August 2, 2011

Sponsor: Del Norte County Regional Airport, Crescent City, California

James Bernard, Airport Director

Congressional Code: CA-001

Dun & Bradstreet Number: 021749054

Tax Identification Number (EIN): 80-0540149

Application for Federal Support for Current Essential Air Service (EAS) via:

Advertising/Marketing Program

DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT

CRESCENT CITY, CALIFORNIA

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introductory Letter of Support 3

Summary Information – Appendix C 4

Introduction 7

The Border Coast Air Service Market 8

Current and Historical Service 9

Air Service Development Efforts 14

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies 15

Strategic Plan 20

Proposed Marketing Program 22

Implementation Timeline 24

Public/Private Partnership 25

Funding Plan 27

Performance Measures and Financial Controls 28

Legal Sponsor 29

Letters of Support 30

Availability of Alternate Airports 39

Airport Information 40

Community Profile 41

Comparison to Other Communities in Region 48

Conclusions 50

Section Page Number
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 3

INTRODUCTORY LETTER OF SUPPORT
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 4

SUMMARY INFORMATION – APPENDIX C

Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119

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: ______ _____________________

expiration date of Grant: __ ________________

B. Public/Private Partnership

Public:

1. Del Norte County Regional Airport/Jack McNamara Field

2. City of Crescent City, California

3. City of Brookings, Oregon

4. Curry County, Oregon

5. Del Norte County, California

Private:

1. SkyWest Airlines

2. Del Norte Chamber of Commerce

3. Crescent City Chamber of Commerce

4. Smith River Rancheria

5. Elk Valley Rancheria
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 5

C. Project Proposal

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Revenue Guarantee

 Launch New Carrier Start-Up Cost Offset First Service

 Study Secure Additional Service Other (Specify)

D. Existing Landing Aids at Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach

 Localizer Other:

E. Project Cost

1. Federal amount requested: $ 200,000

2. State cash financial contribution: $ 0

Local cash financial contribution:

3a. Airport cash funds: $ 0

3b. Non-Airport cash funds: $ 20,000

3. Total local cash funds: $ 20,000

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING: $ 220,000

In-Kind Contribution:

a. Airport In-Kind contribution: $ Various

b. Other In-Kind contribution: $ Various

5. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION: $ Undetermined

6. TOTAL PROJECT COST: $ 220,000 + In-Kind
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 6

F. In-Kind Contributions

For funds in lines 7a (airport in-kind contribution) and 7b (other in-kind contribution), 

please describe the source(s) of fund(s) for each.

Advertising and marketing match money (media companies)

In-kind marketing in the airport terminal and through airport sources (airport)

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
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 7

INTRODUCTION

Despite its position as an Essential Air Service airport, the Del Norte County Regional Airport in 

Crescent City serves one of the fastest growing catchment areas in the country – growing by 

30% in the last ten years to more than 100,000 residents. At the same time, the Airport saw a very 

strong 2010, with total passengers up by 15% to the highest point in four years. Passengers 

increased despite the fact that fares stayed about the same – and remained above the fares 

offered in both Medford and Arcata-Eureka.

Crescent City does still suffer with fares that are consistently higher than those found at other 

airports in the region. When analyzing the lowest available fare in the top 20 origin and 

destination passenger markets from Crescent City, the fares at the Del Norte County Regional 

Airport average 15% higher than the lowest available fares at Eureka-Arcata, and 37% higher 

than the fares at Medford as of August of 2011. 

These high fares cause a large portion of travelers 

who live in the Del Norte County Regional Airport 

catchment area to fly out of these other two 

airports.

Nonetheless, SkyWest operated at its highest 

summer load factor in the Crescent City market in 

four years in the summer of 2010 – averaging a load factor of 71%. Part of the reason for 

increased ridership in Crescent City was the decline of capacity in both Arcata-Eureka and 

Medford – down by a combined 500 departing seats a day, or 31%, in the last two years.

With capacity down in nearby markets, now is the time for the Del Norte County Regional Airport 

to recapture its catchment area passengers. The Airport believes a Grant-supported marketing 

and advertising campaign can have an immediate impact, drawing those passengers who 

might have flown out of Medford or Arcata-Eureka in the past back to Crescent City’s airport.

Federal funding is critical to the mission, as the Airport’s own limited budget is not large enough 

to support the wide-ranging effort that’s required. The goal of the campaign is to increase 

enplanements and to reduce the per passenger subsidy required under the Essential Air Service 

program in Crescent City.

“SkyWest operated at its highest 

summer load factor in the 

Crescent City market in four years 

in the summer of 2010...”
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 8

THE BORDER COAST AIR SERVICE MARKET

Current and Historical Air Service

The Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City, California, is served under the Essential 

Air Service (EAS) program, as it is 369 miles from the nearest medium hub – Sacramento. The 

Department of Transportation awarded its latest Essential Air Service (EAS) contract in May of 

2010 at a subsidy rate of almost $1.8 million per year. 

Despite steady fares that were typically above the fares found at other airports in the region, the 

Del Norte County Regional Airport was one of the few in the Essential Air Service program to post 

passenger growth in 2010. Total passengers were up 15% over 2009 to their highest point in four 

years.

Still, many of those who live within the Airport’s catchment area drive to other airports to access 

the national air transportation system due to cheaper fares, more available flights and the lack 

of awareness about the more 

convenient airport located in 

Crescent City. In effect, the 

lack of awareness of the local 

air service available at the Del 

Norte County Airport suppresses 

the number of travelers, and 

potential travelers, in the region, 

forcing many to fly from other 

competing airports, or to not 

travel at all.

The Del Norte County Regional 

Airport has the ability to draw 

from a large area due to its 

relative isolation – located on 

the west side of the Pacific 

Coast Range mountains and isolated from the population centers on the coast and in the 

central valley. The Airport’s catchment area extends north along the Pacific coast to Gold 

Beach, Oregon, east to Cave Junction, Oregon, and south to Orick, California. The population 

MAP 1: The Del Norte County Regional Airport’s

Primary Catchment Area
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 9

of the Airport’s catchment area is 101,408 as of the latest US Census numbers (see map 1). The 

catchment has grown by more than 23,000 people since 2000 – a growth rate of 30% - faster 

even than San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego.

Although outside the State of California, the Oregon portions of the Crescent City catchment 

area are closely tied both economically and culturally with the California portions of the area. 

In fact, Curry County, Oregon, are partners in this application. Moreover, the Border Coast 

Regional Airport Authority, which governs the Airport, is one of the few to have jurisdiction in two 

states.

The Del Norte County Regional Airport saw its best year since 2006 in 2010, with passengers up 

15% over 2009 to a total of 26,540, or an average of 36.4 passengers per day each way (see 

figure 1). Passengers increased in the market despite the fact that the average one way fare 

stayed relatively stable. It should be noted, SkyWest does not generally report average fares to 

the DOT in its at-risk market, so the average fares represented here are based on ticket revenue, 

and are not always accurate. It is likely the true average fare is actually higher than the fare 

represented in this data.

FIGURE 1: O&D Passengers and Average One Way Fares at Crescent City

2001 – 2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

22,920

20,540

21,880

23,860

22,370

27,950

25,310 24,430

21,980

25,560

390

200

260

440

520

980

510

990

1,150

980

31.9

28.4

30.3

33.3

31.4

39.6

35.4 34.8

31.7

36.4

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW Int'l Pax Domestic Pax

$136 $136

$139

$155

$158

$154

$137

$157 $155

$153
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 10

It is clear there is significant potential for additional passengers to board flights at the Del Norte 

County Regional Airport. As recently as 2006, the Airport saw a total of 28,930 origin and 

destination passengers or an average of 39.6 passengers per day each way (see figure 1). 2006

passenger numbers were 8% higher than the 2010 numbers.

Part of the challenge in smaller Essential Air Service market is getting the message out about the 

availability of local air service. The Airport, due to lower average revenue with fewer passengers 

than larger markets, cannot afford to consistently advertise local air service. This means the EAS 

subsidy in a market like Crescent City ends up supporting fewer passengers – increasing the per

passenger subsidy. Relatively small amounts of marketing funding can have major impacts on 

enplanements in markets such as Crescent City.

Even more encouraging than the increase in passenger numbers in Crescent City in 2010 is the

fact that load factors have been strengthening in the market for the last eight months. Between 

June of 2008 and April of 2010, the Del Norte County Regional Airport saw load factors hovering 

between the mid 40s and the mid 50s on average (see figure 2). An upward trend began in 

May of 2010, and load factors for the summer of 2010 averaged 71% - the highest average load 

factor in the market since 2006.

