Supporting the Wichita economy by improving service to its airport is a worthy goal, but will the current plan to subsidize a commuter airline accomplish that goal?
A proposal to use money from the Kansas Lottery to subsidize airline flights out of Wichita is interesting but controversial.
The flight plan that has been tagged onto the measure to renew the lottery has spurred considerable discussion, but even some of the bill's supporters have indicated it's unlikely the lottery bill will pass with the airline proposal intact. The plan proposed by Wichita-area legislators would require local government to match about $4 million in state funds. Those funds would be used to promote lower airfares in Wichita, a market that is plagued by high fares and a lack of scheduling options.
Economic development has been a key target for state money raised through the lottery. In that sense, using the money to help improve airline service to Wichita seems a good fit. Providing more reasonably priced flights to and from the state's largest city is an obvious way to boost the city's attractiveness to business and industry as well as the convenience of private travelers.
Among the efforts that would be funded by the state and local revenue would be the payment of start-up costs for Ryan International Airlines, which would commit to four flights a day from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport to Kansas City International Airport for about $200 a round trip. This proposal raised some valid questions from legislators.
Would travelers really pay $200 more for a ticket rather than simply drive to Kansas City or Oklahoma City for a cheaper flight? Would Wichita be better off to use the money to attract a larger airline that would offer more services beyond the Wichita-to-KCI connection?
Here in eastern Kansas, it's understandable that people don't get particularly excited about this issue. Lawrence's proximity to KCI and its relatively lower airfares is one of the factors that makes it such an attractive city in which to live and work. Some residents, in fact, may think it's unfair to commit state money to try to lower airfares from Wichita and do nothing for travelers from other parts of the state.
It's important to consider, however, what an important business center Wichita is to the central and western part of the state. Wichita is home to the state's largest airport, but many Kansas passengers currently book their flights out of Kansas City, Mo., Tulsa or Oklahoma City, Okla., or Denver. It's also ironic that Wichita, a continuing center of general aviation activity, would have such limited airline service.
The questions being asked by legislators are important ones. Although the goal of the airline subsidies may be good, the plan may need to be refined to provide the greatest benefit for Wichita. State legislators shouldn't make such a large financial commitment until they are convinced that the funding will actually reduce fares and increase convenience for Wichita travelers.
This is a case where those of us with relatively easy access to a major airport may need to put our provincial interests aside and consider an important investment in the central Kansas economy. But, as always, legislators must make sure the money is being well spent and has a reasonable chance of accomplishing its intended goal.
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