The big question facing Grand Island officials is how to stop the decline. The key to those measures is the lower fares. United Express, the airline serving Grand Island, must be convinced that it's in the airline's best interest to lower fares. Lower fares will lead to more passengers and having fuller planes will make the flights more cost-efficient and profitable for United. Without lower fares, it's going to be hard for any other steps to have a significant impact.
Improved service is also important.
United Express has good service to Denver, but unfortunately that's the only place it goes. Many air travelers are heading east and they don't want to go west and then turn around and come back east. A flight to the east is desperately needed in Grand Island. If legitimate price and service issues are addressed by United, the airport will then be able to begin a marketing campaign that will be successful. The airport could even establish a strong regional presence.