FIGURE 2: Available Seats and Passengers per Day Each Way and Load Factor at Crescent City

June 2008 – December 2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data

88 86 86 88 88 86

78 76 79

86

83 80

89

83 83

80

84 82 83

75 75

80 82

77

84 83 84

75 75

80 77

38.2 39.2

35.9

32.2 32.8 32.2 34.3

23.9 23.8

29.1 29.8 30.1 33.2 33.6

38.0

34.0 34.3 31.8 34.7

23.0 24.9

29.3

35.9

44.0

48.3

45.0

50.9

46.8

39.8

43.6 40.5

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Load Factor

54.5%57.5%52.0%45.1%46.0%45.1%

55.9%

38.7%38.3%42.9%45.1%46.8%47.3%50.9%57.1%50.9%47.0%46.6%49.7%

39.6%40.4%42.7%

53.3%

65.9%70.6%65.3%

72.7%73.4%

64.0%65.0%65.3%
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 11

Higher load factors indicate that fewer passengers are leaking to other airports in the region, 

and that passenger awareness of local service is increasing slowly. The September load factor 

averaged 73% - with an average of 51 passengers per day each way traveling through the 

Airport (see figure 2). It should be noted the number of available seats offered in the market is 

steady, due to SkyWest’s obligations under the Essential Air Service program. 

Due to DOT fare reporting anomalies in smaller markets, such as Crescent City, it is important to 

analyze the lowest available fares in the market against other nearby markets to truly 

understand the regional pricing philosophy. Most travelers from the Crescent City catchment 

area travel in and out of either the Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport or the ArcataEureka Airport.

Pricing for August of 2011 

supports the theory that 

fares at the Del Norte 

County Regional Airport

are priced consistently 

higher than the fares at 

either Medford or 

Arcata-Eureka. In the 

Denver market, for 

example, the lowest 

available fare from 

Crescent City in August 

of 2011 is $475 roundtrip, 

compared to $468 

roundtrip at Arcata-Eureka and $393 roundtrip at Medford (see figure 3). The fare disparity 

between Crescent City and Medford grows on the route to Los Angeles, where Crescent City’s 

lowest fare is $435, while Medford’s is just $219. To Sacramento, despite one-stop service from 

the Del Norte County Regional Airport, the local fare is $428 roundtrip versus $321 at Medford 

and $309 from Arcata-Eureka. Finally, to San Francisco – a route in which all three airports have 

non-stops -- Crescent City passengers are expected to pay an $85 fare premium over ArcataEureka and a $67 fare premium over Medford. Overall, the lowest Crescent City fares are 14.6% 

higher than fares at Arcata-Eureka and 38.6% higher than the lowest fares in Medford.

FIGURE 3: Lowest Available Fare to Select Destinations

August 2011; Source: Farecompare.com

$475

$435 $428

$358

$468

$430

$309 $273

$393

$219

$321 $291

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

$450

$500

Denver Los Angeles Sacramento San Francisco

Crescent City Eureka/Arcata Medford
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 12

With these kinds of fare differentials, it is easy to understand why many of the travelers in the Del 

Norte County Regional Airport catchment area travel from other airports in the region. Due to 

this passenger leakage, it is likely SkyWest is only boarding a small portion of its potential 

passengers in Crescent City. In fact, it is also likely that SkyWest loses a large portion of its local, 

Crescent City area passengers to other airlines.

Travel to and from the Crescent City 

market is spread throughout the country, 

but only a small portion of the travel is 

headed to, or originates in, international 

markets – just 4%. For the first time in four 

years, a city other than San Francisco 

ranked as Crescent City’s number one 

origin and destination market – Los 

Angeles. LA averaged 5.2 passengers per 

day each way in 2010 from the Del Norte 

County Regional Airport (see figure 4). San 

Francisco ranked second, with 4.0 

passengers per day each way on average 

– which is down by more than 50% in the 

last four years. Other large O&D markets to 

and from Crescent City include San Diego, 

Denver, Las Vegas, and Santa Ana/Orange 

County – basically markets that have easy 

connections over the United hub at San 

Francisco. If a market does not have an 

easy one-stop connection over SFO on 

United or an affiliated carrier, it generally doesn’t show up on this list, as Crescent City 

passengers will access those markets through Medford, and it’s wider range of connecting hubs.

There is much more capacity available at the Del Norte County Regional Airport that is going 

unfilled. Even with high load factors in the summer of 2010, the airport still had an average of 

nine empty seats per flight in and out of the market. The Airport believes the best way to fill this 

capacity will be to launch a wide-ranging marketing and advertising program, designed to 

increase regional knowledge about the service offered in Crescent City. The Airport believes 

FIGURE 4: Top 20 Domestic O&D Passenger Markets at Crescent City

CY2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

3,770

2,910

2,530

1,230

1,130

1,120

960

930

750

480

460

430

360

350

330

300

290

270

270

250

5.2

4.0

3.5

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.0

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.3

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000

Los Angeles, CA

San Francisco, CA

San Diego, CA

Denver, CO

Las Vegas, NV

Santa Ana, CA

Phoenix/Mesa, AZ

Sacramento, CA

Chicago, IL

Washington, DC

New York/Newark, NY

Burbank, CA

Palm Springs, CA

Honolulu, HI

Boston, MA

Salt Lake City, UT

Baltimore, MD

Santa Barbara, CA

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Ontario, CA

Annual Passengers 

PDEW
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 13

this program will initially result in increased enplanements, with more of those who live in the 

immediate and extended catchment areas flying locally. Further, the Airport believes those 

increased enplanements will result in increased service, allowing fares to achieve parity with 

other airports in the region.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 14

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

For a smaller, regional airport, the administration at the Del Norte County Regional Airport/Jack 

McNamara Field is very active in working with airlines, community stakeholders, and businesses 

to increase the viability and affordability of local air service. The Airport contracted with an air 

service development consulting firm in 2008 to conduct a full scale survey of the air service 

provided in the northern California/southern Oregon region. This study led to an air service 

development master plan, providing a blueprint for the marketing, advertising, and expansion of 

the Del Norte County Regional Airport in the years to come – a plan that is still in use today.

The Airport has had numerous conversations with leaders at United Airlines and SkyWest, as it 

works to improve the service offered in the Crescent City market. The Airport continues to 

advocate for additional non-stop frequencies, flights that are de-linked from Eureka/Arcata, 

and additional seats in hopes of continuing to bring down average fares. The Airport believes 

Small Community Air Service Development Grant funding is an important step that needs to be 

taken in order for its long standing initiatives and goals for air service to be met. This is the fourth 

SCASD Grant application submitted by the Airport. It has not been a previous recipient.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 15

AIR SERVICE NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES

The isolated market served by Del Norte County Regional Airport suffers from several air service 

deficiencies, including a lack of available seats, higher fares than airports in nearby markets, 

service from just one branded airline, and a lack of knowledge about the local service offered. 

In addition, the Crescent City traveler has recently been affected by declining capacity at other 

airports in the region, giving the region’s passengers fewer air service options.

The biggest challenge faced by the Del Norte County Regional Airport has been, and will 

continue to be, the lack of pricing parity with other airports in the region. The biggest disparities 

are found between Crescent City and Medford – which is the main airport to which local Del 

Norte County Regional Airport catchment area passengers leak. 

An analysis of the lowest 

available published 

fares in August 2011 to

the top 20 Crescent City 

origin and destination 

passenger markets 

found that, on average, 

Medford’s lowest 

available fares were 37% 

less than the lowest 

available fares from 

Crescent City. Examples 

include Honolulu, where 

the lowest available 

Medford fare in August 

of 2011 is $640 while the 

lowest Crescent City fare is $900; Chicago, where the lowest available Medford fare in August of 

2011 is $440 while the lowest Crescent City fare is $519; Salt Lake City, where the lowest available 

Medford fare in August of 2011 is $300 while the lowest Crescent City fare is $411; and Burbank, 

where the lowest available Medford fare in August of 2011 is $240 while the lowest Crescent City 

fare is $399 (see figure 5). Medford fares are generally lower largely due to the fact that 

FIGURE 5: Lowest Available Fares to Select Top O&D Markets 

From Crescent City and Medford; August 2011; Source: Farecompare.com

$900

$519

$411 $399 $335 $308

$640

$440

$300 $240 $240 $240

$0

$100

$200

$300

$400

$500

$600

$700

$800

$900

$1,000

Honolulu Chicago Salt Lake City Burbank Las Vegas Phoenix

Crescent City Medford
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 16

Medford has three main airline brands all competing for customers: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air 

Lines, and United Airlines. Crescent City has only United.

These high airfares have the impact of pushing local passengers to other airports in the region for 

fare relief. Consistently higher airfares in Crescent City also have the impact of convincing 

travelers that local air service is expensive and unattainable, which causes them to stop 

checking local flights at the Del Norte County Regional Airport before booking out of other 

airports in the region. If the fare is too high to consider local service for a couple of trips in a row, 

local travelers become conditioned to check non-local airports first. Even if fares drop at the Del 

Norte County Airport, it goes largely unnoticed by local travelers – providing strong emphasis for 

increased local marketing and advertising to explain the value of flying from the local airport.

