3,530

3,460

3,430

3,390

3,350

3,300

3,030

2,940

2,340

42.4

27.1

17.8

17.5

16.0

15.6

12.6

12.2

9.0

8.0

6.5

6.3

5.8

5.7

5.5

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.2

4.0

3.2

0.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 20,000.00 25,000.00 30,000.00

Las Vegas

Seattle

Washington-Baltimore

LA Basin

Denver

Portland

Boise

SF Bay Area

Phoenix

Atlanta

Sacramento

Spokane

Anchorage

Orlando

San Diego

Chicago

Dallas/Ft.Worth

Albuquerque

Boston

Salt Lake City

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Houston

Newark

Pasco

Pittsburgh

Annual Passengers PDEW

FIGURE 12: Top 25 O&D Passenger Markets, YE1Q10

Idaho Falls Regional Airport; Source: US DOT Table DB1A
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 23

Idaho Falls has seen explosive growth in markets where new non-stop service has been initiated. 

Las Vegas now ranks as IDA’s top origin and destination passenger market, with an average of 

42.4 passengers per day each way (PDEW) as of the year ended first quarter 2010 (see Figure 

12). At the same time, traffic is just now building to and from the LA Basin, which now averages 

17.5 passengers per day each way (PDEW). Each of these markets has been stimulated by nonstop service offered by Allegiant Air. 

Of the top 25 passengers markets at Idaho Falls as of the year ended first quarter 2010, 14 would 

connect over United’s hub at San Francisco with one-stop. Large markets such as Las Vegas, 

Seattle, the LA Basin, Portland, the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Sacramento would 

gain new competing service – to fly against Delta’s current connecting service over the hub at 

Salt Lake City (see Figure 12). It is also likely the Bay Area, which currently generates 12.2 

passengers per day each way (PDEW) to and from Idaho Falls as of the year ended first quarter 

2010 will see significant new passenger stimulation because of the non-stop service. 

$63

$152

$314

$184

$187

$156

$95

$191

$196

$232

$185

$158

$227

$214

$193

$257

$226

$286

$235

$160

$246

$197

$213

$228

$299

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300

Las Vegas

Seattle

Washington-Baltimore

LA Basin

Denver

Portland

Boise

SF Bay Area

Phoenix

Atlanta

Sacramento

Spokane

Anchorage

Orlando

San Diego

Chicago

Dallas/Ft.Worth

Albuquerque

Boston

Salt Lake City

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Houston

Newark

Pasco

Pittsburgh

IDA Ex-Allegiant Domestic Average: $217

FIGURE 13: Average One Way Fares to Top 25 O&D Passenger Markets, YE1Q10

Idaho Falls Regional Airport; Source: US DOT Table DB1A
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 24

The non-Allegiant domestic average fare at Idaho Falls as of the year ended first quarter 2010 

was $217 each way, or $434 roundtrip (see Figure 13). This is 27% higher than the Pacific 

Northwest regional average of $171 each way as of the year ended first quarter 2010. 

The average fare to Las Vegas is Idaho Falls’ only one way fare below $90 each way – because 

it is dominated by Allegiant’s leisure pricing (see Figure 13). All of Idaho Falls’ business markets 

have fares in excess of $150 each way – with the exception of Boise, which had its service pulled 

as of August 22 of 2010. 

Air Carrier Market Share in Idaho Falls 

Delta, with its non-stop service to Salt Lake City, has long been the passenger market share 

leader in the Idaho Falls market. For the last four quarters, Delta’s market share has topped 46% 

of all Idaho Falls passengers in each quarter (see Figure 14). As recently as the third quarter of 

2008, Horizon Air had almost 28% of all Idaho Falls passengers. But it has left the market as of the 

end of August of 2010. 

47.7%

45.3%

41.9% 42.4% 43.2%

41.4%

36.9%

44.3% 43.5%

46.9% 47.7% 46.8% 47.1%

18.1%

22.5% 22.1% 21.5%

18.6% 19.8%

18.7%

19.8%

17.2%

24.3%

22.8%

20.1% 20.9%

15.7% 16.1%

20.2%

20.7% 19.7%

21.4%

27.7%

17.1%

17.3%

15.5% 16.6%

17.5%

17.8%

10.0%

7.7% 7.4% 7.2%

10.7%

9.3%

8.0%

10.1%

14.7%

10.5%

9.6%

11.4% 12.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

2007-Q1 2007-Q2 2007-Q3 2007-Q4 2008-Q1 2008-Q2 2008-Q3 2008-Q4 2009-Q1 2009-Q2 2009-Q3 2009-Q4 2010-Q1

Delta United Horizon Allegiant

FIGURE 14: Passenger Market Share by Air Carrier, First Quarter 2007 – First Quarter 2010

Idaho Falls Regional Airport; Source: US DOT Table DB1A
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 25

United entered the Idaho Falls market in the second quarter of 2006. It has slowly been building 

market share – carrying 21% of Idaho Falls passengers as of the first quarter of 2010 (see Figure 

14). But United is limited by its service pattern at IDA. With only one route, through the Denver 

hub, United offers only connections to the east of the market, while Delta can offer nearly omnidirectional connections through Salt Lake City. As Horizon leaves the market, Delta gains a 

virtual monopoly to markets west of Idaho Falls. The only way United will be able to compete in 

these western markets is to add Idaho Falls – San Francisco service. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 26

AIR SERVICE DEFICIENCIES IN IDAHO FALLS 

When evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of air service in a community, it is important to 

compare the subject community to strong corollaries in terms of both population and service 

profile. An interesting corollary for Idaho Falls is Billings, Montana. Billings has a 60-mile 

catchment area population of 163,000 people, while Idaho Falls has a 60-mile catchment area 

population of 304,000 people (see Figure 15). Idaho Falls is 87% larger than Billings in terms of 

catchment area population. 

Despite this, in the calendar year 2009, 

airlines offered a total of 1.13 million 

available seats in and out of Billings (see 

Figure 15). During the same year, airlines 

offered just 431,400 available seats in and 

out of Idaho Falls – 62% fewer than the 

number offered in Billings. Billings had an 

average of 6.9 seats per capita in 2009, 

while Idaho Falls had just 2.7 seats per 

capita in the same year – illustrating just 

how underserved Idaho Falls is. 

While Idaho Falls offers a much bigger 

catchment than Billings, United offers 

much more service at Billings than it does 

at Idaho Falls. At Billings, United flies nonstop to both Denver and Chicago O’Hare, 

with some flights on mainline jet aircraft. In 

Idaho Falls, United offers only regional jet 

service to Denver. Between June of 2007 

and April of 2010, United offered an 

average of 75% more available seats at 

Billings than it did at Idaho Falls, despite 

greater competition in Billings and fewer 

BIL 60 Mile Population: 163,000

BIL 2009 Available Seats: 1.13 Million

Population-to-Seat Ratio: 6.9 Seats Per Person

IDA 60 Mile Population: 304,000

IDA 2009 Available Seats: 431,400

Population-to-Seat Ratio: 2.7 Seats Per Person

FIGURE 15: Comparison of the Billings Catchment Area

Versus the Idaho Falls Catchment Area
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 27

people in the catchment area (see Figure 16). 

In the first four months of 2010, United offered an average of almost 100 departing seats per day 

at Idaho Falls (see Figure 16). During the same four month period at Billings United offered an 

average of 360 departing seats per day - 72% more than the number of seats the Airline offered 

at Idaho Falls. 

The result is that Billings’ United service boards more passengers than Idaho Falls’ United service. 

Between January and April of 2010, United has averaged 260 onboard departing passengers 

per day at Billings (see Figure 17). 

496 505

524

443 440

379

412 410 402 403 412 407

487

500 491

418

400

334

357 353 354 345 356

430

585 580 591

431

410

343

382

353 360 358

383

155 148 150 143 150 144 136 140 144 136 143 140

170 166 166

138 138 134 128 131 136 137 137

124

146 144 146

98 99 98 102 92 98 97 100

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

BIL Available UA SDEW IDA Available UA SDEW

UA Offers DEN and ORD at BIL,

Including Some Mainline Service,

Despite it Being 46% Smaller Than IDA

FIGURE 16: United‐Coded Available Seats Per Day Each Way (SDEW)

June 2007 – April 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 28

During the same period of time in Idaho Falls United has averaged 79 onboard departing 

passengers per day - 70% fewer departing passengers than Billings (see Figure 17). 

Billings generated an average of 1.44 United Airlines passengers per capita as of the year ended 

first quarter 2010. During the same period, Idaho Falls generated United Airlines 0.14 passengers 

per capita. This is a function not of less demand for travel in the Idaho Falls catchment area 

than in the Billings catchment area. It is a function of a lack of available seats in the Idaho Falls 

area. It is within reason to assume Idaho Falls could support, at least, the level of United service 

that Billings supports. 

 

396 398 403

327 322

284

313

258

292 299

273

325

370

348

359

301

279

232

280

224 231

260 266

302

411

425 432

363

323

266

305

241

266 272

251

126 118 121

101 95 91 90

79

93

76 72 79

93 101

92

82 82

72

82

68 61 60

71 75

97

106 105

84 82 79 80 71 78 77 80

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

BIL Onboard UA PDEW IDA Onboard UA PDEW

FIGURE 17: United‐Coded Passengers Per Day Each Way (PDEW)

June 2007 – April 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 29

EXTENUATING FACTORS AFFECTING AIR SERVICE 

As has been noted in this proposal, Idaho Falls will be left without any westbound connecting 

service as of August 22, 2010, as Horizon leaves the market and pulls its Idaho Falls – Boise 

service. It is important to understand the extenuating circumstances surrounding this service 

cancellation, as it appears the service is not being pulled because of lack of demand. On the 

other hand, it appears service is being pulled due to Horizon’s lack of the right type of aircraft to 

make the service work well for intrastate travel. The Airport believes there is significant demand 

for westbound service. It believes Horizon’s service pattern made Boise the wrong hub for most 

of Idaho Falls’ westbound travelers. 

The local Idaho Falls – Boise market was served for the intra-Idaho business travel market. As 

such, it was essential to the service’s success for there to be options for travelers to leave either 

Boise or Idaho Falls in the morning, and then 

return home the same evening. When Idaho 

Falls – Boise service was operated by Horizon’s 

48-seat Dash 8-200 aircraft, the airline could offer 

three daily flights in each direction, with morning 

departures and evening arrivals at each city, 

and fly just 144 seats per day in each direction. 

When Horizon retired its entire Dash 8-200 fleet 

and replaced it with larger, 76-seat Q400 

aircraft, it reduced the frequency on the route 

between Idaho Falls and Boise to just two departures per day. Despite the frequency reduction, 

Horizon offered 152 seats per day in each direction between the two cities. So, while flights had 

decreased by 33%, seats had increased by 6%. It was no longer possible to fly from Boise to 

Idaho Falls in the morning, meaning business travelers decided to drive, instead of fly, so they 

could avoid an overnight. The Idaho Falls – Boise market had lost its most lucrative travelers, 

while Horizon added seats – a recipe for the route’s failure. 

