Survey says: Bullhead wants airline service; Many surveyed said they would fly 4-to-7 times each year

By Neil Young

News West

BULLHEAD CITY - Almost 100 percent of the people who filled out a Mohave County Airport Authority survey said they would use a regular air carrier service at Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport if one existed. The Authority's board of directors' Air Service Development Committee is collecting additional information to turn over to a consultant, who will pitch prospective airlines in May.

Out of 2,682 surveys returned, 94.5 percent of respondents stated that they would use the service.

About half said they would use it 1-3 times a year and another one-third would use the service 4-7 times annually.

Regarding current behavior, the vast majority fly out of Las Vegas. Other airports used in descending order were Los Angeles, Laughlin/Bullhead, Phoenix, Kingman and Lake Havasu City.

Highest priority was given to reliability, followed by connections, low fares, use of a local airport, proximity, convenience and aircraft size.

The airport had a banner year in 2007, with a 24.9 percent increase in traffic over 2006. Parcel carrier cargo volume increased by 25 percent, fuel flowage fees increased 89 percent; rental car gross was up 3 percent.

A $3 million terminal rehabilitation project will add 5,000 square feet and will allow for the more orderly screening and flow of passengers. It's expected to be completed next month.