It should be noted that Crescent City fares would likely be even higher were it not for the 

strength of the subsidy provided for SkyWest/United Express service by the federal Essential Air 

Service (EAS) program. Under this program, SkyWest earned almost $1.8 million in annual federal 

funding to operate its Crescent City flight schedule in 2010. Effectively, this was a $67.13 subsidy, 

per passenger in calendar year 2010. Taking into account this per passenger subsidy, the “true” 

fare in Crescent City in 2010 would have been $220 each way, not $153.

As would be expected in an Essential Air Service (EAS) market, Crescent City’s Del Norte County 

Regional Airport offers far fewer available seats and far fewer departing flights than any of the 

other airports in northern California and southern Oregon. This exacerbates the difficulty in 

growing enplanements on local air service.

SkyWest/United Express 

offers fewer available seats 

out of Del Norte County 

Regional Airport than do 

the airlines offering service 

at all of the other airports in 

northern California and 

southern Oregon. In fact, 

as of calendar year 2010, 

SkyWest offered just 0.56 

departing available seats

FIGURE 6: Departing Seats per Capita at Airports in the Region 

CY2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data

2.46

2.05

0.62

0.56

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

Arcata-Eureka

Medford

North Bend/Coos Bay

Crescent City

Regional Average: 2.19
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 17

per capita in and out of Crescent City (see figure 6). In 2010, there were 74% fewer available

departing seats at the Del Norte County Regional Airport than the regional average of 2.19 seats 

per capita. The Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport had four times the departing seats 

per capita that Crescent City had in 2010 – with 2.05. Of adjacent airports, Arcata-Eureka had 

the most departing seats per capita in 2010 – with 2.46 – five times the number of departing 

seats per capita offered at the Del Norte County Regional Airport

Because of the lower number of 

available departing seats at the 

Del Norte County Regional 

Airport, the Airport also enplanes 

far fewer passengers than other 

adjacent airports. In 2010, 

Crescent City enplaned an 

average of just 0.26 passengers 

per capita, which is about a 

fourth of the regional average of 

1.09 passengers per capita (see 

figure 7). The Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport had the highest number of 

enplanements per capita of adjacent airports, with 1.39 passengers per capita, while ArcataEureka boarded an average of 0.92 passengers per capita in 2010.

While there are more available seats at adjacent airports, and more enplanements because of 

that higher capacity, all of Crescent City’s adjacent airports have lost significant capacity in the 

last three years. It has become increasingly difficult for those living in the Del Norte County 

Regional Airport catchment area to access air service. The Rogue Valley International –

Medford Airport is a good example of this. As recently as the summer of 2009, airlines offered an 

average of 22 daily departures in Medford (see figure 8). By March of 2011, airlines were offering 

an average of just 15.5 daily departures – a loss of six departing flights per day – or 29% of 

departures.

At the same time, available seats in the Medford market have fallen by 25%. In July of 2009, 

airlines offered an average of 1,297 daily departing seats at the Rogue Valley International –

Medford Airport (see figure 8). By March of 2011, that number had fallen to an average of 965 

daily departing seats – a loss of 319 seats per day each way. The net effect of these seat cuts is 

FIGURE 7: Enplaned Passengers per Capita at Airports in the Region 

CY2010; Source: US DOT T100 Data

1.39

0.92

0.36

0.26

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4

Medford

Arcata-Eureka

North Bend/Coos Bay

Crescent City Regional Average: 1.09
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 18

that it is more difficult for a Crescent City passenger to find available capacity at Medford. This 

makes the Del Norte County Regional Airport all the more valuable.

Arcata-Eureka has not been immune to capacity cuts, either. Since the summer of 2008, flights 

offered by the airlines at Arcata-Eureka have dropped by 27%, from an average of 14 

departures per day in July of 2008 to just ten departures per day in March of 2011 (see figure 9). 

In all, the Arcata-Eureka market has lost an average of four departures a day in the last three 

years.

With those flight cuts, come cuts in the number of available seats in Arcata-Eureka. In July of 

2008, airlines offered an average of 599 daily departing seats from Arcata-Eureka (see figure 9). 

By March of 2011, that number had fallen to 399 daily departing seats – a loss of 200 daily 

departing seats or a third of daily capacity.

FIGURE 8: Available Seats, Passengers, and Departures per Day Each Way at Medford

June 2009 – March 2011; Source: US DOT T100 Data

1,284 1,297 1,277

1,187 1,170

1,130

997 1,008

1,083

1,114

1,143

1,167

1,220

1,261

1,213

1,102 1,106

1,038 1,047

959

925

965 1,025 1,004 991

886

865

801

746

654

693

771

792

845

1,007 1,025 1,012

890

868

828 826

684 695

783

300

500

700

900

1,100

1,300

1,500

2009-06 2009-07 2009-08 2009-09 2009-10 2009-11 2009-12 2010-01 2010-02 2010-03 2010-04 2010-05 2010-06 2010-07 2010-08 2010-09 2010-10 2010-11 2010-12 2011-01 2011-02 2011-03

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights DEW

21.8 21.6 21.7

19.6 19.0

17.9

16.4 16.3

17.7 18.4 18.7 18.9

20.5 21.1 20.5

19.2 19.1

18.0 18.1

16.1

14.5

15.5
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 19

In all, the region surrounding Crescent City has lost an average of 500 daily departing airline 

seats in the last three years. At the same time, the region has lost an average of ten daily 

departures on all airlines. This is partially responsible for the increase in load factor at Crescent 

City, but it is clear there is much more work to do to reduce leakage from the Del Norte County 

Regional Airport catchment area. Rather than have Crescent City passengers competing for an 

increasingly limited resource at airports in Medford and Arcata-Eureka, it makes sense to 

promote local service, and the current available seats at the Del Norte County Regional Airport, 

keeping seats at other regional airports open for residents of those catchment areas.

FIGURE 9: Available Seats, Passengers, and Departures per Day Each Way at Arcata-Eureka

June 2009 – March 2011; Source: US DOT T100 Data

595 599

553 544

513 523 521 532 541 547

531

553

531 523

442 451 461 466

445 449

464 472 460

492

419 431

327

419 411 422

394 395 399

394.6395.1

304.5

319.6315.9325.7

259.8269.6

304.1314.0318.9

345.7342.9347.7

275.3284.6289.0289.5

237.0235.2

256.8

277.4

298.5

321.2

286.6

305.0

214.2

287.4280.3268.1

216.9229.0241.3

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights DEW

14.1 14.2

12.9 12.7

11.9 12.0 12.0 12.2 12.5 12.6

12.2

12.9

12.2 11.9

10.6 10.8 11.2 11.2

10.7 10.7

11.2 11.3 11.0

12.0

10.4 10.7

8.5

11.1 10.8 11.0

10.1 10.2 10.4
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 20

STRATEGIC PLAN

The challenges in the Crescent City market are clear: a lack of available seats, higher fares than 

airports in nearby markets, service from just one branded airline, and a lack of public knowledge 

about the local service offered. As an Essential Air Service market, the Del Norte County 

Regional Airport is limited in recruiting additional airline seats to the market, or additional airlines. 

But the Airport can work to increase local enplanements and to reduce leakage, which 

ultimately should help bring fares down and increase overall service levels.

In support of this goal, the Airport seeks a Small Community Air Service Development Grant in 

order to provide essential marketing and advertising support for SkyWest’s, dba United Express, 

Essential Air Service to the San Francisco hub. The Airport believes the increased enplanements 

from a marketing and advertising program would reduce the burden on the Essential Air Service 

(EAS) program to provide subsidies in the market. The long term goal under the program would 

be to increase enplanements to a level 

where the community’s Essential Air Service 

funding is no longer needed.

One of the main reasons for the continued 

passenger leakage from the Del Norte 

County Regional Airport, outside its higher 

average fares, is the lack of local knowledge 

about available air service in Crescent City. 

Those who live in the Airport catchment area are not conditioned to check local fares first, 

before booking flights from other airports. Local area travelers immediately book flights from 

Medford, Eureka/Arcata, and North Bend/Coos Bay, without ever checking to see if fares would 

be cheaper at Crescent City itself. This lack of general air service awareness is draining the local 

economy of valuable travel dollars, as travelers spend more than they would locally by flying 

from other airports.

An example of this trend exists in the local Crescent City – San Francisco market. Local 

passengers between the two communities peaked in 2007, with an average of 8.4 passengers 

per day each way traveling between the Del Norte County Regional Airport and San Francisco 

International (see figure 10). Since then, the local market has been in a steady state of decline, 

despite fares in 2010 that are only $3 higher each way on average than the fares offered in 

“The long term goal under this 

program would be to increase 

enplanements to a level where the 

community’s Essential Air Service 

funding is no longer needed.”
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 21

2007. In 2010, the local Crescent City – San Francisco market saw an average of just four 

passengers per day each way – a loss of 4.4 passengers per day each way, or 52% of local 

passengers.

The key to this passenger decline is likely seen in fare data from 2008. The 2008 average one 

way fare from Crescent City to San Francisco jumped $18 each way over 2007 (see figure 10). 

