Sandpoint Air Service Committee Announces
Start Date for Scheduled Service

SANDPOINT, Idaho (February 2, 2004) — Today the Sandpoint Air Service Committee announced that they have reached an agreement with McCall Aviation of McCall, Idaho to provide commuter air service to Sandpoint, Idaho. Air service will be offered between Boise, Idaho and Sandpoint, Idaho, as well as Seattle, Washington and Sandpoint, Idaho. The first flights are scheduled to begin on May 3, 2004.

"Initially, the Boise-Sandpoint and Seattle-Sandpoint routes will be scheduled on four weekdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday," Dan Scott, president of McCall Air, stated. "We will begin with one round trip each day, but we expect that as consumers become aware of the new service, business levels will increase and additional flights will be warranted. We'll adjust as the business grows."

"It is through the support of our community and all those who have participated in the pledge drive that we have made this happen,” said Ron Nova, chairman of the Sandpoint Air Service Committee, “It is no small feat that we have reached over quarter of a million dollars in funds pledged, and now comes the time to collect those funds and begin service.”

Local business leaders, residents and stakeholders of Sandpoint in both Seattle and Boise have pledged dollars toward guaranteed pre-purchased ticket vouchers to show their commitment to this venture. A number of small airline companies were interested in bringing their service to Sandpoint and turned to the community to help assume some of the risk involved in this new endeavor. After an extensive proposal process, the Sandpoint Air Service Committee selected McCall Air.

Bonner County is committed to initiating air service and has agreed to a number of provisions which include a terminal building for passenger security and comfort, snow removal for the runway, availability of a hangar and/or de-icing for aircraft and other communication tools such as the Automated Weather Observation System and the Remote Communications Outlet.

Service will begin with a 9 passenger Cessna Caravan. “The Caravan is a great turbine powered aircraft, and will be able to handle all of the baggage needs for our travelers,” states Rich Faletto, Sandpoint Air Service Committee member; “These are exciting times for our community and I have many friends and associates that will take advantage of the pledge ticket program now that we have a firm start date,” Faletto continued.

The Sandpoint Air Service committee is still accepting pledges for a limited time. To pre-purchase flight vouchers, contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at 208.263.0887.

About Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce
The mission of The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is to promote positive and responsible business development, to encourage community betterment and to enhance economic prosperity. Year-around, the Chamber engages in business development activities, information and public awareness campaigns, community affairs involvement, education activities and tourism marketing. With more than 600 members, the Chamber is the primary voice for business and economic development in Sandpoint and the surrounding communities.

About McCall Air
McCall Air is an Idaho based air carrier founded in 1976. With a fleet of twelve aircraft, McCall Air specializes in charters to the Idaho and Montana backcountry. The company currently operates passenger service facilities in McCall, Boise and Salmon, Idaho.