November 1, 2007

Airport Receives Development Grants and Pledges Totaling $1,104,500

Panama City, Florida (October 23, 2007) – The Panama City – Bay County International Airport today said it now has available $1,104,500 in grants and pledges to support marketing and development efforts for the airport.

The airport has been notified that it has been awarded a $575,000 Small Community Air Service Development Grant from the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition, the airport has pledges for $529,500 in cash and in-kind services from local community organizations and businesses. Local pledges were an important part of the airport’s successful application for the grant, demonstrating significant local support for marketing and development efforts.

“This grant and the local pledges are great news for the community, and they come at a particularly important time as we begin a strong marketing and development push to not only attract more air service to the current airport, but also to the new airport when it opens,” said Randy Curtis, airport executive director. “We couldn’t have received this grant without the pledges of support from the community. We owe everyone who pledged help a special thank you.”

Funds and services from the grant and pledges will be used to do market research, develop marketing programs, create advertising, reach out to key markets and design incentive packages to convince airlines to expand or inaugurate service to the airport.



“We have a great story to tell about our community and this region with our wonderful lifestyle and tremendous attractions and opportunities, and now we can tell it with power,” Curtis said. “We will work with the airlines currently serving us to improve service and work with other airlines to attract new service to more destinations.”

Panama City – Bay County International Airport is the only Florida airport to receive this type of development grant, and the grant amount is the second largest distributed by the DOT this year.

Construction of a new Panama City – Bay County International Airport is expected to begin soon on a site in northwest Bay County. Completion of the new airport is expected in early 2010. At that time, the current airport will be closed.