An examination of the data on the Idaho Falls – Boise route for the period between June of 2007 

and April of 2010 shows that, when three or more flights per day were offered in each direction, 

the route performed at a 78% load factor (see Figure 18). But when flight frequency fell to just 

“The Airport believes there is 

significant demand for westbound 

service. It believes Horizon’s 

service pattern made Boise the 

wrong hub for most of Idaho Falls’ 

westbound travelers.” 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 30

one flight per day in each direction the route operated at less than a 35% load factor – speaking 

to the business travel demand for sufficient frequency for day trips to be possible. 

It is the Airport’s contention that the Idaho Falls – Boise route could still be profitable, with the 

right kind of high frequency service on smaller aircraft. It is also the Airport’s contention that 

Boise did not work well as a hub for westbound travelers. 

Between June of 2007 and April of 2010, the Alaska/Horizon focus city at Boise went from an 

average of 26.5 departures per day to an average of just 16.1 departures per day (see Figure 

19). Boise lost more than 10 departures per day during that time period, or 39% of all of its 

Alaska/Horizon flights. At the same time, Alaska/Horizon cuts its Boise available seats per day 

each way from 1,946 to just 1,205 – a loss of an average of 741 available seats per day each 

way, or 28% of all Alaska/Horizon seats. 

111

120

149

136

146 148 147

136

145

137 139 136

143

151

148

143

102

75

64

74 71

79 76

70 71 73

91

129 130

122

130

123

128 131 132

85 87

97

70

79

88 87

78

86

79

62 60

80

99

94

113

54

29 28 29 25 27 27 24

30

42 45

64

58 57

73

56 58 59 61

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights Per DEW

3.0

2.6

2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.9 2.0

2.4

3.9

2.0

1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.2

1.7 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7

When Horizon Could Operate the Dash 8-200 

With Higher Frequency the Idaho Falls – Boise Route 

Worked Much Better for Business Travelers

FIGURE 18: Flights, Seats, and Passengers Per Day Each Way  

Idaho Falls – Boise, June 2007 – April 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 31

With this seat loss, there was less and less service for Idaho Falls travelers on Horizon to connect to 

at Boise. This lack of connectivity undermined the Boise focus city as a connection point, and 

made it difficult for travelers from Idaho Falls to connect to cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, 

in the LA Basin, and in the Pacific Northwest. 

The Airport contends a service to the west should be provided to a better hub, with more 

connectivity, in order to be successful. It believes the United hub at San Francisco will offer local 

travelers much more value, through increased connectivity and a better service patterns than 

what has recently been offered by Horizon through Boise. 

 

1,814

1,867

1,946

1,886

1,968

1,883

1,772 1,769

1,843 1,824 1,791

1,713

1,769

1,857

1,790

1,477

1,424

1,343 1,326

1,391 1,386 1,385 1,386

1,340

1,423 1,419 1,428 1,418 1,386

1,324 1,322

1,176 1,190 1,203 1,205

1,498 1,474 1,515

1,300 1,313

1,377

1,230

1,125

1,269 1,276

1,148 1,163

1,337

1,386 1,350

1,127

1,034

940 955

851

934 964

907 942

1,097 1,134 1,095

991

947 932 972

814 855 879 860

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights Per DEW

26.3 26.5 26.5

25.3

26.5

25.5

24.0 24.6

25.9

24.8

23.7 23.1 23.9

25.0 24.6

22.3

20.0

18.0 17.6 18.5 18.7 18.7 18.6 18.0

19.1 19.0 19.2 19.0 18.6

17.6 17.6

15.7 15.8 16.0 16.1

FIGURE 19: Flights, Seats, and Passengers Per Day Each Way  

At Boise on Alaska/Horizon, June 2007 – April 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 32

AVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATE AIRPORTS 

Idaho Falls, Idaho is served by the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, located directly off I-15. Due to its 

relative isolation, Idaho Falls’ service can draw from a very large geographic area – farther than 

even the two hour catchment represented in the dark, solid line. 

• The 60-minute Idaho Falls catchment area is home to 231,741 people as of the latest US 

Census estimates, while the 120-minute catchment area is home to 340,073 people. 

• The nearest competing airport with low cost service is Boise, which lies 278 miles away 

from Idaho Falls – a drive of 4 hours and 23 minutes. 

FIGURE 20: Location of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 33

USE OF LOCAL AND FEDERAL FUNDS 

Marketing and Advertising 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes to spend at least $50,000 in funds on marketing and 

advertising promotions in support of new service introductions. The goal is to increase ridership 

and usage of new service through targeted regional campaigns. 

Revenue Guarantee 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes to make available at least $500,000 in funds for a 

revenue guarantee, to cover start-up losses that may occur during the first twelve months of 

service on the new route. Subject to negotiation, payments will be made to the airline 

operating the new route quarterly when income derived from passengers and cargo is less than 

agreed expenses on the route. Revenue generated that exceeds expenses will be carried 

forward and tapped before any grant funds are used. 

Additional Costs 

As part of this program, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport understands that additional expenses will 

be incurred, such as monitoring the results of the program and reporting those results back to 

the US DOT. In addition, the Airport expects to incur some expenses in the recruitment of the 

new airline to fly the new route. The Airport will not use DOT funding in these efforts. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 34

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS 

The City of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Regional Airport consistently work together on air 

service development projects. Other local partners will be working with the Airport to promote 

and market the new service. The Airport will manage and coordinate the marketing program. 

The Airport has also developed an air service development partnership program, reaching out 

to businesses and community leaders. Those partners are listed below, including their role in the 

effort to retain current air service and recruit additional air service. 

City of Idaho Falls/Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

The City of Idaho Falls owns and operates the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. As a public 

governing body, the City operates the Airport as a publically governed facility. The City supports 

the Airport in all air service development projects. 

GROW Idaho Falls Economic Development Council 

GROW IDAHO FALLS, INC. is an investor-based organization dedicated to the development and 

growth of Idaho Falls, Ammon, and Bonneville County. GROW IDAHO FALLS, INC. plays an 

important role in the expansion of existing business, job retention and the attraction of new 

business to our area. Originally called the Eastern Idaho Economic Development 

Council, GROW IDAHO FALLS, INC. has been in existence since 2000. The organization’s primary 

goal is to create good paying jobs with benefits for the people and families of our community. 

As such, it is a financial partner in air service development. 

Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of citizens who are 

investing their time and money in a community development program - working together to 

improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area. Any citizen who is interested in 

helping to develop the area (which means more money, more business, more jobs, and better 

living for everyone) is eligible to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 35

The work of the Chamber is financed by the investment of the members who support it through 

annual dues as well as through fundraisers, grants and other donations. 

The Chamber of Commerce is composed of Committee Workers, Directors, and Officers who 

serve without pay. A Chamber Executive and staff devote their full time to the Chamber of 

Commerce as the only paid employees. 

The Chamber of Commerce is a service institution and an action organization. It provides a 

medium through which people can take effective action for the progress of the community. It 

helps create job opportunities through stimulation of industrial and commercial growth. It seeks 

the improvement of community facilities; streets, highways, parks, schools, marketing facilities, 

and human resources. It brings conventions, sales meetings and other gatherings to the city. It 

works toward developing the agriculture industry of the area. In all of these functions the 

Chamber of Commerce is serving as a department - a partner - of every business and every 

professional person in the area. 

Idaho National Laboratories (INL) 

In operation since 1949, INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory 

dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy 

research, science, and national defense. The INL ensures the nation's energy security with safe, 

competitive, and sustainable energy systems and unique national and homeland security 

capabilities. By 2015, INL will be the pre-eminent nuclear energy laboratory with synergistic, 

world-class, multi-program capabilities and partnerships. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 36

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 

The proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department of Transportation 

will award Small Community Grant Funding in December 2010. Once the award is announced, 

the Idaho Falls Regional Airport will conduct an additional airline meeting to secure 

SkyWest/United Express service that is mutually beneficial. Based on airline planning lead times 

and the need for advance bookings, we assume the service would not be able to begin service 

until at least August of 2011. 

The first three milestones on the Airport's timeline are to execute the grant agreement with the 

Department of Transportation, meet with United Express and/or SkyWest to negotiate for service, 

and sign the minimum revenue guarantee agreement with the appropriate airline partner. 

Once service is announced and schedules are published, the Airport would begin marketing the 

new route and working with the new carrier to monitor advance bookings. The Airport will 

continue its marketing program and continue to work with the new carrier to monitor the route 

once service begins. The Airport would submit grant status reports on a quarterly basis to the 

Department throughout the proposed two year term of the minimum revenue guarantee. 

While the estimated dates are targets, it is possible service could be secured and launched on a 

more aggressive timeline once Grant funding is awarded. It is also possible that new service 

could slip to 2013 should an airline require additional risk mitigation, beyond that included in this 

proposal, from the community. 

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Date

SCASD Grant Award Announcement December 2010

Executive Grant Agreement with DOT January 2011

Meet With Prospective Airlines February 2011

Negotiate Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) With Airline March 2011

Announce Service May 2011

Publish Schedule May 2011

Begin Marketing of New Route June 2011

Monitor Advance Bookings May - August 2011

Service Launch August 2011

MRG Available for Service August 2011- March 2014

Monitor Route Performance August 2011 - March 2014

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly Q1 2011 - Q1 2014

Close Grant April 2014
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 37

AIR SERVICE ADVISORY GROUPS 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport works closely with the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, the 

GROW Idaho Falls Economic Development Council, Idaho National Laboratories, and the City of 

Idaho Falls to support and promote local air service and local service clubs. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 38

LOCAL AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport has worked tirelessly to ensure the community has the best 

possible air service. As the center for worldwide nuclear energy research at the Idaho National 

Laboratory, it has been essential that the community has effective access to worldwide markets 

on a daily basis. The Airport has undertaken several major efforts to ensure this access grows 

and prospers. 

The focus of air 

service 

development 

with network 

carriers over the 

last five years has 

been the 

addition of 

United/United 

Express to the 

market to fly 

between Idaho 

Falls and the 

Denver hub. This 

service launched in 2006, with the help of a Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

revenue guarantee. While the revenue guarantee made the service possible, as United would 

not have taken the risk in launching service to Idaho Falls without it, at no point did United ever 

pull funding from the guarantee. The route was immediately profitable, with the margin peaking 

in third quarter of 2007, when revenues topped stated expenses by $1.06 million – a margin of 

53% (see Figure 21). 

