I’m back. As I said last month, I’m sorry that my Tallahassee toiling prevented me from posting my commentary about regional goings on. Even I missed my weekly dose of regionalism. But I was so proud to return immediately to a prophecy fulfilled! Well, again, that may be a bit haughty. But I’m real proud of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, anyway.
I wrote back in February of the status of our regional airport vis-à-vis the larger airports we find ourselves sandwiched between. I still think there is a ton of room for improvement in internationalism at Tampa “International” Airport. But I said in February that commercial and charter service needed to be expanded in our region, and that I believe Lakeland stands well positioned to be a major player in that endeavor. In addition to my thoughts specifically about Lakeland’s great positioning for regional aviation activity, I generally think the old-fashioned hub and spoke commercial air travel model is in for a rude awakening. It’s just not an efficient way to move people about the country. The Day Jet folks believed this too, but found themselves ahead of the curve and drowned out by the timing of introducing a new concept in a early stages of this “Great Recession” we’re hopefully emerging from now.
I met Gene Conrad almost immediately after he took the helm of our regional airport. And something about him told me he was going to be a good fit for Lakeland Linder. In fact, in his Q and A with The Ledger back in February, he told us that long range planning and steady, incremental success were the keys to the future for Lakeland Linder.
Fast forward to Friday. As I figured, Gene Conrad wouldn’t waste much time grabbing the bull by the horns and beginning to fill the gap. Conrad, Steve Scruggs and the City Administration announced the Sky King deal. In just two months, the Airport has managed to erase a significant percentage of its operating deficit with the opportunity to turn it into a huge surplus in federal draw downs when the passenger piece of the deal is realized.
Even if the passenger side of this deal never bears fruit, a regional charter company headquarters with a fleet of 737’s represents a big win for Lakeland because it lands us clearly on the radar screen of the American business and aviation community. So, on one hand “I told ya so.” And on the other hand? Well, they’re watching us…and they ought to be.
Bio: I’m a Christian, a husband, a father, a son, a real estate consultant, and now, an amateur writer. As well, I am a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 63, or parts of Polk and Hillsborough Counties. My goal in this space is to provide my insight and comment on events shaping our larger region. I hope to consistently remind my community that we live in a connected world and that our commitment to being a player in the Metro I-4 super-region will make all the difference in the world. Selfishly, I also hope to further develop my skills as an amateur writer - a muse with which I’ve always tinkered but, until now, never published. I hope you find depth in my insights and sincerity in their offering. And I hope you’ll let me know how I’m doing… email: mckeel@metroi4news.com