The impact of this fare increase clearly was to drive local Crescent City catchment area 

passengers to other airports in the region. The challenge has been, as fares have come back 

down in the last two years, that local passengers have been conditioned not to check fares at 

the Del Norte County Regional Airport. The Airport believes an intense and focused marketing 

campaign can help re-train these passengers to check fares at the local airport, now that they 

have come down off 2008 highs.

Under this strategic plan, the Del Norte County Airport plans a wide-ranging marketing 

campaign, saturating the entire airport catchment area in northern California and southern 

Oregon. The main message will be to check local fares before booking from other airports in the 

FIGURE 10: O&D Passengers and Average One Way Fares, CEC-SFO

2001 – 2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

4,700

2,910

4,670

4,270

4,730

5,280

6,120

4,620

3,230

2,900

6.4

4.0

6.4

5.8

6.5

7.2

8.4

6.3

4.4

4.0

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW Total Passengers

$112 $112 $109 $111

$115

$98

$81

$99

$89

$84
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 22

region. The campaign will highlight local air service affordability and availability, by showing 

direct comparisons on certain routes between fares at Del Norte County Airport and the airports 

in Eureka/Arcata and Medford. The campaign will also have a focused message towards San 

Francisco service, in hopes of bringing local traffic up to 2007 levels. 

The campaign will be designed to include frequent radio, television, and newspaper advertising, 

along with giveaways. The Airport seeks $200,000 in federal funds, to be paired with $20,000 in 

new local funds, from the Airport and its community partners – above and beyond the Airport’s 

current marketing budget – to support 

this marketing and advertising 

campaign. The campaign is planned 

to last beyond the length of the 

current Essential Air Service contract –

through May of 2013.

The Airport has already developed a 

comprehensive marketing and 

advertising placement plan, which will 

include large buys on local and 

regional radio stations, along with local 

and regional newspapers and 

magazines. The campaign will be 

focused in the immediate Crescent 

City MSA, and bordering counties in 

both northern California and southern 

Oregon.

Other types of marketing will include 

new website materials for ease of 

booking and better awareness of 

specific flight schedules, with banner 

ads promoting San Francisco service. 

The Airport also plans specific 

outreach to area businesses, through 

FIGURE 11: Proposed Print Advertisement for the

Del Norte County Regional Airport

United Express service at the Del Norte County Regional Airport is independently operated by SkyWest.

DON’T TAKE A DAY

TO GET TO THE BAY.

United Express offers daily non-stops to San Francisco, direct from the 

Del Norte County Regional Airport. No more big airport hassles, 

and no more wasted days getting to the Bay.

FLY-CEC.com
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 23

Airport-affiliated employees, to meet with those who travel most frequently and ensure they are 

aware of the benefit of using local air service.

Rough drafts have been created for some of the advertising slated for newspaper and 

magazine runs. The main draft print advertisement extols the benefits of flying to San Francisco 

on the currently available non-stops (see figure 11). Many of those who live in the area drive to 

San Francisco, despite the high 

cost of fuel and the long drive 

time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. 

This ad seeks to increase 

awareness that the trip can be 

made much more quickly by 

using Crescent City air service 

on United Express, especially 

now that fares are more in line 

with those found at other 

airports in the region.

Additionally, the Airport has 

included a rough draft of a radio 

advertisement which is also 

focused on boosting local traffic 

on the route to San Francisco 

(see figure 12). It is believed 

these two formats – print and 

radio – will offer the most 

purchasing power for potential 

Grant funding. Additionally, a 

number of internet-based 

advertising strategies will be used, including Facebook advertising and other social media.

The Airport believes the marketing and advertising campaign will have an immediate impact. 

The overarching goal is to increase the knowledge about local air service and to increase 

enplanements to reduce the current amount of the per-passenger subsidy at the Del Norte 

County Regional Airport.

FIGURE 12: Proposed Radio Advertisement for the

Del Norte County Regional Airport

CLIENT: DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT/UNITED EXPRESS/SKYWEST

PROJECT: UNITED TO SAN FRANCISCO, VERSION ONE

LENGTH: 30 (RADIO)

DATE: 8/2011

FROM THE DEEP WOODS OF THE NORTH COAST...

(NAT SOT – JET TAKEOFF)

NON-STOP TO THE CITY BY THE BAY.

(SOUND – FLIGHT ATTENDENT ON BOARD AIRCRAFT)

“WELCOME ABOARD UNITED... WE’RE HEADED TO SAN FRANCISCO.”

(MUSIC BED – UNITED AIRLINES/GERSHWIN “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” – UNDER 

TRACK)

UNITED EXPRESS... IN CRESCENT CITY.

TWO DAILY FLIGHTS TO S-F-O.

CONNECTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY... AND AROUND THE WORLD... TO 

MORE THAN EIGHTY DESTINATIONS

FIND YOUR LOW FARE AT UNITED-DOT-COM.

UNITED AT THE DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT.

(MUSIC BED FADE)

(SOUND – FLIGHT ATTENDENT ON BOARD AIRCRAFT)

“LET’S FLY TOGETHER.”

FLY-CEC.com
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 24

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

The Airport’s proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department will 

award Small Community Grant Funding in September of 2011. Once the award is announced, 

the Del Norte County Regional Airport will begin work with private marketing and advertising 

firms, along with SkyWest and United Airlines, to build the campaign materials and to finalize the 

placement plan.

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

Department and execute an agreement with a marketing and advertising firm to begin work. 

These milestones should be achieved by the end of October 2011. Additionally, the Airport will

submit grant status reports on a quarterly basis to the Department throughout the proposed term 

of the marketing and advertising program. The specific timeline is listed.

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Date

SCASD Grant Award Announcement Sepetmber 2011

Executive Grant Agreement with DOT October 2011

Executive Agreement with Marketing Firm In Place

Develop Creative October 2011

Develop Comprehensive Placement Strategy October 2011

Launch Campaign October 2011

Sustain Campaign October 2011 - October 2013

Monitor Route Performance October 2011 - October 2013

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly Q4 2011 - Q4 2013

Close Grant November 2013
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 25

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

A number of local partners will be working with the Del Norte County Regional Airport to 

promote and market air service. Contacts will be made to all members of local chambers of 

commerce and similar organizations, and those with an interest in growing the economic base 

of the community through local business growth, attraction of new businesses and the 

promotion of tourism and visitor traffic via the airport. 

Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce

The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce acts as an information bridge between the Airport and 

the community’s businesses. The Chamber represents thousands of area businesses. The 

Chamber is in a unique position to spread the word about air service in the market, and to 

promote its use. The Chamber is vital in the marketing of any air service, and is ready to use its 

resources to aid in the marketing program described in this application.

Del Norte County

Del Norte County Supervisors are some of the biggest supporters of continued air service at 

Crescent City’s local airport, as they realize how vital the Del Norte County Regional Airport is to 

the growth of the entire region of northern California and southern Oregon that it serves. As the 

owners of the Del Norte County Regional Airport, County leaders continually work to develop 

and support new air service initiatives. 

Border Coast Regional Airport Authority

The Airport Authority was recently formed as a cross-border Joint Power Authority to provide 

regional management of a critical public use facility that serves the entire region. The Airport 

Authority Board of Commissioners is made up of representatives from the County of Del Norte 

and Curry County Boards of Supervisors, the City Council of Crescent City and Brookings Oregon, 

and the Tribal Chair of the Elk Valley Rancheria and soon the Smith River Rancheria. The Border 

Coast Regional Airport Authority is responsible for the operation, management, and promotion 

of the Del Norte County Regional Airport.

The Airport Authority Board of Commissioners is in charge of determining the Airport’s budget, 

and approved this application for grant funding. The Airport Authority Board will oversee this 

grant, if awarded.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 26

Curry County, Oregon

Curry County, Oregon, took the unprecedented step of awarding the Del Norte County Airport 

a County grant to study and promote new air service. This cross-county and cross-state grant is 

one of the few of its kind ever awarded in the country.

Cities of Crescent City, California, and Brookings, Oregon

The Cities of Crescent City and Brookings are members of the Border Coast Regional Airport 

Authority and they work together to promote air service at the Del Norte County Regional 

Airport. Both cities realize the importance of air service in expanding local tourist-based 

economy. City leaders continually work with Airport leaders to promote service, and to ensure 

the Airport has the resources it needs to be competitive in the region.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 27

FUNDING PLAN

Marketing and Advertising

The Del Norte County Regional Airport/Jack McNamara Field proposes to spend a total of 

$220,000 in funds on marketing and advertising promotions in support of SkyWest/United Express 

service to and from San Francisco. The goal is to increase enplanements, and lower fares, 

through targeted regional campaigns.

An example of the advertising produced for the campaign is available in the “detailed 

explanation of the proposal” section of this document. $20,000 of the total marketing budget 

will come from new local funds, being committed specifically for this Grant application, while 

the federal share will be $200,000.

In-Kind Services

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

groups. There is no estimated value to these services.

