A new program to encourage regional businesses and organizations to fly out of South Bend International Airport, and thereby attract additional direct flights, was unveiled Wednesday.
This story by Caleb Bauer originally appeared in the South Bend Tribune.
Project Propel encourages local businesses to commit to flying out of South Bend International if ticket prices are within $300 of flights out of Chicago. Already, 22 businesses and organizations have signed on to make that commitment. Local economic development leaders spearheaded the plan after observing success with similar programs in Grand Rapids, Mich., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Rochester, Minn.
Airport officials estimate that a trip from O’Hare International Airport instead of South Bend would result in $331 in additional costs for mileage, travel time, parking and tolls. For Midway, the estimated additional cost would be around $295. Of the 820,000 people in the region who flew last year, only 40 percent flew out of South Bend International.
Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce president Levon Johnson also said Project Propel aims to attract additional South Bend flights, which would increase the earning potential for businesses and make the airport a more attractive hub for business flights.
Committed businesses include 1st Source Bank, Beacon Health System, Lippert Components, Kem Krest, Hoosier Racing Tire and others.