That Grant expired after the second quarter of 2008, and the full revenue guarantee amount of 

$450,000 was returned to the Department of Transportation for use in launching service at 

another airport. Many in the industry still refer to this Grant as the most successful ever under the 

SCASD Grant program – and an example of how the Program should work. 

$357,930

$1,372,065 $1,300,479 $1,232,870

$2,040,201 $2,012,362 $2,056,109

$1,976,569

$2,087,925

$434,218

$2,001,670

$1,758,002

$1,605,587

$2,804,143

$3,072,201

$2,601,796

$2,365,143 $2,430,650

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

2006 Q2 2006 Q3 2006 Q4 2007 Q1 2007 Q2 2007 Q3 2007 Q4 2008 Q1 2008 Q2

UA Revenue Target UA Actual Revenue

FIGURE 21: United’s Actual Revenue vs. Target Revenue, IDA‐DEN

Second Quarter 2006 – Second Quarter 2008; Source: United Airlines DOT Filing  
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 39

United’s cumulative profit on the Idaho Falls – Denver service topped $4.6 million by the end of 

the second quarter 2008 (see Figure 22). While United’s profit on the route grew, it also drove up 

its average segment fare from $120 each way to $168 each way – an indication of the robust 

demand for seats. Today, the service operates with three daily frequencies in each direction, 

without any community financial support or incentives. 

Additionally, 

the Airport has 

seen success in 

working with 

low cost carrier 

Allegiant Air. 

Allegiant flies 

to both Las 

Vegas and the 

Los Angeles 

basin from 

Idaho Falls. 

While this 

service has not 

provided wideranging connectivity, it has brought lower fares to the community, and more leisure/vacation 

options. The Airport continues to work with Allegiant on other potential route opportunities. 

 

$76,288

$705,893

$1,163,416

$1,536,132

$2,300,074

$3,359,913

$3,905,600

$4,294,174

$4,636,899

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$3,500,000

$4,000,000

$4,500,000

2006 Q2 2006 Q3 2006 Q4 2007 Q1 2007 Q2 2007 Q3 2007 Q4 2008 Q1 2008 Q2

UA Average Segment Fare UA Cumulative Profit2

$120

$143

$147

$139

$149

$158 $157

$162

$168

FIGURE 22: United’s Cumulative Revenue and Segment Fare, IDA‐DEN

Second Quarter 2006 – Second Quarter 2008; Source: United Airlines DOT Filing  
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 40

IN-KIND SERVICES FROM COMMUNITY 

The following organizations will help promote the new service through their various membership 

groups. There is no estimated value to these services. 

 Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

 Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 

 GROW Idaho Falls Economic Development Council 

 Idaho National Laboratories 

 City of Idaho Falls 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 41

PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

The success of new service in Idaho Falls will be based on three measurable variables: the 

increase in available seats in the market, the number of enplanements on the route, and the 

average airfares charged in the affected city pairs. The first two measurements will include a 

monthly comparison once the program begins to past numbers. The second measurement will 

be derived from US DOT OD1A reports. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 42

LEGAL SPONSOR 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is the legal sponsor responsible for administering the program. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is a government entity. 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

2140 North Skyline Drive 

Idaho Falls, Idaho 83405 

Len Nelson, Director of Aviation 

208.612.8221 

LNelson@ci.idaho-falls.id.us 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 43

FINANCIAL CONTROLS 

As the sponsor, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport will be the responsible party for all fiscal matters 

and DOT reporting requirements. As a public entity the DOT can be assured that proper 

financial controls are in place to guarantee that the DOT’s grant will be used in accordance 

with any subsequent agreement. As a previous recipient, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport 

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

program expenditures and will submit invoices to the DOT for reimbursement, based on a 

percentage of the total grant request. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 44

RETURN ON INVESTMENT 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport has developed a cost effective and achievable strategy to 

increase enplanements at the airport. The proposal uses proven methods of achieving air 

service improvements, allowing the DOT to be comfortable with choosing this proposal. The 

increased competition and access to increased competition with airfares by adding service is a 

major goal of the Small Community Air Service Development Program. 

As a previous Grant recipient, with an enviable track record as a steward of Department of 

Transportation funding under the Program, the Department can be comfortable that the Airport 

understands the goals and limitations of this Grant award. 

Approximately $60,000 of the $560,000 in cash is committed to being spent as the marketing 

share of the project. The remaining $500,000 in cash will be available for the revenue guarantee 

portion of the project. Should the revenue guarantee be unused, or unneeded for the new 

airline, it will be returned to the DOT in the same way as Idaho Falls’ previous Grant award. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 45

DOT EXIT STRATEGY 

The Airport has developed this proposal as a one-time grant. The advertising and marketing 

program will commence a few months before service starts and last for at least twelve months. 

The revenue guarantee program will also be in place for twelve months, with two additional 

twelve-month periods available for negotiation. It is projected that the service on the new route 

will be financially self-sustaining within the second twelve months of service. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 46

ALTERNATE PLAN 

If, for some unforeseen reason, service is not commenced in a timely manner by United, the 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport proposes to use federal grant money awarded under the Small 

Community Air Service Development Program for additional westbound connectivity on another 

airline. Other options include service to Boise on a carrier to be determined, service to Phoenix 

on US Airways, service to Los Angeles on United, Horizon, or American Eagle, service to Portland 

on Horizon, and/or service to Seattle on Horizon or one of its partner carriers. Should none of 

these options become workable, the Airport will continue its discussions with all other carriers 

than can provide additional seats to a hub not currently served. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 47

AIRPORT INFORMATION 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, formerly known as Fanning Field, is a primary commercial service 

airport located in eastern Idaho, approximately one mile northwest of downtown Idaho Falls. 

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Idaho Falls under the authority of the Director 

of Aviation. 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport is located at an elevation of 4,744 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). The 

airport has two paved runways. Runway 2/20 is 9,001 feet by 150 feet and Runway 17/35 is 4,051 

feet by 75 feet. 

The airport 

encompasses 

approximately 

980 acres of 

land. 

The airport 

currently serves four airlines including United, Delta, Horizon and Allegiant as well as a 

mix of general aviation users ranging from light single-engine piston aircraft to multi-engine jets. 

The airport has a 48,100 square foot terminal building. In 2001 the terminal building was 

remodeled to meet the requirements of TSA. The terminal building provides approximately 1,290 

square feet of ticket counter space. The security screening area currently utilizes approximately 

1,820 square feet of space. The sterile passenger waiting area is approximately 12,200 square 

feet, while the non-sterile waiting area is approximately 8,040 square feet. The terminal building 

has two jet-bridges to provide access to aircraft and one ground loading access gate. The 

airport also has a gift shop which, a restaurant and several rental car companies. The baggage 

claim area occupies approximately 5,290 square feet. The existing baggage screening is 

conducted within the lobby area in front of the airline ticket counters. 

Exterior of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport  
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 48

COMMUNITY PROFILE 

The City of Idaho Falls 

Idaho Falls is located at an elevation of approximately 4,744 feet along the Snake River on the 

western side of the Rocky Mountains. The area offers world-class fishing, golfing, hiking and 

camping with its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Craters of 

the Moon National Park and the Caribou National Forest. Idaho Falls serves as the regional 

center for healthcare, shopping and entertainment for the entire area. The region has 

continuously attracted businesses small and large with its high quality of life and opportunity for 

continuous growth. 

With a population of 52,716 and a median 

age of 33.1 years, this young and vibrant city 

enjoys a cost of living that is 5% less than the 

national average. The median family income 

in Idaho Falls is among the highest in the 

nation at $59,850 – moreover that income 

translated to the purchasing power of more 

than $69,400 due to the low cost of living. In 

addition, Idaho Falls residents spend an 

average of $7,300 on vacation each year – higher than the Idaho average of $6,500. 

Offering its own symphony, opera, chamber orchestra, community drama, performing arts 

groups, museums, zoos, and of course professional minor league baseball, there are many things 

to do. Centrally located in the heart of some of the world’s best known recreation areas, Idaho 

Falls has positioned itself as the gateway to year-round adventures and activities. 

Downtown Idaho Falls  
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 49

What’s New in Idaho Falls 

AREVA Selects Bonneville County, Idaho, for its Uranium Enrichment Facility

In 2009, AREVA Inc. announced that it had selected the state of Idaho for its new U.S. uranium 

enrichment facility. The site is located in Bonneville County, 18 miles west of Idaho Falls, close to 

the Idaho National Lab. The selection was made after an extensive technical, environmental, 

and socio-economical analysis of several potential sites throughout the United States. With its 

decision, AREVA will move forward to seek all necessary approvals from federal, state and local 

agencies, including a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to construct and operate 

the facility. 

Source: AREVA and Grow Idaho Falls, 2009 

Idaho Falls listed #3 on Towns to Watch in the West

This town is fast becoming a desirable destination due to an influx of downtown restoration. The 

Idaho Falls Downtown group is aiming to preserve the architectural styles of buildings from the 

early 1900s, “which is the heart and soul” of the community. These buildings are further stabilized 

by lava rock walls and refurbished century-year-old windows. The National Park Service’s close 

watch on the project guarantees a future that will provide impressive nostalgia. With 26 buildings 

on the historic register, Idaho Falls is anxious to add more. 

Source: True West Magazine, 2009 

Eastern Idaho Technology Corridor

Much of the new investment in the area is focused on the Eastern Idaho Technology Corridor 

(ITC). With Idaho Falls at its heart, it flanks Interstate 15 from Pocatello to Rexburg. The Eastern 

Idaho Technology Corridor constitutes a unique collection of assets providing a rich environment 

for technology-based companies. Because of the ITC, Eastern Idaho is gaining national 

recognition as home to a growing number of companies whose products and services are 

based on the development or application of technology in a wide array of industries ranging 

from the improvement of agricultural practices to software and systems development. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 50

Tourism in the Idaho Falls Area 

Activities and attractions for everyone abound in and around Idaho Falls. With museums, art 

galleries and outdoor activities right in the city itself, Idaho Falls attracts many visitors in its own 

right. Additionally, Idaho Falls is located just hours from Grand Targhee and Sun Valley ski resorts, 

Henry’s Lake, Craters of the Moon, the Sawtooths, Island Park, Jackson Hole, and several 

national forests. There are six counties making up the Yellowstone Teton Territory, and that 

translates into a variety of outdoor activities from boating on Ririe Reservoir and Palisades 

Reservoir to hiking, ATVing and snowmobiling in the Caribou Range to fishing in the famed South 

Fork of the Snake 

River to scenic 

mountain drives to 

hunting to 

camping—the list is 

practically endless. 

And it is all within a 

few hours of Idaho 

Falls.

More than eight 

million annual visitors 

are drawn to the 

attractions 

surrounding Idaho 

Falls, Including 

Yellowstone and 

Grand Teton Parks. 