• Del Norte Chamber of Commerce

• City of Crescent City

• City of Brookings, Oregon

• Del Norte County

• Airport Technical Advisory Committee

• Elk Valley Rancheria

• Smith River Rancheria

• Curry County, Oregon

• Brookings Chamber of Commerce

• Tri Agency Economic Development Agency

Additional Costs

As part of this program the 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. The Airport 

will pay for these additional expenses out of other airport sources and will not incorporate these 

fees and charges into this proposal.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 28

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS

The success of the program will be based on a pair of variables. The Airport will judge the first 

measure of success by the increased number of enplanements on United Express service to San 

Francisco. The second measure of success will be based on how much average airfares 

charged in the community have gone down, with the increase in enplanements. The 

measurement of enplanements will include a monthly comparison, once the program begins, to 

past enplanement numbers. The measurement of airfares will be derived from US DOT OD1A 

reports.

As the sponsor, the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority will be the responsible party for all 

fiscal matters and US DOT reporting requirements. The Airport is publicly owned by Del Norte 

County and operated and managed by the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority who also 

manages and monitors numerous Caltrans and FAA AIP grants for various airport capital 

improvement and compliance projects. As a public entity the US DOT can be assured that 

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

accordance with any subsequent agreement. The leaders of the Airport Authority understand 

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

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

of the total grant request.

The Del Norte County Regional Airport has developed this proposal as a one-time grant. The 

advertising and marketing program will commence as soon as this grant is awarded and last into 

2013. It is projected that local enplanements will grow within the first few months of the launch 

of the advertising program.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 29

LEGAL SPONSOR

The Border Coast Regional Airport Authority is the legal sponsor responsible for administering the 

program. The Border Coast Regional Airport Authority is a government entity.

Border Coast Regional Airport Authority 

150 Dale Rupert Road

Crescent City, California 95531

James Bernard, Airport Director

707.464.7288

JBernard@co.del-norte.ca.us
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 30

LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 31
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Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 38
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 39

AVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATE AIRPORTS

It is well established that many of those who live in the Del Norte County Airport/Jack McNamara 

Field catchment area choose to fly from other airports in the region. The most popular alternate 

airport for Crescent City area travelers tends to be Eureka/Arcata, which is located 69 miles 

south of Crescent City on Highway 101, 

the Pacific Coast Highway (see figure 

13). Due to the rugged terrain one 

must cross through the Coast Range, 

the drive to Eureka/Arcata takes about 

an hour and a half on a mostly narrow 

two-lane highway.

A number of Del Norte County Airport 

catchment area travelers also fly from 

the Rogue Valley International Airport in 

Medford. Medford is 109 miles from 

Crescent City (see figure 13). Moreover,

the drive from Crescent City to Medford 

is exceptionally difficult, on a narrow, 

two-lane road – Highway 199 – through 

the Redwoods National Park, and the 

Coast Range of southern Oregon. In the winter, this trip is almost impossible when storms roll in 

off the Pacific, dumping heavy snows in the mountains. In good weather, the drive from 

Crescent City to Medford takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. In bad weather the drive can take as 

long as 4 hours.

FIGURE 13: Airports in the Same Region as

the Del Norte County Regional Airport
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 40

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Del Norte County Regional Airport, also known as Jack McNamara Field, serves the northern 

coast of California as the only gateway commercial airport between Arcata/Eureka, California,

and Medford, Oregon. The airport has many advantages to offer the traveling public. Facilities 

include free on-airport parking, close proximity to the cities, counties and communities served, 

shorter lines for TSA conducted security screening of passengers, and car rental agencies on-site. 

The Airport has two runways, in an “x” formation. Each 

runway is 5,000 feet long, while Runway 11 is the only 

one equipped with an ILS (instrument landing system) 

approach. 

Del Norte County Regional Airport is a County-owned 

facility, located just three miles from the Crescent City 

central business district. The Airport is also located 

within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. About 

27% of the Airport’s operations are provided by 

commercial airlines (with scheduled SkyWest service), 

while 73% of the Airport’s operations are air taxi and 

general aviation.

FIGURE 14: Del Norte County Regional Airport at Jack 

McNamara Field, Crescent City, Aerial Photo 
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 41

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The town of Crescent City is named after its crescent-shaped beach. It emerged in the 1850s, 

during the Gold Rush, and soon became the chief port of entry and supply center for miners of 

Oregon and neighboring settlements in California. 

The Redwood forest provided settlers the lumber they needed for 

settlement and survival. Today, those same forests bring millions of 

tourists to the region. Redwood National Park was established in 

1968. Crescent City has a thriving tourism industry that capitalizes on 

the community’s location and easy access to numerous recreational 

opportunities.

Crescent City is surrounded by State and National Parks and 

recreational opportunities. The Elk Creek Wildlife Area is located adjacent to downtown 

Crescent City, Tolowa Dunes State Park is slightly north of the Airport, and the Redwood National 

Park Headquarters and Visitor Information Center is located in 

the city’s downtown. The Smith River National Recreation 

Area, and the Redwood National Park are both within a few 

miles of the city. Hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and 

whale watching are all offered within a few miles of the 

downtown core.

The Crescent City Harbor offers resources for whale watching 

cruises, wind surfing, surfing, fish derbies, and diving. There are 

three community groups that offer arts and cultural performances, exhibits, and educational 

programs, including the Community Concert Association, the Del Norte Association for Cultural 

Awareness, and the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. 
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 42

What’s New in Crescent City

Crescent City has completed its transition from a timber economy to a tourism and fishing 

economy, with downtown development helping to lure significant new investment. As the 

gateway to Redwoods National Park, Crescent City has become a top tourist destination on the 

West Coast, and a number of new businesses are popping up to take advantage of local tourist 

spending.

• Crescent City officials have made it a priority to revitalize Front 

Street, seeing it as a potential boon for economic development 

and beautification. After a final conceptualization is chosen, the 

city intends to go to the Del Norte Local Transportation 

Commission to secure funding for the design. Local Transportation Commission Executive 

Director Tamera Leighton said the project design would likely be eligible for various types 

of funding — including Regional Surface Transportation Program money from Caltrans —

because it is considered a regional transportation priority. Front Street is seen as an

important area for the community. Leighton said, “It’s an access to our downtown and a 

lot of our public beaches. It has the potential to be a main street to our city and really 

benefit our community.”

• Bay Area developers recently built a new downtown project, called the Abbienna Plaza, 

which is a complete remodel of a 20,000 square foot building that survived Crescent 

City’s 1964 tsunami. The building houses five commercial tenants – businesses aimed at 

bringing tourists to the downtown area – along with upper floor office space. The multimillion dollar development is just one of several that are reviving the downtown core.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 43

Crescent City Economic Overview

Crescent City’s economy has long been tied to the natural resources which surround the City. In 

the early days of the City’s founding – the mid 1800s – timber was king in Crescent City and 

throughout the hills surrounding the City in northern California and southern Oregon. As more 

land was brought under federal protection in the mid 1900s, the economy was forced to move 

away from timber, and towards commercial fishing. Today, more than 100 commercial ships are 

docked in the Crescent City Harbor, along with dozens of sport fishing boats which draw tens of 

thousands of tourists 

to the region each 

year.

Government is, by far, 

the Crescent City 

area’s largest source 

of employment, 

employing almost 44% 

of all area workers 

(see figure 15). 

Educational and 

health services is 

second, with almost 

14% of workers. Meanwhile, the importance of tourism to the local economy is evident, as 

leisure and hospitality workers make up almost 11% of all Crescent City area employees.

Industries such as government, educational and health services, and trade, transportation, and 

utilities recorded significant job gains. Educational and health services grew by more than 13 

percent, or 130 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities experienced 11.8 percent growth,

also adding 130 jobs. Other industries recording gains over these years included: natural 

resources, mining, and construction; financial activities, leisure and hospitality, agriculture, and 

manufacturing. The Crescent City area has also become a center for bulb farms, producing a 

large proportion of the bulbs sold to nurseries around the West. Crescent City’s most well-known 

bulbs include many varieties of lilies.

FIGURE 15: Del Norte Employment by Industry 

Source: Del Norte County
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 44

Select Company Profiles

Dahlstrom & Watt Bulb Farm

The Dahlstrom and Watt Bulb Farm, located in Smith 

River, is one of the largest floral growers in the 

western United States, with markets around the 

country, and in several foreign countries. Dahlstrom 

and Watt operates 12 acres of greenhouses 

producing holiday flowering plants, foliage plants, 

and specialty plants. The facility also has several 

outdoor acres of ornamental plants. Dahlstrom and 

Watt grows nearly 25% of all the Easter lily bulbs in the 

US and Canada.

Hambro Forest Products

The Hambro Group owns several forest products producers from Crescent City 

and Eureka, California, to the coasts of North Carolina. Hambro’s Crescent 

City facility produces Cresdek, engineered recycled wood used for flooring. Credek is shipped 

from Crescent City to more than 60 home builders around the country, and has been in 

continuous production since 1965.

Palmer Westbrook, Inc.

