IDA seeks input from businesses on airport

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, in conjunction with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and area chambers of commerce, is seeking input from the business community to participate in an online survey regarding the Niagara Falls International Airport.

Results from the survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, will be used to develop a plan to lure new airline services to the airport.

The survey is available on the NCIDA Web site (www.nccedev.com) and the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce Web site (www.niagarachamber.org).

"The information from the survey will provide us with a better understanding of the travel needs of the regional business community in order to develop a marketing plan to pursue new airline services to NFIA," said Henry M. Sloma, chairman, NCIDA. "The survey is just one component in developing a plan that we hope to develop to determine these opportunities."

The need to attract additional airlines to the Niagara Falls International Airport is best described by the inconvenient air travel experience of a local Niagara County company whose corporate headquarters are based in Spokane, Wash. Due to the lack of direct air service between the two cities, the trip requires four changeovers and approximately 16 hours, resulting in a significant amount of lost productivity when executives visit the local operations.

"The Niagara Falls International Airport is a vital asset to the Niagara region and the business community, including companies in Southern Ontario and the Rochester metropolitan region," said William Vanecek, director of aviation, NFTA. "We continue to look for the most efficient and effective ways to utilize the new airport and we welcome input from area businesses to make sure we are developing a plan that takes into consideration the air travel needs of the business community."

Results from the survey will be used as part of the development of a comprehensive marketing plan that can be used to bring new travel options to the airport and the new terminal.