Idaho Falls serves as 

the western 

gateway to both 

Grand Teton 

National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The entrance to Yellowstone is just 107 miles, by 

car, from the Idaho Falls Regional Airport – a drive of an hour and 50 minutes. The entrance to 

Grand Teton National Park is just 90 miles from the Airport – a drive of just over two hours (slower 

than average due to mountainous terrain). 

Proximity of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks  
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 51

Yellowstone National Park 

People have been visiting and living in the Yellowstone area for thousands of years. In the mid 

1800s, explorers and artists brought Yellowstone’s wonders to the attention of the federal 

government. The park was established in 1872. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs to 

walk the self-guiding trail around Fort Yellowstone, which chronicles the U.S. 

Army’s role in protecting the park. Other historic sites include the Norris 

Geyser Basin Museum, Obsidian Cliff, and the Old Faithful Inn and Historic 

District. 

Geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles are evidence of ongoing 

volcanic activity. To see them, visit Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser 

Basin, Fountain Paint Pot & Firehole Lake Drive, Midway Geyser Basin, the 

Old Faithful area, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Mud Volcano. 

 

FIGURE 23: Visits Per Month to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, 2009

Yellowstone National Park
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 52

Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-altitude lake. The area is prime habitat for many 

birds and mammals. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and viewing hydrothermal 

features, as well as an abundance of wildlife unparalleled in the lower 48 states. All the large 

mammals present when Yellowstone became a park are here today: grizzly and black bears, 

wolves, mountain lions, elk and bison. 

Grand Teton National Park

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular 

landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt 

vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and 

glacial lakes at their base, creating world-renowned. 

Mountain climbing, hiking and backpacking, skiing, 

snowshoeing, camping, fishing, wildlife and bird watching, 

horseback riding, boating on Jackson and Jenny Lakes, rafting 

on the Snake River, bicycling, photography and more await 

visitors to the park. 

Grand Teton National Park is home to over 80 species of 

animals, 300+ species of birds and numerous invertebrates. 

Seven species of coniferous trees and over 900 species of 

flowering plants can also be found in the park. Human history 

includes the activities of Paleo-Indian, American Indians, fur trappers, homesteaders, ranchers 

and farmers, conservationists and recreationists. 

Grand Teton National Park
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 53

The Arts Scene 

From exotic exhibits and marquee performances to historic tours, local festivals and functional 

sidewalk sculptures, Idaho Falls has a rich tradition of celebrating the arts. Thanks to evergrowing interest and generous donations, the Idaho Falls Arts Council and its many partners 

have made this small city a big-time draw for visitors of all cultural persuasions. Visitors to Idaho 

Falls enjoy the City’s incredible offering of arts and cultural 

events. 

Flourishing facilities include Willard Arts Center/colonial 

Theater, The Museum of Idaho, The Art Museum of Eastern 

Idaho, Actors repertory Theatre of Idaho and the Idaho Falls 

Public Library. 

Founded in 1949, the Idaho Falls Symphony is a flagship of 

cultural life in eastern Idaho. The orchestra today consists of 

approximately 100 musicians. Since its inception 25 years ago, 

Actors Repertory Theatre of Idaho (ARTI) has offered a yearly slate of plays ranging from 

established classics to cutting-edge comedy and drama from contemporary playwrights. 

Fun in the Sun and the Water 

East Idaho has bucket loads of pristine waters for quiet reflection, but the real gems of the area’s 

aquatic recreation are found on whitewater stretches of the upper Snake River above Palisades 

Reservoir and the famous wild and scenic Salmon River to the northwest. By kayak, raft or drift 

boat, either fork of the Upper Snake should be in prime shape for casual floaters by midsummer. 

Novices should definitely consider guided trips, while more seasoned boaters should be able to 

find easy access for put-in and take-out. Favorite 

stretches include the canyon stretch of the South 

Fork starting at the launch point in Swan Valley, the 

Henry’s Fork between Warm River and Ashton and 

the famous Box Canyon stretch below Island Park 

Dam. Gem Lake is right in town, Ririe Reservoir is just 

up the road and you can easily make a day trip out 

of Palisades Reservoir to the east and Island Park 

Reservoir to the north. Grab a ski or board and give 

Idaho Falls Arts

Snake River
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 54

it a go! 

Few family angling opportunities in the Snake River Valley can top a simple one- or two-hour 

outing to the river in Idaho Falls. The river is highly accessible, most notably around the 

Greenbelt, but also upstream at Freeman Park and downstream at Gem Lake. Fish in the river 

include brown, rainbow and the occasional cutthroat trout. 

Tautphaus Park Zoo 

Watch the flock of threatened African Penguins, experience a wallaby mob on the move, 

discover the gibbons aerobatic abilities or surround yourself with sights and sounds of South 

American birds in the walk-through aviary. Stop by the Children's Zoo and pat a donkey, feed a 

lamb or just relax on a bench and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds. Over 400 animals, 

the largest collection in Idaho, call Tautphaus Park Zoo home. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 55

Idaho Falls Economic Overview 

While many cities across the country have been hard hit by the economy, Idaho Falls is a 

standout in positive growth and economy. It is the fastest growing medium-sized city in one of 

the fastest growing regions in the US – the Pacific Northwest (see Figure 24). In the last year, the 

Idaho Falls economy has added 600 new full-time jobs – the fifth best job growth in the Pacific 

Northwest (see Figure 24). Idaho Falls also has the second lowest unemployment of all 25 Metro 

Areas in the Northwest – 1.2 Points below the regional average. 

Idaho Falls is the national center for nuclear and high-tech energy – home to more than 4,000 

engineers working for various companies at the Idaho National Laboratory, which is operated by 

the Department of Energy. Idaho Falls is uniquely positioned as the 

home to groundbreaking future research, and as such, the Inland 

Northwest Research Alliance chose the City as its home. Idaho Falls 

has continually posted strong economic growth in the last decade, 

despite the lagging economy in other parts of the country, with total 

job growth of 11.6% between 2000 and 2008. The Idaho Falls 

workforce is highly educated, with 63% of residents having 

completed some college. 

Idaho Falls has become a regional business hub. It hosts the 

headquarters of the United Potato Growers of Idaho and District 

7 of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. It is also the 

home to several small to medium sized national corporations 

such as Melaleuca, Inc and Press-A-Print International. 

Idaho Falls serves as a regional hub for health care, travel and 

business in southeast Idaho. Also thriving in Idaho Falls is a 

growing retail, entertainment, and restaurant sector, a 

regional medical center, and added funding for small 

businesses. In May 2006, Inc. magazine ranked Idaho Falls 

eighth on its list of "Hottest Small Cities" in the U.S. based on 

the region's job growth rate over the prior 10 years. Idaho 

Falls 

was also listed #2 on MSN Real Estate's list of top ten best smaller cities in America, in terms of job 

prospects, quality of life and cost of living. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 56

Firm # of Employees 

Battelle Energy Alliance 3,800 

CH2M Hill 1,700 

Idaho Falls School Districts 1,700 

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center 1,300 

Malaleuca, Inc. 1,300 

Bechtel BWXT 960 

Bonneville Joint School District 850 

City of Idaho Falls 750 

Center Partners 600 

Bonneville County 450 

Albertsons, Inc. 350 

FIGURE 24: Cumulative Population Growth in Select Pacific Northwest MSAs

FIGURE 25: Top Employers in the Idaho Falls MSA
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 57

Select Company Profiles

Battelle Energy Alliance’s Idaho National Laboratory 

Battelle is an international science and technology enterprise that explores 

emerging areas of science, develops and commercializes technology, and 

manages laboratories for customers. Battelle supports community and education 

programs to promote an enhanced quality of life for our community neighbors. Areas of focus 

include energy, health & life sciences, national security, laboratory management and 

education. Battelle employees logged more than 13,000 trips from Idaho Falls to more than 35 

national and international destinations in 2009 alone! 

CH2M Hill 

In business for 60 years, CH2M HILL has delivered innovative and practical 

technology solutions on a wide range of water, environmental, transportation, 

nuclear, manufacturing, power and energy, pharmaceutical, communications, chemicals, 

electronics, and biotechnology projects. With over 17,000 employees in nearly 125 offices across 

the US and more than 25,000 employees worldwide in 54 offices, as well as US$5.8 billion in 

revenue, travel in and out of Idaho Falls would greatly benefit CH2M Hill. 

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center 

The largest medical facility in the region, EIRMC employs 1,300 staff and 

serves as the area's healthcare hub. Whether coming from Jackson, 

Yellowstone, or right here in Idaho Falls, patients at EIRMC are greeted 

by the best Medical Staff in the region. EIRMC is the only Level I Critical Care Center in 

Southeast Idaho. People who need specialty services such as open-heart surgery, cancer 

treatment, stroke intervention, neurosurgery, high-risk pregnancy/newborn care, hyperbaric 

medicine, and Behavior Health Services come to EIRMC from around the region. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 58

Melaleuca, Inc. 

Headquartered in Idaho Falls with a worldwide distribution, Melaleuca 

develops, manufactures and sells over 350 of the world's leading 

wellness products for home and family. While initially based predominantly on melaleuca plant 

extracts, the product line has since expanded beyond this initial focus. Melaleuca sells products 

including environmentally friendly household cleaners, personal care items, pharmaceuticals 

and nutritional supplements. The company markets itself as being earth-friendly, and many of 

their products are certified organic and Kosher certified. 

Bechtel BWXT

Bechtel is managing operations at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced 

Mixed Waste Treatment project in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It is DOE’s most advanced 

waste treatment facility, where transuranic waste is safely treated and packaged 

for shipment and final disposal. Bechtel National is the lead partner in Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, 

which operates the project, located at DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory. 

Center Partners 

Headquartered in the West (Fort Collins, CO), Center Partners 

has three offices in Idaho, including Idaho Falls, the company 

provides contact center services for inbound, outbound 

communications using the Internet, on the phone, and in person. The company offers expertise 

creating, implementing, and managing multichannel programs covering sales and acquisition, 

customer care, and technical support for clients in such industries as telecommunications, 

utilities, health care, financial services, high technology, and insurance. It is a unit of WPP Group, 

one of the world's largest media conglomerates. 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 59

Higher Education 

Higher education opportunities abound in Idaho Falls! The Center for Higher Education at 

University Place in Idaho Falls is a many faceted education opportunity offering certificates 

through advanced degrees. The Center is a collaborative effort between Idaho State University 

(ISU) and the University of Idaho, created for the benefit of local residents. Through a partnership 

between the two universities, students register for classes, pay fees, and receive financial aid 

under a joint system. 

Situated along the scenic Snake River in the northwestern part of town, University Place is an 

excellent, accessible, and affordable option for students who choose to stay close to home. 

Offerings include undergraduate and graduate degrees, remedial courses, general education 

requirements, and professional development delivered on-site and via distance learning. More 

than 3,000 Idaho State University and University of Idaho students attend each semester. 