The Palmer Westbrook Ranch, in Smith River, features two distinct businesses. 

The Ranch is one of the largest producers of Easter lily bulbs in the US, after 

nearby Dahlstrom and Watt, while at the same time being one of California’s largest organic 

beef producers. The Palmer Westbrook company operates a sustainable organic farm, in line 

with the values of many in the region.

The Sun Valley Group

Sun Valley Floral Farms is another of the region’s large flower producers, helping to 

anchor the agricultural economy of Del Norte County. Sun Valley grows primarily 

Iris, Hydrangea, and Zantedeschia at its Smith River facility. The Group also has its

Employer

City of Crescent City

Crescent City Nursing & Rehab

Elk Valley Rancheria

Hambro Forest Products

Home Depot

Palmer Westbrook Inc.

Pelican Bay Prison

Ray’s Food Place

Safeway

Smith River Rancheria

Sutter Coast Hospital

Walmart

Yurok Tribe

FIGURE 16: Major Employers in Del Norte County, Source: 

Del Norte Chamber of Commerce 
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 45

headquarters in Del Norte County, with its national sales team that places its products around 

the country.

Crescent City Tourism

Amid an awe-inspiring cathedral of soaring ancient redwoods, along a rugged wave-swept 

Pacific shore, deep in the cool serpentine canyons of the untamed Smith River, Del Norte 

County is where visitors find the real Northern California. Cool ocean mists nurture the giant 

redwoods. Rich offshore fishing grounds support a thriving commercial fishery. The rocky 

chasms and thrilling whitewater of the Smith River – California's largest wild river system – form the 

spectacular centerpiece of the 305,337 acre Smith River National Recreation Area. And 

throughout Del Norte County, diverse river and sea-creature habitats support an incredible array 

of wildlife. Magnificent forest trails, sandy beaches, and river rafting are all close at hand. Yet 

for all its accessibility, Del Norte County is unspoiled and not crowded – perhaps the most 

remarkable fact of all.

Standing above all others, the great redwood forests of Del Norte County have long epitomized 

the fabled beauty of the North Coast. For many years, tales have been told of a redwood 

kingdom hidden in the North. Today, the County is home of Redwood National and State Parks, 

nearly a half-million acres of national forest lands.

Redwoods National Park

Created in 1968, to preserve the majestic Redwood forests of the northern 

California coast, Redwoods National Park is a 132,000 acre preserve just a 

few miles outside of Crescent City. The Park is located entirely within Del 

Norte and Humboldt Counties, protecting 45% of all the remaining 

Coastal Redwood forest in the world. The Park also offers breathtaking 

vistas of the rocky, rugged Pacific Coast. Roughly 400,000 people come 

through the Park’s visitor’s center, located in Crescent City, each year.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 46

Brookings, Oregon

Located less than 45 minutes to the north of Crescent City along 

the famed Pacific Coast Highway, Brookings is in what’s known as 

the “banana belt” of Oregon, on a warm current in the Pacific 

Ocean that keeps it in the 70s during the winter. Brookings is also 

known for its spectacular, rocky coastline, and championship golf 

courses. More than a million tourists make the trip to Brookings 

each year, with Crescent City being the closest gateway by 

commercial airline service.

Crescent City Charter Fishing

The Crescent City Harbor is home to several dozen sport fishing charter boats, which 

run both public and private deep sea Pacific fishing charters. Most trips catch salmon 

and tuna but, depending on the season, boat captains offer Dungeness crab, shrimp, 

and cod trips.

Enderts Beach

Located within Redwoods National Park, Enderts Beach is just three miles south of the Crescent 

City downtown business district, and is one of the most popular for visitors and locals alike. 

Enderts offers a sandy beach, along with trail access to a number of rocky tide pools. Enderts is 

known as the premier spot for whale watching in the spring and fall.

Elk Valley Casino

This 23,000 square foot casino is located near the entrance of Redwoods National Forest, 

featuring Las Vegas-style gaming. A hotel resort, an 18-hole golf course, a bowling center, and 

an RV resort are in the planning and design phase.

Lucky 7 Casino

The Lucky 7 Casino is an enterprise of the Tolowa Indians of the Smith River Rancheria. When the

Rancheria was established in 1906, it was the largest in the State of California, consisting of 160 

acres. In 2001, the Rancheria opened a new facility, which now offers 270 slot machines, 

Blackjack, Bingo, and the House of Howonquet restaurant. The Casino is in the process of a 

major expansion that will add a new conference/bingo area, new restaurant and double the 

size of the gaming area. 
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 47

Point St. George

The Point St. George Trail, part of the Pacific Coast Trail, offers a mellow stroll along bluffs 

overlooking a dramatic rocky coastline. The well-preserved wetlands here are an important 

stopover on the Pacific Flyway — a major migration route for bird species such as harlequin 

ducks, tundra swans, and Aleutian Canada geese. The park encompasses a stretch of dramatic 

rocky coastline that is among the best in the state. Killer sunsets are a regular occurrence, and 

the bluffs make an excellent platform for whale watching in late fall and mid-spring.

Higher Education in Crescent City

Crescent City is home to several thousand full-time students who attend the 

College of the Redwoods local campus. The College offers two-year 

community programs in a number of fields, with its main campus in Eureka.

The college offers a variety of transfer, vocational, and community-based 

classes, including its world-famous Fine Woodworking Program started by master woodworker 

James Krenov, along with a Police Academy, Nursing and Dental Programs, Truck Driving School, 

ever-evolving Computer Information Sciences, Computer-Aided Drafting and Digital Media 

Departments, and the Hospitality, Restaurant and Culinary Arts Program.
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 48

