FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2006

For more information, contact Tami Bradley at 316-393-6008, or Vera Bothner at 316-640-5326.

Affordable Air Fares for Kansans bill gains House approval

TOPEKA – A bill that protects affordable air fares for Kansas travelers has cleared another step as it was passed by the House of Representatives today. Melvin Neufeld, Republican from Ingalls, carried the bill today in the House.

“This marks a significant step on behalf of businesses and citizens in Kansas, and we appreciate the legislators from throughout the state and those in our south-central delegation who have led the way,” said Lyndon Wells, Executive Vice President for INTRUST Bank and Chairman for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is a member of the Affordable Air Fares for Kansans Coalition, a regional coalition of business and governmental leaders, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, the Regional Area Economic Partnership (REAP), and other business and civic organizations comprised to advance this issue. The coalition’s goal during this legislative session was to work with the state of Kansas on a long-term funding solution to keep air fares affordable for state residents through Mid-Continent Airport.

“This has been an exceptional show of leadership on behalf of our state,” said John Waltner, Mayor of Hesston and Chairman of the REAP Legislative Committee. “This long-term strategy will benefit all of our communities and Kansas.”

Mid-Continent is the state’s largest airport, serving two-thirds of Kansas. For the past five years, the city of Wichita, local businesses and Sedgwick County have funded a program to ensure air fares remain affordable for Kansans. As a result, travelers have saved an estimated $73 million annually and the state has gained $9 million in revenues.

“Ease of access to business markets and travel destinations, via commercial airlines, is a defining factor for competitive regions and states in the 21st Century,” shared Bryan Derreberry, President & CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses applaud the pro-active strategy approved by the Kansas Legislature to strengthen our state’s ability to offer both affordable and convenient air service to our businesses and citizens.”    

Affordable air fares were identified as a top priority by several organizations to strengthen the economic vitality of the region and state.