Students currently being served by the center include high school, place-bound non-traditional, 

Idaho National Laboratory employees, BYU-I transfers, graduate and professional development 

students. Over 500 course sections are taught throughout the day and evening. Ten 

telecommunication classrooms connect Idaho Falls with Twin Falls, Boise, Pocatello and Moscow 

for over 200 hours per week of distance learning opportunities. The two universities offer over 50 

degrees. Associate, bachelor, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees may all be completed 

through University of Idaho or Idaho State University at University Place in Idaho Falls. 

 
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 60

COMPARISON TO OTHER COMMUNITIES IN REGION 

FIGURE 26:  Top 60 Northwest Region Airports, Domestic O&D Passengers, Ranked by First Quarter 2010

OTH

Airport

1 Seattle/Tacoma, WA 2,612,600 2,931,710 2,309,960 2,039,350 22,410 -1.2% 39.2% 10,174,870 9,893,620 27,106 -2.8% 

2 Portland, OR 1,305,520 1,444,290 1,235,230 1,072,280 11,783 0.2% 20.6% 5,283,640 5,057,320 13,856 -4.3% 

3 Spokane, WA 345,070 378,370 347,570 315,500 3,467 0.1% 6.1% 1,501,430 1,386,510 3,799 -7.7% 

4 Anchorage, AK 403,590 534,140 329,960 297,730 3,272 2.1% 5.7% 1,733,860 1,565,420 4,289 -9.7% 

5 Boise, ID 312,380 335,070 310,490 280,170 3,079 -3.3% 5.4% 1,342,710 1,238,110 3,392 -7.8% 

6 Bellingham, WA 82,170 87,900 80,640 86,540 951 34.7% 1.7% 267,690 337,250 924 26.0% 

7 Bozeman, MT 69,110 103,590 63,710 80,680 887 1.1% 1.6% 321,360 317,090 869 -1.3% 

8 Fairbanks, AK 92,610 111,320 88,380 78,150 859 4.2% 1.5% 387,940 370,460 1,015 -4.5% 

9 Billings, MT 93,110 112,740 89,490 73,640 809 1.8% 1.4% 374,480 368,980 1,011 -1.5% 

10 Eugene, OR 74,120 84,910 77,790 68,190 749 11.6% 1.3% 291,150 305,010 836 4.8% 

11 Jackson, WY 46,750 116,400 33,880 64,300 707 0.0% 1.2% 270,250 261,330 716 -3.3% 

12 Pasco, WA 57,720 63,310 63,900 62,390 686 26.1% 1.2% 214,580 247,320 678 15.3% 

13 Medford, OR 67,190 74,760 65,780 57,620 633 12.4% 1.1% 252,480 265,350 727 5.1% 

14 Missoula, MT 64,690 85,010 61,060 52,970 582 6.6% 1.0% 258,910 263,730 723 1.9% 

15 Redmond, OR 46,740 55,430 50,020 46,160 507 4.0% 0.9% 201,770 198,350 543 -1.7% 

16 Juneau, AK 58,170 70,650 42,960 42,080 462 9.0% 0.8% 229,110 213,860 586 -6.7% 

17 Great Falls, MT 33,060 39,500 33,530 31,070 341 7.2% 0.6% 132,770 137,160 376 3.3% 

18 Kalispell, MT 36,240 53,350 30,810 30,320 333 1.3% 0.6% 168,490 150,720 413 -10.5% 

19 Idaho Falls, ID 31,900 35,720 31,230 27,930 307 -4.4% 0.5% 129,720 126,780 347 -2.3% 

20 Bethel, AK 32,200 34,280 36,010 27,560 303 11.8% 0.5% 131,250 130,050 356 -0.9% 

21 Helena, MT 19,670 25,360 22,260 17,840 196 17.7% 0.3% 77,530 85,130 233 9.8% 

22 Kenai, AK 18,420 24,510 18,960 17,780 195 -2.1% 0.3% 87,650 79,670 218 -9.1% 

23 Casper, WY 15,980 16,700 19,610 15,820 174 7.5% 0.3% 68,890 68,110 187 -1.1% 

24 Sun Valley, ID 9,080 14,980 8,250 15,470 170 5.3% 0.3% 55,380 47,780 131 -13.7% 

25 Ketchikan, AK 22,440 34,640 17,450 14,790 163 7.3% 0.3% 95,650 89,320 245 -6.6% 

26 Kodiak, AK 18,260 23,750 16,390 12,740 140 -2.0% 0.2% 74,270 71,140 195 -4.2% 

27 Yakima, WA 11,770 11,440 13,890 12,590 138 -10.8% 0.2% 57,140 49,690 136 -13.0% 

28 Lew iston, ID 14,450 14,070 14,380 12,210 134 -10.9% 0.2% 56,320 55,110 151 -2.1% 

29 Nome, AK 12,060 14,160 11,960 11,960 131 6.6% 0.2% 53,170 50,140 137 -5.7% 

30 Kotzebue, AK 11,800 14,000 14,160 11,900 131 12.1% 0.2% 56,370 51,860 142 -8.0% 

31 Sitka, AK 15,580 17,930 11,180 10,210 112 5.4% 0.2% 58,460 54,900 150 -6.1% 

32 Wenatchee, WA 11,130 11,510 11,400 9,770 107 -12.8% 0.2% 42,460 43,810 120 3.2% 

33 Barrow , AK 9,190 10,150 10,160 8,190 90 4.9% 0.2% 38,430 37,690 103 -1.9% 

34 Pullman/Moscow , WA 6,860 5,780 9,240 7,880 87 16.4% 0.2% 28,410 29,760 82 4.8% 

35 Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse 7,910 8,140 6,100 7,340 81 1.0% 0.1% 81,330 29,490 81 -63.7% 

36 Homer, AK 8,930 12,170 7,760 7,180 79 -4.3% 0.1% 40,460 36,040 99 -10.9% 

37 Walla Walla, WA 7,550 7,180 8,370 6,390 70 -12.0% 0.1% 27,760 29,490 81 6.2% 

38 Gillette, WY 6,510 6,450 6,840 6,370 70 12.3% 0.1% 26,950 26,170 72 -2.9% 

39 Tw in Falls, ID 5,750 5,800 6,050 5,720 63 0.4% 0.1% 23,030 23,320 64 1.3% 

40 Seattle Boeing Field, WA 8,590 8,690 6,240 5,110 56 10.4% 0.1% 25,440 28,630 78 12.5% 

41 Dutch Harbor, AK 7,500 7,000 6,330 4,840 53 -5.5% 0.1% 25,870 25,670 70 -0.8% 

42 North Bend, OR 6,220 7,440 4,870 4,790 53 -3.0% 0.1% 32,720 23,320 64 -28.7% 

43 Butte, MT 6,030 6,500 5,290 4,770 52 8.2% 0.1% 24,330 22,590 62 -7.2% 

44 Rock Springs, WY 4,170 3,670 4,910 4,750 52 -2.3% 0.1% 24,090 17,500 48 -27.4% 

45 Klamath Falls, OR 4,910 5,610 5,660 4,740 52 -0.4% 0.1% 24,380 20,920 57 -14.2% 

46 Dillingham, AK 7,060 10,940 5,990 4,720 52 8.3% 0.1% 30,240 28,710 79 -5.1% 

47 Pocatello, ID 5,200 5,070 4,720 3,940 43 -9.6% 0.1% 20,910 18,930 52 -9.5% 

48 Cody, WY 7,260 8,770 5,220 3,530 39 -11.1% 0.1% 23,340 24,780 68 6.2% 

49 Riverton, WY 3,510 3,550 3,500 3,210 35 0.9% 0.1% 15,840 13,770 38 -13.1% 

50 Sheridan, WY 3,310 3,770 3,580 3,140 35 4.0% 0.1% 16,290 13,800 38 -15.3% 

51 King Salmon, AK 9,530 21,650 4,550 3,100 34 5.1% 0.1% 40,090 38,830 106 -3.1% 

52 Aniak, AK 3,450 4,160 3,800 2,970 33 0.7% 0.1% 15,890 14,380 39 -9.5% 

53 Cordova, AK 3,710 5,030 2,980 2,700 30 20.5% 0.1% 14,460 14,420 40 -0.3% 

54 Valdez, AK 3,630 4,530 2,900 2,690 30 -5.9% 0.1% 14,300 13,750 38 -3.8% 

55 Petersburg, AK 3,320 5,480 3,070 2,580 28 -1.5% 0.0% 15,760 14,450 40 -8.3% 

56 Emmonak, AK 2,110 2,280 2,440 2,240 25 31.8% 0.0% 7,490 9,070 25 21.1% 

57 Cheyenne, WY 2,800 2,680 2,530 2,210 24 -7.1% 0.0% 12,810 10,220 28 -20.2% 

58 Unalakleet, AK 2,290 2,990 2,580 2,200 24 22.9% 0.0% 10,540 10,060 28 -4.6% 

59 Galena, AK 1,670 1,590 1,810 2,200 24 41.0% 0.0% 7,220 7,270 20 0.7% 

60 Port Angeles, WA 4,870 3,360 2,480 1,990 22 -2.0% 0.0% 11,370 12,700 35 11.7% 

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10

Regional Passengers 6,303,540 7,293,880 5,794,460 5,197,800 57,119 1.1% 100.0% 25,564,710 24,589,680 67,369 -3.8% 

1 Q 10 Mar-09 Mar-10 Mar-10 ?

Airport Traffic Quarterly

Top 60 Northwest Region Airports - Domestic O&D Passengers

Ranked by First Quarter 2010

Approximates 100% Sample - Directional Journeyed Passengers - Outbound Only

2009-2010 PDEW Qtr/Qtr Share Total Paxs YE PDEW YE YE/YE

Rank 2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10 1 Q 10 ?
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 61

FIGURE 27:  Top 60 Northwest Region Airports, Domestic O&D Revenue, Ranked by First Quarter 2010