COMPARISONS TO REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

FIGURE 17: Top 60 Southwest Region Airports Ranked by Average Domestic Fare

4Q 2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A 

Airport

1 Guam $533.40 $554.61 $601.64 $533.00 19.5% $86.96 $557.97 10.7% $54.10 

2 Eagle/Vail, CO $236.52 $264.75 $222.82 $278.77 10.9% $27.44 $243.56 13.1% $28.24 

3 Aspen, CO $241.19 $242.20 $265.33 $258.65 7.0% $17.01 $250.83 8.2% $19.10 

4 Yuma, AZ $233.94 $252.11 $264.05 $253.08 8.5% $19.86 $249.78 5.3% $12.57 

5 Bakersfield, CA $225.33 $238.23 $245.21 $241.16 11.5% $24.90 $238.08 10.5% $22.56 

6 Hayden, CO $187.04 $235.47 $231.29 $238.47 1.7% $3.94 $205.28 13.8% $24.93 

7 Gunnison, CO $192.32 $221.23 $222.87 $231.67 4.2% $9.28 $209.51 18.3% $32.39 

8 Montrose, CO $212.32 $230.30 $228.10 $228.61 0.7% $1.54 $222.37 12.7% $25.10 

9 Rosw ell, NM $221.73 $224.28 $226.57 $225.17 17.6% $33.75 $224.64 6.9% $14.44 

10 Flagstaff, AZ $181.50 $189.68 $198.41 $224.96 33.0% $55.84 $198.73 20.8% $34.17 

11 Santa Fe, NM $202.54 $226.22 $231.49 $220.65 9.9% $19.89 $221.99 11.4% $22.72 

12 Santa Barbara, CA $194.39 $196.72 $212.16 $215.72 8.4% $16.77 $205.20 7.7% $14.73 

13 Honolulu, HI $194.20 $203.90 $204.63 $214.60 11.4% $21.99 $204.45 12.1% $22.07 

14 San Luis Obispo, CA $193.14 $201.01 $233.63 $213.13 -4.5% -$10.11 $210.89 -4.9% -$10.76 

15 Fresno, CA $190.71 $201.55 $210.67 $212.95 15.4% $28.36 $204.68 10.6% $19.65 

16 Kahului, HI $207.91 $196.76 $198.73 $210.61 10.2% $19.54 $203.23 9.5% $17.67 

17 Monterey, CA $189.22 $200.78 $229.07 $210.29 12.9% $24.06 $207.76 10.5% $19.68 

18 Kona, HI $198.41 $197.24 $190.51 $209.02 15.2% $27.64 $198.70 17.2% $29.09 

19 Kauai Island, HI $179.87 $190.81 $191.36 $203.20 15.9% $27.86 $191.36 16.6% $27.24 

20 Palm Springs, CA $191.03 $186.82 $192.01 $200.84 10.0% $18.23 $192.68 5.8% $10.61 

21 Grand Junction, CO $180.36 $190.25 $185.04 $196.70 7.0% $12.90 $188.43 11.6% $19.57 

22 San Francisco, CA $177.24 $198.40 $202.19 $194.16 10.1% $17.85 $193.76 13.1% $22.39 

23 Durango, CO $180.01 $182.03 $187.70 $193.64 5.0% $9.17 $186.14 3.5% $6.31 

24 Los Angeles, CA $181.77 $193.09 $198.30 $190.29 6.5% $11.62 $191.29 10.7% $18.54 

25 Arcata/Eureka, CA $208.17 $202.84 $202.49 $186.96 -8.7% -$17.80 $199.53 4.8% $9.09 

26 Colorado Springs, CO $182.78 $188.18 $184.90 $182.03 5.4% $9.30 $184.59 9.5% $15.98 

27 Tucson, AZ $165.80 $175.51 $171.74 $178.45 7.5% $12.50 $172.90 7.7% $12.31 

28 Salt Lake City, UT $172.06 $173.60 $180.87 $174.46 8.8% $14.15 $175.25 15.0% $22.87 

29 San Diego, CA $159.17 $167.31 $171.02 $167.35 10.2% $15.45 $166.48 12.8% $18.87 

30 Redding, CA $182.52 $181.51 $214.96 $166.11 -18.0% -$36.57 $186.31 -3.8% -$7.43 

31 Phoenix, AZ $158.56 $163.01 $160.31 $165.65 11.7% $17.37 $161.93 12.3% $17.72 

32 Albuquerque, NM $156.13 $164.48 $170.81 $165.12 9.0% $13.57 $164.56 11.8% $17.36 

33 Santa Maria, CA $158.34 $152.33 $174.46 $162.43 3.0% $4.71 $162.20 -4.1% -$7.00 

34 Orange County, CA $148.21 $159.15 $170.13 $161.95 16.4% $22.84 $160.13 14.8% $20.69 

35 Bull. City/Laughlin, AZ $138.20 $139.00 $149.30 $158.30 11.1% $15.80 $144.82 10.8% $14.12 

36 Sacramento, CA $144.04 $155.43 $162.72 $156.86 10.6% $15.05 $155.22 10.6% $14.89 

37 Chico, CA $142.36 $151.13 $183.24 $152.99 14.3% $19.13 $156.52 25.6% $31.95 

38 Reno, NV $154.36 $160.32 $166.08 $152.43 2.3% $3.50 $158.62 6.2% $9.29 

39 Modesto, CA $148.79 $147.21 $202.68 $152.30 9.5% $13.24 $161.02 20.5% $27.37 

40 San Jose, CA $138.10 $154.54 $158.54 $150.97 13.2% $17.64 $151.09 15.5% $20.32 

41 Ontario, CA $142.39 $152.66 $160.30 $150.39 7.1% $9.98 $151.71 10.1% $13.97 

42 Las Vegas, NV $146.13 $156.12 $151.16 $150.12 8.1% $11.28 $150.98 13.1% $17.45 

43 Elko, NV $149.26 $150.69 $314.99 $148.19 10.1% $13.64 $177.76 30.3% $41.35 

44 Denver, CO $142.23 $145.92 $150.00 $148.06 4.2% $6.00 $146.73 5.9% $8.23 

45 Burbank, CA $125.36 $134.44 $140.57 $135.60 9.3% $11.49 $134.14 10.0% $12.22 

46 Oakland, CA $124.97 $136.34 $140.72 $133.36 7.6% $9.44 $134.27 11.9% $14.30 

47 Carlsbad, CA $144.43 $151.36 $179.38 $127.99 -9.2% -$12.95 $147.33 6.3% $8.77 

48 Santa Rosa, CA $112.26 $124.33 $127.80 $120.24 5.4% $6.17 $121.68 4.9% $5.65 

49 Long Beach, CA $107.16 $119.03 $117.90 $119.72 3.8% $4.39 $116.33 4.8% $5.36 

50 Hilo, HI $98.54 $104.02 $103.71 $112.40 32.5% $27.55 $104.62 34.6% $26.89 

51 Saipan, PT $111.94 $124.09 $128.30 $105.47 13.3% $12.39 $117.81 17.6% $17.65 

52 Saint George, UT $100.55 $108.09 $233.37 $98.75 5.1% $4.83 $116.24 25.8% $23.83 

53 Kapolua, HI $100.50 $98.73 $97.42 $96.52 -6.1% -$6.29 $98.27 4.0% $3.82 

54 Lanai City, HI $100.90 $86.35 $83.30 $96.29 5.8% $5.24 $91.67 1.5% $1.35 

55 Pueblo, CO $139.18 $158.87 $145.54 $93.68 -38.5% -$58.62 $120.90 -23.9% -$37.99 

56 Mesa Gatew ay, AZ $96.41 $89.06 $76.88 $88.77 6.5% $5.41 $87.91 4.1% $3.45 

57 Fort Collins, CO $58.13 $55.23 $49.90 $61.61 0.9% $0.52 $56.81 -2.6% -$1.53 

58 Stockton, CA $48.01 $51.30 $38.98 $47.30 -5.0% -$2.49 $44.85 -4.8% -$2.28 

59 Rota, PT $47.00 $51.70 $48.20 $45.00 -0.9% -$0.40 $47.89 4.1% $1.89 

60 Hoolehua, HI $53.36 $48.41 $49.18 $43.12 -8.6% -$4.05 $47.84 6.6% $2.98 

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

Average Regional Fare $160.30 $169.01 $172.28 $169.08 9.0% $13.94 $167.84 11.5% $17.29 

2010 Qtr/Qtr Qtr/Qtr YE/YE YE/YE

Rank 1 Q 10 2 Q 10 3 Q 10 4 Q 10 % ? Fare ? Dec-10 % ? Fare ?
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 49

