Optimistic Vision for Pocatello Regional Airport

ID – Pocatello Regional Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport located in Pocatello, Idaho. An expert consultant, Van Beek, contracted by the Bannock Development Corp. is helping guide efforts to maintain passenger air service and has offered an optimistic vision for preserving and growing the airport. It was mentioned that the goal is to have the airport offer hub service to several large cities in the future. Pocatello Regional Airport has been a cause for concern lately among local officials after the only airline serving the airport, SkyWest, reduced its service to one daily flight to Salt Lake City.

The goal of contracting the consultant was not only to make the airport get more airlines but to be an economic development hub. The first step for the city and its partners toward growing the airport is to develop a consensus-based plan. The second step is to strategize from an economic development standpoint to recruit businesses and create housing options, among other projects. The third step, Van Beek said, is to define who Pocatello is through a marketing campaign.

Bannock Development is covering the cost of Van Beek’s services using its own funds because the airport is crucial to the development of Pocatello and the company. Van Beek added that the infrastructure and land around Pocatello Regional Airport are “enviable assets” that not all of his clients have. Van Beek’s plans for the airport will be implemented in different phases, which will be completed over a span of two years.