OTH

Airport

1 Seattle/Tacoma, WA $366,810 $450,900 $340,950 $313,040 $1,720 7.9% 38.2% $1,616,490 $1,471,700 $2,016 -9.0% 

2 Portland, OR $181,340 $220,830 $189,610 $163,420 $898 7.5% 19.9% $819,180 $755,200 $1,035 -7.8% 

3 Anchorage, AK $89,600 $125,950 $74,600 $67,790 $372 2.1% 8.3% $402,150 $357,940 $490 -11.0% 

4 Spokane, WA $45,030 $53,580 $46,370 $43,130 $237 4.8% 5.3% $208,620 $188,110 $258 -9.8% 

5 Boise, ID $39,480 $45,330 $43,030 $39,620 $218 7.3% 4.8% $183,160 $167,460 $229 -8.6% 

6 Fairbanks, AK $21,600 $27,480 $20,440 $17,280 $95 5.9% 2.1% $88,330 $86,800 $119 -1.7% 

7 Bozeman, MT $11,930 $18,600 $12,540 $15,320 $84 3.2% 1.9% $66,410 $58,390 $80 -12.1% 

8 Billings, MT $15,200 $18,030 $15,430 $12,410 $68 0.3% 1.5% $69,000 $61,070 $84 -11.5% 

9 Jackson, WY $8,160 $20,270 $7,410 $11,850 $65 4.2% 1.4% $58,010 $47,690 $65 -17.8% 

10 Pasco, WA $11,260 $12,030 $11,500 $10,840 $60 11.8% 1.3% $45,580 $45,630 $63 0.1% 

11 Eugene, OR $11,640 $13,840 $12,550 $10,730 $59 8.9% 1.3% $51,660 $48,760 $67 -5.6% 

12 Missoula, MT $11,590 $15,960 $11,440 $9,240 $51 2.8% 1.1% $51,720 $48,230 $66 -6.7% 

13 Bellingham, WA $8,000 $8,920 $8,680 $8,520 $47 33.8% 1.0% $31,650 $34,120 $47 7.8% 

14 Medford, OR $9,860 $11,470 $9,770 $8,490 $47 6.5% 1.0% $44,170 $39,590 $54 -10.4% 

15 Juneau, AK $10,740 $14,210 $7,580 $7,820 $43 7.1% 1.0% $44,960 $40,350 $55 -10.3% 

16 Great Falls, MT $6,420 $7,710 $6,690 $6,060 $33 3.9% 0.7% $29,590 $26,880 $37 -9.2% 

17 Redmond, OR $6,080 $7,700 $6,670 $6,050 $33 2.2% 0.7% $30,600 $26,500 $36 -13.4% 

18 Kalispell, MT $6,770 $10,870 $6,280 $5,800 $32 7.2% 0.7% $36,080 $29,720 $41 -17.6% 

19 Idaho Falls, ID $6,180 $7,050 $6,200 $5,720 $31 2.3% 0.7% $26,830 $25,150 $34 -6.3% 

20 Helena, MT $4,440 $5,390 $4,760 $3,870 $21 6.0% 0.5% $19,460 $18,460 $25 -5.1% 

21 Bethel, AK $3,740 $3,990 $4,030 $3,250 $18 12.8% 0.4% $14,860 $15,010 $21 1.0% 

22 Casper, WY $3,510 $3,400 $3,890 $3,110 $17 -7.7% 0.4% $17,950 $13,910 $19 -22.5% 

23 Ketchikan, AK $4,740 $7,430 $3,530 $3,040 $17 10.9% 0.4% $20,850 $18,740 $26 -10.1% 

24 Sun Valley, ID $1,370 $3,120 $1,480 $2,610 $14 -7.4% 0.3% $11,540 $8,580 $12 -25.6% 

25 Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse $2,850 $2,870 $2,070 $2,560 $14 -0.8% 0.3% $20,100 $10,350 $14 -48.5% 

26 Dutch Harbor, AK $3,360 $3,430 $3,010 $2,510 $14 8.2% 0.3% $12,580 $12,310 $17 -2.1% 

27 Kodiak, AK $3,420 $4,870 $2,970 $2,410 $13 4.3% 0.3% $14,350 $13,670 $19 -4.7% 

28 Lew iston, ID $2,420 $2,370 $2,490 $2,040 $11 -5.6% 0.2% $9,600 $9,320 $13 -2.9% 

29 Yakima, WA $1,960 $2,050 $2,170 $1,990 $11 -4.3% 0.2% $10,180 $8,170 $11 -19.7% 

30 Nome, AK $2,020 $2,670 $1,850 $1,940 $11 7.8% 0.2% $8,730 $8,480 $12 -2.9% 

31 Sitka, AK $3,050 $3,980 $1,920 $1,860 $10 6.3% 0.2% $12,030 $10,810 $15 -10.1% 

32 Barrow , AK $1,960 $2,060 $2,050 $1,700 $9 7.6% 0.2% $8,410 $7,770 $11 -7.6% 

33 Kotzebue, AK $1,700 $2,160 $1,980 $1,560 $9 4.7% 0.2% $7,800 $7,400 $10 -5.1% 

34 Wenatchee, WA $1,600 $1,820 $1,610 $1,370 $8 -14.9% 0.2% $6,790 $6,400 $9 -5.7% 

35 Butte, MT $1,540 $1,630 $1,380 $1,360 $7 13.3% 0.2% $6,830 $5,910 $8 -13.5% 

36 Kenai, AK $1,550 $2,200 $1,480 $1,330 $7 8.1% 0.2% $6,930 $6,560 $9 -5.3% 

37 Gillette, WY $1,430 $1,400 $1,370 $1,220 $7 4.3% 0.1% $6,550 $5,420 $7 -17.3% 

38 Pullman/Moscow , WA $940 $820 $1,310 $1,060 $6 14.0% 0.1% $4,130 $4,130 $6 0.0% 

39 Rock Springs, WY $860 $770 $1,030 $920 $5 -16.4% 0.1% $5,870 $3,580 $5 -39.0% 

40 Walla Walla, WA $1,090 $1,050 $1,220 $900 $5 -7.2% 0.1% $4,530 $4,260 $6 -6.0% 

41 North Bend, OR $950 $1,100 $680 $740 $4 -7.5% 0.1% $5,770 $3,470 $5 -39.9% 

42 Klamath Falls, OR $760 $840 $770 $720 $4 -10.0% 0.1% $4,390 $3,090 $4 -29.6% 

43 Tw in Falls, ID $660 $810 $740 $710 $4 10.9% 0.1% $3,060 $2,920 $4 -4.6% 

44 Riverton, WY $720 $740 $730 $660 $4 10.0% 0.1% $3,480 $2,850 $4 -18.1% 

45 Homer, AK $700 $1,120 $650 $620 $3 8.8% 0.1% $3,520 $3,090 $4 -12.2% 

46 Sheridan, WY $630 $810 $780 $580 $3 -1.7% 0.1% $3,590 $2,800 $4 -22.0% 

47 Dillingham, AK $1,180 $1,950 $760 $560 $3 3.7% 0.1% $4,770 $4,450 $6 -6.7% 

48 Cody, WY $1,400 $1,790 $820 $500 $3 -42.5% 0.1% $5,720 $4,510 $6 -21.2% 

49 Pocatello, ID $610 $690 $550 $490 $3 -5.8% 0.1% $3,310 $2,340 $3 -29.3% 

50 Cordova, AK $630 $1,190 $500 $460 $3 17.9% 0.1% $2,690 $2,780 $4 3.3% 

51 Petersburg, AK $680 $1,260 $540 $420 $2 -10.6% 0.1% $3,210 $2,900 $4 -9.7% 

52 Valdez, AK $500 $710 $420 $410 $2 5.1% 0.0% $2,120 $2,040 $3 -3.8% 

53 Laramie, WY $340 $360 $340 $370 $2 27.6% 0.0% $1,620 $1,410 $2 -13.0% 

54 Cheyenne, WY $520 $560 $500 $370 $2 -22.9% 0.0% $2,720 $1,950 $3 -28.3% 

55 King Salmon, AK $1,530 $3,790 $550 $350 $2 12.9% 0.0% $6,380 $6,220 $9 -2.5% 

56 Saint Paul Island, AK $280 $160 $200 $320 $2 10.3% 0.0% $980 $960 $1 -2.0% 

57 Wrangell, AK $520 $690 $380 $310 $2 0.0% 0.0% $1,790 $1,900 $3 6.1% 

58 Seattle Boeing Field, WA $470 $490 $370 $310 $2 14.8% 0.0% $1,330 $1,640 $2 23.3% 

59 Aniak, AK $280 $400 $320 $260 $1 4.0% 0.0% $1,350 $1,260 $2 -6.7% 

60 Adak Island, AK $290 $280 $200 $260 $1 62.5% 0.0% $1,020 $1,030 $1 1.0% 

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10

Regional Revenue $937,790 $1,179,350 $902,380 $820,320 $4,507 6.5% 100.0% $4,226,900 $3,839,840 $5,260 -9.2% 

Airport Traffic Quarterly

Top 60 Northwest Region Airports - Domestic O&D Revenue

Ranked by First Quarter 2010

Approximates 100% Sample - Total Revenue in $thousands - Outbound Only

2009-2010 RDEW Qtr/Qtr Share RDEW YE/YE

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10 1 Q 10 ? 1 Q 10 Mar-09 Mar-10 Mar-10 ?

Year Ended

Rank
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 62

FIGURE 28:  Top 60 Northwest Region Airports, Domestic Average Fare, Ranked by First Quarter 2010

OTH

Airport

1 Dutch Harbor, AK $477.74 $530.96 $508.22 $563.11 17.1% $82.28 $519.90 $515.65 -0.8% -$4.25 

2 Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, AK $363.38 $356.54 $344.21 $351.49 -1.7% -$6.15 $248.39 $354.57 42.7% $106.18 

