The profitable skies

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As the population of the Salt Lake-Ogden metropolitan area continues to grow, and as Ogden continues to market itself as an outdoor-recreation hot spot, it sure would be convenient -- not to mention profitable -- to have passenger air service at Ogden-Hinckley Airport.

Ogden-Hinckley has long been home to private and corporate aircraft, and the infrequent commercial airliner forced north during winter inversions that disable Salt Lake International Airport. But Ogden-Hinckley isn't home to regular passenger service.

We're keeping our fingers crossed, though, because that might change. Within three or four months, Ogden-Hinckley could have a deal with Allegiant Air to host commercial jet service between Junction City and Las Vegas. Allegiant operates out of about 50 cities and focuses on ferrying passengers between those cities and leisure capitals like Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla.

Of course Ogden and the rest of the Top of Utah would benefit from the convenience factor -- if you live north of Farmington, the drive's shorter to Ogden-Hinckley; south of Farmington, you're closer to Salt Lake International. Besides, Vegas' McCarran International Airport is a busy connector to other U.S. and overseas locations.

That means a direct link between Ogden and international visitors who might be making Vegas their first stop as they travel in the West. After sampling all Las Vegas has to offer, they may enjoy hitting the Ogden Valley resorts' slopes in the winter, or the many outdoor-recreation opportunities -- hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, etc. -- that tourists and residents alike appreciate during our summer months.

Not only that, but this may be the first step to eventual passenger-air connections between Ogden-Hinckley and the likes of St. George and Moab, among other destinations. And by combining the marketing efforts of Davis and Weber counties -- both the chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus -- the Top of Utah could get the word out to those potential travelers.

The decision to begin passenger service by Allegiant is by no means certain, but the fact that the company is mulling it over is an indication that Ogden is being aggressive in its efforts to further leverage the airport for economic development. If Allegiant signs on, other airlines may decide to follow suit.

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