Airline Looks At Starting Idaho Falls-Boise Service

There was good news on Monday for anyone fed up with the four-hour drive to Boise.

A Pacific northwest airline carrier is interested in relaunching nonstop flights from Idaho Falls to Boise as early as this summer.

Seaport Airlines is a regional carrier and said it’s very enthusiastic about the service. It said Horizon Airlines left because it outgrew Idaho Falls, but the demand is still going strong.

Kori Porter is tired of the four hour drive from Idaho Falls, a trip he makes weekly as a sales manager with Regents Blue Shield.

?I?d love not to have to drive to Pocatello to fly to Boise,? Porter said. ?So it?d be nice to just park over here and save myself four hours a day.?

That wishful thinking could soon become reality. A letter emailed to 800 local businesses and individuals on Monday announced Seaport Airlines’ potential plans.

Horizon Airlines used to offer the service, but they ended it last August.

In the letter, Idaho Falls Director of Aviation Len Nelson said “in our business travel survey, the Idaho Falls community told us this service is essential.”

And local travelers agree.

?Yeah, I think it would be good,? Shelley resident Vickie Petty said. ?I think it?d be really nice to have it. I like anything that’s straight. You know get on it, go and you’re done.?

Seaport Airlines President Rob McKinney said it’s still early in the process, but it would likely offer four round trips a day, six days a week.

?We’re enthusiastic that this is going to be a right fit for us and the community,? McKinney said.

But Porter isn’t booking any tickets just yet.

?Yeah, I?ll believe it when I see it,? he said.

The airline wants to meet with various businesses to determine local demand before it commits.

The city of Idaho Falls will host two community interest meetings on May 18 in the Aeromark hangar at the Idaho Falls Airport. One will be at noon, the other at 4:30 p.m.