How to Establish a Community Air Service Task Force

An air service task force can be developed at airports with existing commercial air service as well as those looking to obtain commercial air service. The purpose of a task force is typically to support and complement an airport’s effort to increase and maintain air service. A task force can help support your airport in the following ways:

  • Educate the local community about the airline industry and the factors affecting air service
  • Establish realistic tangible goals that can be achieved for your community and region (see How to Develop Air Service Goals and Objectives and Evaluate ASD Efforts)
  • Help set and relay realistic expectations for air service in your current environment
  • Assist your airport with recruitment and retention of air service
  • Help strengthen the business case to present to potential carriers
  • Advocate for additional infrastructure for your airport
  • Engage your business community and other key users
  • Be a proactive voice in your community on your existing air service situation and the need for your community to fly local

Ideally, task force members will include key stakeholders representing the entire geographic region or market area served by your airport. Additionally, committee members from the following industries may be considered:

  • Major industry representatives and large businesses that rely heavily on air service
  • Business council members
  • Educational institutions including major universities
  • Chambers of Commerce, Visitors Bureaus and Associations, Economic Development Groups
  • Major tourist attractions such as resorts, sports teams
  • City and county representatives
  • Travel agents
  • Other aviation partners

Resources

Tools