3 Butte, MT $280.37 $278.78 $293.43 $313.19 7.4% $21.66 $306.23 $289.91 -5.3% -$16.32 

4 Anchorage, AK $260.97 $277.12 $263.17 $269.63 0.2% $0.57 $271.13 $268.58 -0.9% -$2.55 

5 Fairbanks, AK $272.65 $283.85 $267.29 $260.23 2.8% $7.09 $261.35 $272.18 4.1% $10.83 

6 Ketchikan, AK $249.15 $257.01 $237.65 $244.52 2.5% $6.04 $254.96 $249.14 -2.3% -$5.82 

7 Helena, MT $254.04 $245.40 $237.71 $240.12 -11.3% -$30.70 $278.75 $244.23 -12.4% -$34.52 

8 Barrow , AK $236.11 $228.35 $223.45 $235.51 3.2% $7.20 $241.35 $230.46 -4.5% -$10.89 

9 Sitka, AK $244.19 $274.39 $209.44 $231.60 7.2% $15.49 $247.83 $244.60 -1.3% -$3.23 

10 Kalispell, MT $223.39 $242.59 $236.59 $224.18 4.1% $8.89 $252.89 $233.04 -7.8% -$19.85 

11 Idaho Falls, ID $214.66 $217.36 $215.66 $223.20 4.9% $10.35 $227.57 $217.56 -4.4% -$10.01 

12 Jackson, WY $201.98 $201.28 $254.80 $220.89 6.6% $13.72 $246.65 $213.06 -13.6% -$33.59 

13 Juneau, AK $219.46 $236.17 $208.37 $219.81 -0.9% -$2.04 $231.15 $222.85 -3.6% -$8.30 

14 Bozeman, MT $196.13 $202.25 $222.47 $217.51 2.1% $4.50 $235.93 $208.84 -11.5% -$27.09 

15 Kodiak, AK $215.49 $233.63 $205.19 $214.80 9.0% $17.80 $219.37 $219.03 -0.2% -$0.34 

16 Petersburg, AK $255.03 $261.56 $220.52 $210.23 -4.4% -$9.73 $246.73 $242.97 -1.5% -$3.76 

17 Riverton, WY $209.27 $209.39 $211.11 $209.16 10.6% $20.07 $221.92 $209.75 -5.5% -$12.17 

18 Great Falls, MT $210.25 $213.82 $215.54 $206.04 -3.2% -$6.84 $240.14 $211.58 -11.9% -$28.56 

19 Casper, WY $233.89 $218.34 $208.96 $203.77 -15.2% -$36.60 $275.88 $215.80 -21.8% -$60.08 

20 Rock Springs, WY $210.12 $214.61 $214.37 $199.89 -12.7% -$29.17 $246.45 $209.51 -15.0% -$36.94 

21 Gillette, WY $225.85 $221.76 $207.27 $199.64 -5.2% -$10.98 $248.59 $213.67 -14.0% -$34.92 

22 Missoula, MT $200.35 $213.12 $206.88 $191.65 -4.6% -$9.16 $222.15 $204.15 -8.1% -$18.00 

23 Cordova, AK $194.86 $267.70 $196.80 $190.81 -5.3% -$10.68 $213.27 $220.17 3.2% $6.90 

24 Sheridan, WY $192.87 $216.80 $218.02 $185.58 -5.5% -$10.87 $222.61 $204.26 -8.2% -$18.35 

25 Sun Valley, ID $186.80 $227.98 $209.06 $185.16 -14.3% -$30.98 $238.02 $203.36 -14.6% -$34.66 

26 Pasco, WA $210.82 $206.05 $193.11 $184.12 -13.5% -$28.65 $229.74 $198.20 -13.7% -$31.54 

27 Lew iston, ID $180.03 $185.04 $186.08 $180.29 5.7% $9.67 $185.14 $182.94 -1.2% -$2.20 

28 Nome, AK $186.25 $213.99 $171.38 $179.96 0.4% $0.77 $182.21 $188.86 3.6% $6.65 

29 Billings, MT $174.11 $171.05 $182.60 $179.57 -0.5% -$0.85 $197.55 $176.34 -10.7% -$21.21 

30 Cheyenne, WY $187.54 $212.87 $198.67 $172.89 -14.8% -$30.06 $214.55 $193.78 -9.7% -$20.77 

31 Eugene, OR $173.72 $180.59 $177.28 $172.23 -4.8% -$8.75 $198.70 $176.19 -11.3% -$22.51 

32 Yakima, WA $180.89 $194.76 $167.48 $170.42 4.7% $7.60 $194.55 $177.64 -8.7% -$16.91 

33 North Bend, OR $161.68 $156.74 $150.87 $166.47 -3.0% -$5.11 $188.71 $158.85 -15.8% -$29.86 

34 Seattle/Tacoma, WA $150.69 $166.33 $157.90 $164.80 9.1% $13.68 $172.29 $159.90 -7.2% -$12.39 

35 Portland, OR $149.96 $166.10 $165.75 $164.17 7.1% $10.94 $168.39 $161.43 -4.1% -$6.96 

36 Medford, OR $160.20 $167.47 $161.01 $160.13 -7.4% -$12.81 $195.70 $162.43 -17.0% -$33.27 

37 Wenatchee, WA $158.20 $176.09 $156.89 $158.86 -1.3% -$2.15 $176.42 $162.71 -7.8% -$13.71 

38 Valdez, AK $140.73 $159.98 $145.61 $158.70 15.1% $20.84 $150.76 $151.57 0.5% $0.81 

39 Klamath Falls, OR $161.14 $157.33 $145.51 $156.83 -9.7% -$16.81 $192.89 $154.98 -19.7% -$37.91 

40 Walla Walla, WA $161.43 $164.90 $159.82 $155.97 2.8% $4.30 $180.65 $160.62 -11.1% -$20.03 

41 Cody, WY $214.02 $225.20 $172.46 $154.49 -36.8% -$89.94 $270.47 $200.63 -25.8% -$69.84 

42 Boise, ID $135.50 $145.37 $147.66 $150.58 11.1% $15.10 $145.54 $144.64 -0.6% -$0.90 

43 Pullman/Moscow , WA $159.45 $159.09 $151.19 $146.97 -2.3% -$3.47 $159.74 $153.39 -4.0% -$6.35 

44 Kotzebue, AK $160.79 $170.83 $150.75 $146.87 -4.8% -$7.38 $149.94 $157.55 5.1% $7.61 

45 Spokane, WA $140.12 $153.24 $142.14 $146.39 4.3% $6.01 $149.12 $145.61 -2.4% -$3.51 

46 Redmond, OR $145.34 $156.08 $148.05 $145.61 -2.4% -$3.59 $171.52 $149.07 -13.1% -$22.45 

47 Pocatello, ID $124.86 $148.38 $128.11 $137.73 2.7% $3.68 $170.04 $134.59 -20.8% -$35.45 

48 Tw in Falls, ID $124.67 $148.01 $133.78 $133.50 8.0% $9.86 $142.78 $135.09 -5.4% -$7.69 

49 Bethel, AK $121.89 $122.58 $115.89 $123.95 1.3% $1.54 $117.98 $120.83 2.4% $2.85 

50 Dillingham, AK $180.06 $188.46 $128.29 $120.86 -4.8% -$6.08 $163.89 $162.07 -1.1% -$1.82 

51 King Salmon, AK $174.41 $181.72 $122.82 $115.28 8.3% $8.81 $164.59 $167.46 1.7% $2.87 

52 Bellingham, WA $100.70 $104.58 $110.34 $100.43 -2.9% -$3.00 $123.67 $103.95 -15.9% -$19.72 

53 Unalakleet, AK $88.70 $92.72 $85.93 $88.80 12.8% $10.10 $78.14 $89.20 14.2% $11.06 

54 Homer, AK $80.28 $93.90 $85.55 $88.59 16.4% $12.49 $88.31 $87.68 -0.7% -$0.63 

55 Aniak, AK $82.60 $96.29 $84.70 $87.40 4.5% $3.80 $84.89 $88.09 3.8% $3.20 

56 Galena, AK $93.00 $97.20 $91.30 $84.60 -7.5% -$6.90 $93.64 $90.95 -2.9% -$2.69 

57 Kenai, AK $86.56 $91.93 $79.71 $76.89 12.1% $8.27 $80.23 $84.43 5.2% $4.20 

58 Emmonak, AK $67.10 $73.60 $65.00 $68.10 7.4% $4.70 $60.65 $68.42 12.8% $7.77 

59 Seattle Boeing Field, WA $54.80 $56.80 $58.90 $61.20 3.4% $2.00 $52.67 $57.44 9.1% $4.77 

60 Port Angeles, WA $46.50 $46.50 $46.50 $46.50 0.0% $0.00 $46.50 $46.50 0.0% $0.00 

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10

Average Regional Fare $161.51 $176.66 $168.17 $171.07 5.2% $8.42 $161.51 $176.66 9.4% $15.15 

Airport Traffic Quarterly

Fared Average Fare Rank at Top 60 Northwest Region O&D Passenger Airports

Ranked by First Quarter 2010

Approximates 100% Sample - Fared Average Fares - Onew ay

2009-2010 Qtr/Qtr Qtr/Qtr Year Ended YE/YE YE/YE

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10 % ? Fare ? Mar-09 Mar-10 % ? Fare ? Rank
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 63

FIGURE 29:  Top 60 Northwest Region Airports, Domestic Average Yield, Ranked by First Quarter 2010

OTH

Airport

1 Port Angeles, WA 67.39¢ 67.39¢ 67.39¢ 67.39¢ 0.0% 0.00¢ 67.39¢ 67.39¢ 0.0% 0.00¢ 

2 Seattle Boeing Field, WA 63.27¢ 62.76¢ 61.85¢ 60.94¢ -1.2% -0.73¢ 64.59¢ 62.34¢ -3.5% -2.25¢ 

3 Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, AK 51.53¢ 48.99¢ 53.05¢ 52.03¢ 2.9% 1.49¢ 37.78¢ 51.22¢ 35.6% 13.44¢ 

