St. Louis MidAmerica Airport Director Meets With Local Business Leaders
Reports That Fuel Sales, Takeoffs, Landings Are Up
Rep. John Shimkus: Presentation Was Engaging And Positive
MidAmerica Airport, Illinois (December 7, 2002) -- St. Louis MidAmerica Airport Director Tim Cantwell met Friday with local leaders to outline ventures under way there but refused to release the information to the public.
Those who attended the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois meeting Friday said Cantwell reported an increase in the monthly jet fuel sales, in the number of landings and takeoffs at the Mascoutah airport and a renewed effort to attract a cargo airline.
But Cantwell later refused to discuss the issues with a reporter. He said he shared the information in a discussion with local business leaders but isn't ready to share it with the media.
Cantwell's presentation was engaging and painted a positive future for the region's second major airport, said U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, who attended the meeting.
"There was a lot of interest in the room, and no one seemed to want to leave," said Shimkus, R-Collinsville Republican. "The analysis is very sound, and if Tim (Cantwell) brings as much energy and excitement to his marketing approach ... I think that's a positive."
Issues Cantwell discussed included:
• An increase in jet fuel sales. The airport was averaging $24,500 a month in jet fuel sales during the first six months of the year. In July and the first two weeks of August, the airport sold $210,000 in jet fuel, Cantwell said at the time.
• An increase in the number of takeoffs and landings. Even after PamAm Airlines closed its gate at the airport, MidAmerica has seen an 8.5 percent increase in takeoffs and landings, Cantwell told the business leaders.
• A strong effort to lure a cargo airline to the airport. The airport already has plans to construct a $7 million cargo terminal, built with suggestions from cargo carriers already in business. In September, Cantwell traveled to Hong Kong to attend the International Air Cargo Forum and Exposition to discuss locating a cargo company at MidAmerica.
"The reality is that we have the facility there, and all we can do now is work hard and get it fully utilized," Shimkus said. "By specializing in all these niches, I think that that's beneficial to the business.
Information provided by the Belleville News-Democrat
Patrick J. Powers Article © the Belleville News-Democrat
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