New flights could be on the horizon at the Monterey Regional Airport

Since 2008 the Monterey Regional Airport has had to make cutbacks.

“United was flying to Denver and we had over 80-percent capacity there, and we still lost that flight,” said Monterey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jody Hansen.

That turbulence seems to be behind them, as the small airport aims to reach new heights.

“So now fuel is getting better, we feel like there are more planes available. It’s very important for us to have something to put on the table when we’re negotiating with an airline to get new service,” said Monterey Airport Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Hickerson.

Through the air service incentive program, a new route at the airport would not only receive marketing, but waived landing fees for the first year.

“We have a lot of opportunity this year to talk to airlines so it’s great to have that in your hands and show them what we’re offering to help start up new service,” said Hickerson.

Airlines will only come if the market is there. Working with both agriculture and tourism industries, studies show the top destinations for this region are Seattle, Dallas, Denver, and Mexico.

“Agriculture said you know a lot of our employees are from Mexico, they go to visit their families what would be convenient would be if they could fly from Monterey” said Hickerson.

In addition to trying to get flights out of Monterey, they’re also trying to get flights directly into Monterey.

“Anytime that we have people coming here they’re spending money. And that’s helping all of our businesses here. From big hotels to the small hotels, retail, gas stations. They’re renting cars and it just keeps our economy going here,” said Hansen.