4 Emmonak, AK 40.74¢ 39.71¢ 47.12¢ 43.93¢ 9.7% 3.90¢ 41.11¢ 42.68¢ 3.8% 1.57¢ 

5 Galena, AK 41.76¢ 41.81¢ 42.29¢ 42.61¢ 2.4% 1.02¢ 41.22¢ 42.14¢ 2.2% 0.92¢ 

6 Aniak, AK 39.90¢ 33.95¢ 40.04¢ 39.37¢ -0.9% -0.34¢ 38.55¢ 37.74¢ -2.1% -0.81¢ 

7 Bethel, AK 31.40¢ 33.58¢ 34.40¢ 37.45¢ 8.7% 3.00¢ 33.15¢ 33.97¢ 2.5% 0.82¢ 

8 Unalakleet, AK 35.02¢ 32.56¢ 33.28¢ 35.92¢ 0.1% 0.02¢ 35.26¢ 33.98¢ -3.6% -1.28¢ 

9 Kotzebue, AK 29.30¢ 33.65¢ 33.94¢ 34.88¢ 0.1% 0.03¢ 33.45¢ 32.86¢ -1.8% -0.59¢ 

10 Homer, AK 30.02¢ 31.75¢ 32.57¢ 33.48¢ -10.1% -3.75¢ 31.67¢ 31.85¢ 0.6% 0.18¢ 

11 Barrow , AK 27.89¢ 29.45¢ 27.40¢ 31.65¢ 0.1% 0.03¢ 30.35¢ 28.96¢ -4.6% -1.39¢ 

12 King Salmon, AK 23.88¢ 29.94¢ 33.75¢ 31.52¢ -18.0% -6.90¢ 29.03¢ 28.42¢ -2.1% -0.61¢ 

13 Dillingham, AK 24.97¢ 27.73¢ 31.91¢ 31.49¢ 2.5% 0.78¢ 27.14¢ 27.80¢ 2.4% 0.66¢ 

14 Kenai, AK 27.60¢ 27.62¢ 30.17¢ 30.92¢ -14.0% -5.02¢ 30.70¢ 28.79¢ -6.2% -1.91¢ 

15 Dutch Harbor, AK 28.06¢ 30.06¢ 28.00¢ 30.86¢ 7.6% 2.17¢ 29.11¢ 29.16¢ 0.2% 0.05¢ 

16 Nome, AK 26.61¢ 30.28¢ 29.75¢ 30.71¢ 4.8% 1.41¢ 28.61¢ 29.31¢ 2.4% 0.70¢ 

17 Valdez, AK 32.65¢ 29.38¢ 30.36¢ 29.95¢ -11.3% -3.82¢ 30.93¢ 30.46¢ -1.5% -0.47¢ 

18 Ketchikan, AK 24.20¢ 23.63¢ 24.45¢ 28.70¢ 9.0% 2.38¢ 24.18¢ 24.66¢ 2.0% 0.48¢ 

19 Cheyenne, WY 28.53¢ 27.52¢ 26.80¢ 27.64¢ -6.9% -2.05¢ 29.97¢ 27.63¢ -7.8% -2.34¢ 

20 Sitka, AK 22.77¢ 23.10¢ 22.34¢ 26.61¢ 3.1% 0.81¢ 23.38¢ 23.45¢ 0.3% 0.07¢ 

21 Riverton, WY 21.96¢ 24.76¢ 23.84¢ 24.99¢ 2.3% 0.56¢ 25.39¢ 23.82¢ -6.2% -1.57¢ 

22 Sheridan, WY 21.95¢ 21.89¢ 22.37¢ 23.88¢ -4.0% -0.99¢ 24.36¢ 22.43¢ -7.9% -1.93¢ 

23 Kodiak, AK 22.23¢ 22.92¢ 22.04¢ 23.68¢ -5.0% -1.25¢ 22.79¢ 22.69¢ -0.4% -0.10¢ 

24 Juneau, AK 20.56¢ 20.87¢ 19.38¢ 23.57¢ 4.1% 0.94¢ 21.11¢ 20.96¢ -0.7% -0.15¢ 

25 Cordova, AK 21.56¢ 20.75¢ 21.25¢ 22.95¢ 7.3% 1.56¢ 21.45¢ 21.47¢ 0.1% 0.02¢ 

26 Petersburg, AK 23.07¢ 20.87¢ 22.32¢ 22.92¢ -11.6% -3.01¢ 23.37¢ 22.17¢ -5.1% -1.20¢ 

27 Butte, MT 19.08¢ 19.85¢ 21.14¢ 22.76¢ 9.1% 1.89¢ 22.63¢ 20.58¢ -9.1% -2.05¢ 

28 Idaho Falls, ID 18.06¢ 18.71¢ 19.54¢ 20.44¢ 5.1% 1.00¢ 20.48¢ 19.11¢ -6.7% -1.37¢ 

29 Rock Springs, WY 21.10¢ 21.06¢ 20.40¢ 19.92¢ -12.9% -2.94¢ 25.84¢ 20.59¢ -20.3% -5.25¢ 

30 Casper, WY 21.74¢ 20.19¢ 19.53¢ 19.12¢ -16.0% -3.63¢ 25.45¢ 20.12¢ -20.9% -5.33¢ 

31 Fairbanks, AK 17.09¢ 17.66¢ 17.83¢ 18.70¢ 4.0% 0.73¢ 17.22¢ 17.76¢ 3.1% 0.54¢ 

32 Helena, MT 19.38¢ 18.05¢ 18.39¢ 18.54¢ -13.1% -2.80¢ 21.01¢ 18.55¢ -11.7% -2.46¢ 

33 Pullman/Moscow , WA 16.72¢ 17.89¢ 17.97¢ 18.16¢ 1.6% 0.29¢ 19.76¢ 17.70¢ -10.4% -2.06¢ 

34 Sun Valley, ID 15.77¢ 20.03¢ 17.65¢ 18.01¢ -7.1% -1.39¢ 21.28¢ 18.19¢ -14.5% -3.09¢ 

35 Gillette, WY 21.06¢ 20.94¢ 19.17¢ 17.86¢ -12.9% -2.64¢ 24.29¢ 19.75¢ -18.7% -4.54¢ 

36 Lew iston, ID 15.42¢ 15.81¢ 17.39¢ 17.35¢ 8.7% 1.39¢ 17.94¢ 16.43¢ -8.4% -1.51¢ 

37 Great Falls, MT 16.67¢ 16.97¢ 17.42¢ 16.80¢ -5.5% -0.98¢ 18.91¢ 16.97¢ -10.3% -1.94¢ 

38 Kalispell, MT 13.51¢ 16.45¢ 16.99¢ 16.18¢ 25.5% 3.28¢ 16.61¢ 15.72¢ -5.4% -0.89¢ 

39 Yakima, WA 15.91¢ 16.54¢ 14.93¢ 15.90¢ -3.7% -0.61¢ 17.40¢ 15.79¢ -9.3% -1.61¢ 

40 Boise, ID 13.65¢ 14.58¢ 15.30¢ 15.68¢ 9.8% 1.40¢ 15.41¢ 14.77¢ -4.2% -0.64¢ 

41 Wenatchee, WA 15.06¢ 16.68¢ 14.80¢ 15.65¢ -6.9% -1.17¢ 18.78¢ 15.57¢ -17.1% -3.21¢ 

42 Bozeman, MT 14.51¢ 14.68¢ 16.90¢ 15.59¢ 0.8% 0.13¢ 17.16¢ 15.31¢ -10.8% -1.85¢ 

43 Walla Walla, WA 15.91¢ 17.33¢ 14.87¢ 15.50¢ -8.6% -1.45¢ 19.64¢ 15.86¢ -19.2% -3.78¢ 

44 Anchorage, AK 13.50¢ 13.61¢ 14.81¢ 15.46¢ 0.6% 0.09¢ 14.47¢ 14.14¢ -2.3% -0.33¢ 

45 Missoula, MT 15.64¢ 16.02¢ 16.28¢ 15.32¢ -3.2% -0.51¢ 17.21¢ 15.85¢ -7.9% -1.36¢ 

46 Billings, MT 14.57¢ 13.94¢ 15.50¢ 15.28¢ -1.0% -0.15¢ 16.49¢ 14.74¢ -10.6% -1.75¢ 

47 Pasco, WA 15.56¢ 15.23¢ 14.78¢ 14.59¢ -12.7% -2.12¢ 17.63¢ 15.03¢ -14.7% -2.60¢ 

48 Jackson, WY 13.81¢ 13.87¢ 17.41¢ 14.37¢ 8.0% 1.07¢ 16.58¢ 14.44¢ -12.9% -2.14¢ 

49 Medford, OR 13.12¢ 13.56¢ 13.13¢ 13.56¢ -5.2% -0.75¢ 15.78¢ 13.34¢ -15.5% -2.44¢ 

50 Eugene, OR 12.67¢ 13.06¢ 13.46¢ 13.52¢ -1.4% -0.19¢ 14.64¢ 13.16¢ -10.1% -1.48¢ 

51 Cody, WY 15.40¢ 16.11¢ 13.88¢ 13.42¢ -31.7% -6.22¢ 20.66¢ 15.14¢ -26.7% -5.52¢ 

52 Spokane, WA 12.68¢ 13.30¢ 13.30¢ 13.36¢ 0.8% 0.10¢ 14.00¢ 13.15¢ -6.1% -0.85¢ 

53 Redmond, OR 12.32¢ 13.07¢ 12.86¢ 12.68¢ -3.7% -0.48¢ 15.19¢ 12.75¢ -16.1% -2.44¢ 

54 Pocatello, ID 11.36¢ 13.29¢ 11.45¢ 12.57¢ 4.1% 0.50¢ 14.79¢ 12.17¢ -17.7% -2.62¢ 

55 Tw in Falls, ID 11.03¢ 13.05¢ 11.18¢ 12.26¢ 16.3% 1.72¢ 12.47¢ 11.88¢ -4.7% -0.59¢ 

56 Portland, OR 10.81¢ 11.55¢ 12.05¢ 12.18¢ 5.5% 0.64¢ 12.36¢ 11.61¢ -6.1% -0.75¢ 

57 Seattle/Tacoma, WA 10.09¢ 10.91¢ 10.74¢ 11.24¢ 7.1% 0.74¢ 11.73¢ 10.72¢ -8.6% -1.01¢ 

58 North Bend, OR 11.40¢ 11.17¢ 11.58¢ 11.16¢ -11.5% -1.45¢ 17.63¢ 11.33¢ -35.7% -6.30¢ 

59 Klamath Falls, OR 10.97¢ 10.08¢ 10.64¢ 11.02¢ -14.8% -1.91¢ 16.50¢ 10.66¢ -35.4% -5.84¢ 

60 Bellingham, WA 9.87¢ 10.26¢ 10.63¢ 9.62¢ -4.3% -0.43¢ 12.16¢ 10.09¢ -17.0% -2.07¢ 2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10 $11.81 $12.57 $12.67 $13.04

Average Regional Yield 11.81¢ 12.57¢ 12.67¢ 13.04¢ 4.0% 0.50¢ 12.57¢ 12.67¢ 0.8% 0.10¢ 

Airport Traffic Quarterly

Fared Average Yield Rank at Top 60 Northwest Region O&D Passenger Airports

Ranked by First Quarter 2010

Approximates 100% Sample - Fared Average Yields

2009-2010 Qtr/Qtr Qtr/Qtr Year Ended YE/YE YE/YE

2 Q 09 3 Q 09 4 Q 09 1 Q 10 % ? Yld ? Mar-09 Mar-10 % ? Yld ? Rank
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Small Community Air Service Development Grant – August 2010 64

CONCLUSIONS 

Idaho Falls will be left without any westbound connecting service as of August 22, 2010, as 

Horizon leaves the market and ends its Idaho Falls – Boise service. It is imperative that the Airport 

work quickly to replace westbound service, to provide the connectivity to the west coast that is 

necessary for the region’s major businesses. 

The Airport proposes a new route between Idaho Falls and San Francisco. The Airport met with 

United to discuss the potential route and its projected performance in July at United’s Chicago 

headquarters. United expressed interest in launching the route as soon as summer of 2011. The 

Airport is requesting a Small Community Air Service 

Development Grant to ensure this route is launched. 

The Idaho Falls market continues to be squeezed by 

seats cuts and fare increases. It is interesting to note 

that, while the number of seats offered by Idaho Falls’ 

airlines fell by 36% between 2008 and 2010, the 

average number of passengers using the service provided at the Airport each day dropped by 

just 6%. Even as airlines cut service, and as fares go up, demand for service stays strong in Idaho 

Falls. This is evidenced by the fact that Idaho Falls has the highest average fare of all Pacific 

Northwest markets of 300,000 or more residents – at $446 roundtrip as of the year ended first 

quarter 2010. 

With Idaho Falls’ track record of success in the SCASD Grant program, it should be at the top of 

the list for a second Grant opportunity. Much like the situation in 2005, when Idaho Falls won its 

previous, successful Grant, the market is underserved and suppressed by high fares, and a 

general lack of adequate connectivity. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is a model for Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

success. It is likely that success can be duplicated. Idaho Falls should be rewarded for their 

excellent stewardship of SCASD Grant funding in a previous project, with a new Grant, and new 

route support, in 2010.

“With Idaho Falls’ track record 

of success, it should be at the 

top of the list for a second 

Grant opportunity.”