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City of Chico

Air Service Development

NOW IS THE TIME!

NOW IS THE TIME!

Commercial Air Service is Closer Than Ever in Chico
Chico is competing with airports across the country for airline attention and long-term commitment. Launching and sustaining commercial air service is a major investment, and airlines seek communities that can reduce financial risk and clearly demonstrate strong market potential.
 
Thanks to outstanding community support, we have exceeded our original $1.5 million fundraising goal and are now nearing $2 million. This remarkable achievement shows just how committed Chico is to restoring commercial air service—and the airlines are taking notice.
 
We are now in active discussions with several airlines, and interest in serving Chico is higher than ever. Since losing service in 2014, we’ve never been closer to bringing flights back to Chico Regional Airport (KCIC).
Air service is about more than just flights—it’s about connection, opportunity, and growth. In today’s world, a community must be connected to thrive. Many residents and business leaders agree: the lack of commercial air service has limited Chico’s long-term potential. Restoring air service will open doors for travel, investment, and professional talent.
 
Businesses will benefit, especially when it comes to recruiting new talent and expanding into broader markets. Air service is a key driver of economic success.
Since 2014, the City of Chico and its partners have worked relentlessly to reposition Chico Regional Airport as a premier air gateway for the North State. These efforts have made KCIC a front-runner in the race to restore regional commercial air service.
 
Now, with unprecedented airline interest and record-level community support, we are closer than ever to achieving this long-awaited goal.
 
Join us as we turn the page to Chico’s next chapter—connected, competitive, and ready for takeoff.
 
Tom Bahr, City of Chico Airport Manager

Check out Chico Regional Airport's Air Service Brochure

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Preview and download a copy of the Brochure Chico Regional Airport uses in its air service fundraising activities
Become a Chico Regional Airport Supporter

Chico Regional Airport is building a competitive, comprehensive incentive program to encourage an airline to begin flying from Chico. In order to bring the airlines to Chico, we are in need of community and business support.
Become a Chico Regional Airport Supporter

Contribute to the Revenue Guarantee Fund

The City of Chico, the airport, and community partners utilize a Revenue Guarantee Fund to incentivize an airline to launch commercial airline service. The funding will be a mix of local support and a $1,000,000 federal grant provided to the City of Chico by the Department of Transportation. As of now, this fund has surpassed the $800,000 mark of its $1,500,000 goal.
 
To learn more about how you can contribute please visit the Revenue Guarantee Fund page or contact the Airport Manager

Sign a Letter of Support

To prove a vested community interest in air service, airlines often seek the support and endorsement of prominent community members.
 
Sign a copy of the letter and mail it to the Airport Manager's Office

Become a Community Partner

Organizations within the Greater Chico Cachement Area can help benefit the cause for air service at Chico Regional Airport by becoming a community partner.
 
To learn more about this, please contact the Airport Manager

Learn More

To schedule a presentation or a one-on-one meeting to discuss your support, contact Airport Manager, Tom Bahr:
 
(530) 896-7216

Tom.Bahr@chicoca.gov
What is the airline incentive program?

What is the airline incentive program?

A combination of government and community support in addition to airline risk mitigation incentive packages, the airline incentive program is a package intended to attract air service with a targeted fundraising goal of $1.5 million.
 
  1. Fee Waivers: By waiving many of the fees associated with air service, carriers have much greater incentive to operate in a given city.
  2. DOT SCASDP Grant: Awarded to Chico in 2021 by the Department of Transportation, the Small Community Air Service Development Program grant worth $1,000,000 helps small communities like Chico address their needs for air service.
  3. Revenue Guarantee Fund: The revenue guarantee fund is a community supported fund operated through our local partners. It is composed of direct financial contributions through both our community partners and generous members of the local community.
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