Recognizing the direct economic impact that an airport can have, Michael Lewis, Airport Manager at Four Corners Regional Airport, has kept the project on course over the last few years, finalizing the reinstatement of commercial service for the airport. He is also keenly focused on taking the steps necessary to ensure the eventual development of prime acreage near the airport. Lewis views these airport lands as an ideal location to attract both aviation-related and non-aeronautical businesses to set up shop at the dynamic regional airport. Not stopping there, Lewis is also determined to market Four Corners Regional Airport as the gateway to an area that, in his words, is ‘an ideal retirement destination’-ripe with many things to do, a mild climate, and access to endless outdoor activities. With these focused efforts, Lewis sees nothing but clear skies ahead and predicts that more people will choose to live in the Four Corners region, utilizing the airport for seamless travel to and from the area. LANDING A FULL-SERVICE EXPERIENCE One area that has taken up a good portion of Lewis’s time and resources has been his relentless pursuit of the reinstatement of a commercial service to Four Corners Regional Airport. Although taking longer than he had originally planned for, the wait to launch the SkyWest Airlines commercial service this spring has been met with impressive early passenger numbers that are set to rise even more.These early indicators have solidified the airport as a growing and dynamic regional player while ensuring that the city of Farmington and the area of Four Corners are also recognized as a desirable destination. “It has been going very well. Our first flight out was on May 09th. By the end of the month, we had a 62% load factor, which is on the good side of what’s normal for a startup,” Lewis begins. “Throughout June, we ended up with a 70% load factor, and by the very last week of June, it was an 81% load factor. So it just continues to climb.” 179 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL AIRPORT
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