AvCenter launches new flight schedule to Idaho Falls, Nampa
Traveling from eastern Idaho to western Idaho will be less than two hours by air now that one private air service is making making this a possibility.
AvCenter director of operations and pilot Melvin Wagoner said there is a growing need for a local air service that will fly to and from Pocatello, Idaho Falls, then to Nampa in less than one business day.
“The point is to provide people in eastern Idaho with a business day in western Idaho and to be able to accommodate that by some air service,” Wagoner said.
Starting October 8, every Tuesday through Thursday the B-2 King Air will depart Pocatello at 6:30 in the morning, stop off in Idaho Falls, then land in Nampa by 8 o’clock. By five o’clock that same evening the plane will reverse the trip back to Pocatello.
Because the B-2 King Air will seat eight passengers, flying can get pricey.
One single seat will cost $450 for a one-way trip and $650 for a round trip.
“Primarily because you’re spreading the cost over fewer seats,” Wagoner said. “So those costs get spread over eight seats as opposed to 30 seats in a larger airplane.”
President and CEO of the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Matt Hunter said he met with the AvCenter prior to the launch of the new schedule and feels chartering business professionals to and from east and west Idaho could mean local economic growth.
“Any air service we can add anywhere in Idaho is good for the community,” Hunter said.
He also mentioned this new air service will be convenient for those who do not want to take time to drive or stay the night in a hotel.
“I see a lot of businessmen who just want to go there, do what they need to do, come home to their families, don’t want to have to stay over, and don’t want the long drive back and forth. You can get up in the morning, get there, and be back in your own bed that night,” Hunter said.
For now, Wagoner said this is just a trial phase, and as long as the demand is sustained, they will keep the service running. If the passenger rate falls below four or five passengers each flight, he will have to cut-back on the days the charter service runs.
Wagoner said those interested in scheduling a flight can call the AcCenter at: 208.234.2141.