Airport

1 Rota, PT 63.86¢ 40.85¢ 59.08¢ 68.46¢ 0.3% 0.18¢ 55.94¢ -13.5% -8.75¢ 

2 Hoolehua, HI 24.70¢ 31.42¢ 35.19¢ 39.37¢ 14.4% 4.97¢ 32.08¢ -1.3% -0.41¢ 

3 Lanai City, HI 22.70¢ 27.28¢ 23.13¢ 26.67¢ 9.3% 2.26¢ 24.76¢ 3.9% 0.93¢ 

4 Saipan, PT 23.52¢ 22.86¢ 22.86¢ 23.33¢ 0.4% 0.09¢ 23.12¢ -3.8% -0.91¢ 

5 Aspen, CO 20.37¢ 20.52¢ 23.18¢ 21.88¢ 7.3% 1.49¢ 21.40¢ 8.0% 1.58¢ 

6 Kapolua, HI 19.85¢ 21.51¢ 21.91¢ 21.14¢ -1.5% -0.32¢ 21.08¢ 3.6% 0.73¢ 

7 Santa Rosa, CA 20.38¢ 21.99¢ 22.51¢ 21.14¢ 6.5% 1.29¢ 21.58¢ 8.9% 1.77¢ 

8 Hilo, HI 17.67¢ 17.58¢ 17.99¢ 20.36¢ 25.5% 4.13¢ 18.36¢ 16.6% 2.62¢ 

9 Eagle/Vail, CO 16.75¢ 20.22¢ 17.37¢ 20.17¢ 11.7% 2.11¢ 17.61¢ 13.9% 2.15¢ 

10 Santa Fe, NM 17.29¢ 17.69¢ 19.00¢ 19.95¢ 8.1% 1.49¢ 18.51¢ 3.4% 0.61¢ 

11 Rosw ell, NM 20.73¢ 20.64¢ 21.07¢ 19.74¢ 4.9% 0.92¢ 20.56¢ 1.1% 0.23¢ 

12 Gunnison, CO 15.99¢ 18.63¢ 20.05¢ 19.30¢ 4.9% 0.90¢ 17.74¢ 19.9% 2.95¢ 

13 Durango, CO 17.35¢ 17.31¢ 17.94¢ 18.87¢ 8.2% 1.42¢ 17.88¢ 4.0% 0.68¢ 

14 Hayden, CO 13.91¢ 18.34¢ 18.94¢ 18.43¢ 4.7% 0.82¢ 15.58¢ 11.5% 1.61¢ 

15 Grand Junction, CO 17.06¢ 17.09¢ 16.40¢ 18.30¢ 6.4% 1.09¢ 17.20¢ 8.1% 1.29¢ 

16 Bakersfield, CA 15.76¢ 16.45¢ 16.33¢ 17.81¢ 15.8% 2.43¢ 16.64¢ 12.3% 1.82¢ 

17 Flagstaff, AZ 14.54¢ 15.28¢ 15.86¢ 17.22¢ 21.0% 2.99¢ 15.77¢ 14.8% 2.03¢ 

18 Yuma, AZ 16.06¢ 16.45¢ 16.72¢ 16.90¢ 7.8% 1.23¢ 16.53¢ 3.1% 0.50¢ 

19 Montrose, CO 15.08¢ 16.97¢ 17.78¢ 16.87¢ 1.8% 0.30¢ 16.39¢ 12.4% 1.81¢ 

20 Burbank, CA 16.18¢ 16.76¢ 16.57¢ 16.81¢ 10.3% 1.56¢ 16.59¢ 10.5% 1.58¢ 

21 Santa Maria, CA 16.74¢ 15.62¢ 16.81¢ 16.59¢ -2.2% -0.38¢ 16.44¢ -6.7% -1.18¢ 

22 Albuquerque, NM 15.40¢ 15.18¢ 15.47¢ 15.65¢ 7.9% 1.14¢ 15.42¢ 10.5% 1.47¢ 

23 Colorado Springs, CO 15.39¢ 15.47¢ 15.31¢ 15.47¢ 4.8% 0.71¢ 15.41¢ 7.4% 1.06¢ 

24 Salt Lake City, UT 14.73¢ 15.19¢ 15.63¢ 15.44¢ 5.7% 0.84¢ 15.24¢ 12.4% 1.68¢ 

25 Elko, NV 17.30¢ 16.68¢ 29.82¢ 15.28¢ 1.7% 0.26¢ 18.95¢ 28.2% 4.17¢ 

26 Pueblo, CO 22.46¢ 23.08¢ 24.29¢ 15.15¢ -41.7% -10.86¢ 19.33¢ -18.0% -4.24¢ 

27 Arcata/Eureka, CA 17.87¢ 16.06¢ 15.40¢ 15.07¢ -4.8% -0.77¢ 15.99¢ 5.1% 0.78¢ 

28 Fresno, CA 13.83¢ 13.90¢ 14.22¢ 14.75¢ 12.4% 1.63¢ 14.19¢ 7.8% 1.03¢ 

29 Guam 15.66¢ 15.09¢ 15.43¢ 14.68¢ 3.0% 0.42¢ 15.22¢ 6.7% 0.95¢ 

30 Palm Springs, CA 14.11¢ 14.14¢ 13.01¢ 14.67¢ 10.5% 1.39¢ 14.09¢ 5.0% 0.67¢ 

31 Santa Barbara, CA 14.18¢ 13.52¢ 14.26¢ 14.67¢ 4.8% 0.67¢ 14.16¢ 2.5% 0.34¢ 

32 Monterey, CA 13.55¢ 14.32¢ 15.53¢ 14.64¢ 8.6% 1.16¢ 14.55¢ 5.4% 0.74¢ 

33 Oakland, CA 14.16¢ 14.47¢ 14.14¢ 14.58¢ 11.8% 1.54¢ 14.34¢ 14.2% 1.78¢ 

34 Bull. City/Laughlin, AZ 12.01¢ 12.85¢ 14.48¢ 14.55¢ 9.4% 1.25¢ 13.22¢ 12.9% 1.51¢ 

35 Reno, NV 13.64¢ 13.85¢ 14.75¢ 14.41¢ 1.6% 0.23¢ 14.16¢ 3.6% 0.49¢ 

36 Tucson, AZ 13.41¢ 13.92¢ 13.82¢ 14.29¢ 5.2% 0.71¢ 13.86¢ 6.2% 0.81¢ 

37 Denver, CO 13.52¢ 13.70¢ 14.02¢ 14.06¢ 3.5% 0.48¢ 13.84¢ 5.5% 0.72¢ 

38 Orange County, CA 13.39¢ 13.53¢ 13.89¢ 13.83¢ 9.1% 1.16¢ 13.67¢ 11.0% 1.36¢ 

39 San Luis Obispo, CA 12.37¢ 12.70¢ 14.07¢ 13.65¢ -3.6% -0.51¢ 13.26¢ -6.4% -0.91¢ 

40 San Jose, CA 13.45¢ 13.71¢ 13.75¢ 13.65¢ 6.8% 0.87¢ 13.65¢ 11.4% 1.40¢ 

41 Phoenix, AZ 13.18¢ 13.16¢ 13.28¢ 13.58¢ 10.4% 1.28¢ 13.30¢ 11.7% 1.39¢ 

42 Stockton, CA 13.42¢ 14.29¢ 11.18¢ 13.52¢ -2.2% -0.31¢ 12.73¢ -3.0% -0.40¢ 

43 Ontario, CA 13.51¢ 13.43¢ 13.49¢ 13.50¢ 3.4% 0.44¢ 13.48¢ 5.6% 0.71¢ 

44 Sacramento, CA 13.29¢ 13.27¢ 13.21¢ 13.42¢ 5.5% 0.70¢ 13.29¢ 7.0% 0.87¢ 

45 Kona, HI 11.49¢ 11.32¢ 11.33¢ 12.66¢ 4.8% 0.57¢ 11.69¢ 7.1% 0.77¢ 

46 Saint George, UT 13.50¢ 13.17¢ 18.65¢ 12.60¢ -0.7% -0.09¢ 13.97¢ 17.5% 2.08¢ 

47 Redding, CA 15.43¢ 14.91¢ 16.85¢ 12.32¢ -32.2% -5.84¢ 14.82¢ -14.6% -2.54¢ 

48 Kauai Island, HI 11.08¢ 11.14¢ 11.37¢ 12.28¢ 4.9% 0.57¢ 11.46¢ 5.5% 0.60¢ 

49 San Diego, CA 11.87¢ 12.15¢ 12.24¢ 12.19¢ 7.4% 0.84¢ 12.12¢ 10.7% 1.17¢ 

50 San Francisco, CA 11.27¢ 11.99¢ 12.13¢ 11.99¢ 8.1% 0.89¢ 11.88¢ 11.8% 1.25¢ 

51 Las Vegas, NV 11.70¢ 12.15¢ 11.81¢ 11.87¢ 6.9% 0.77¢ 11.89¢ 12.0% 1.27¢ 

52 Los Angeles, CA 11.52¢ 11.81¢ 12.00¢ 11.84¢ 5.5% 0.62¢ 11.81¢ 9.9% 1.06¢ 

53 Long Beach, CA 9.24¢ 10.48¢ 11.08¢ 11.75¢ 19.2% 1.89¢ 10.66¢ 12.9% 1.22¢ 

54 Chico, CA 9.67¢ 10.84¢ 14.29¢ 11.32¢ 17.3% 1.67¢ 11.39¢ 23.0% 2.13¢ 

55 Kahului, HI 10.57¢ 10.13¢ 10.20¢ 11.00¢ 0.0% 0.00¢ 10.46¢ 0.9% 0.09¢ 

56 Modesto, CA 10.41¢ 10.38¢ 15.39¢ 10.85¢ 8.7% 0.87¢ 11.57¢ 20.3% 1.95¢ 

57 Honolulu, HI 9.88¢ 9.97¢ 10.24¢ 10.71¢ 5.6% 0.57¢ 10.20¢ 6.8% 0.65¢ 

58 Fort Collins, CO 9.26¢ 8.82¢ 7.97¢ 9.88¢ 1.6% 0.16¢ 9.08¢ -2.4% -0.22¢ 

59 Carlsbad, CA 10.24¢ 10.46¢ 12.97¢ 8.91¢ -3.5% -0.32¢ 10.41¢ 7.3% 0.71¢ 

60 Mesa Gatew ay, AZ 8.68¢ 8.05¢ 6.98¢ 8.41¢ 10.4% 0.79¢ 8.04¢ 3.9% 0.30¢ 

1 Q 10 2 Q 10 3 Q 10 4 Q 10 $12.38 $12.59 $12.72 $12.82 

Average Regional Yield 12.38¢ 12.59¢ 12.72¢ 12.82¢ 6.6% 0.79¢ 12.63¢ 9.4% 1.08¢ 

2010 Qtr/Qtr Qtr/Qtr YE/YE YE/YE

% ? Yld ? Rank 1 Q 10 2 Q 10 3 Q 10 4 Q 10 % ? Yld ? Dec-10

FIGURE 18: Top 60 Southwest Region Airports Ranked by Average Domestic Yield

4Q 2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A 
Del Norte County Regional Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 50

CONCLUSIONS

The Del Norte County Regional Airport seeks a Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

in order to provide marketing and advertising support for SkyWest’s Essential Air Service to the 

San Francisco hub. The Airport believes the increased enplanements from a marketing and 

advertising program would reduce the burden on the Essential Air Service program to provide 

subsidies in the market. The long term goal under the program would be to increase 

enplanements to a level where the community’s Essential Air Service funding is no longer 

needed. SkyWest is a partner in this project, 

as noted by their letter of support.

The challenges in the Crescent City market 

are clear: a lack of available seats, higher 

fares than airports in nearby markets, service 

from just one branded airline, and a lack of 

knowledge about the local service offered. 

As an Essential Air Service market, the Del Norte County Regional Airport is limited in recruiting 

additional airline seats to the market, or additional airlines. But the Airport can work to increase 

local enplanements and to reduce leakage, which ultimately should help bring fares down and 

increase overall service levels.

SkyWest operated at its highest summer load factor in the Crescent City market in four years in 

the summer of 2010 – averaging a load factor of 71%. Part of the reason for increased ridership 

in Crescent City was the decline of capacity in both Arcata-Eureka and Medford – down by a 

combined 500 departing seats a day, or 31%, in the last two years. With capacity down in 

nearby markets, now is the time for the Del Norte County Regional Airport to recapture its 

catchment area passengers. This marketing program is the key to that effort.

“With capacity down in nearby 

markets, now is the time for the... 

Airport to recapture its catchment 

area passengers.”