Low-cost Carrier Recruitment Initiative Enters Next Phase

Reducing fares by an average of 40% and saving the community in excess of $60 million annually is at the forefront of the Tennessee Valley Low-cost Carrier Recruitment initiative. While AirTran Airways recently announced it would begin service from HSV to Baltimore/Washington and Orlando, the full savings hinges on the addition of the Atlanta service, which would serve as the gateway to the United States in terms of air travel for the community. In order to secure the Atlanta service, the Tennessee Valley must show its support and help pledge enough funds to meet the risk mitigation for this new service.

 The recruitment initiative – formed by the Chambers of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, Decatur/Morgan County, and Athens Limestone County, as well as Huntsville International Airport – kicked off March 1 with a press conference followed by town hall meetings March 9-11 aimed at business and industry. ADTRAN became the first corporate partner of the recruitment initiative with its pledge, and Chairman and CEO, Tom Stanton, challenged other corporations to do the same.  

The town hall meetings, which were hosted by each of the three chambers in their respective counties, attracted nearly 400 concerned citizens and were a great step toward securing the Atlanta service, but more work lies ahead in terms of raising risk mitigation funds. Business and industry are strongly encouraged to join this initiative. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 256-258-1977.

Pictured left to right - Dr. Carl J. Gessler, Jr., Vice Secretary, Board of Directors, Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority; Brian Hilson, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County; Tom Stanton, Chairman & CEO, ADTRAN; Don Nalley, Chairman, Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County; Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville; and John Seymour, President, Chamber of Commerce of Decatur/Morgan County. Not pictured - Hugh Ball, President, Greater Limestome County Chamber of Commerce