A Pocatello-based jet charter service is set to begin offering flights between eastern and western Idaho next month, but only on a trial basis.
AvCenter will offer flights between Nampa and the Pocatello and Idaho Falls airports starting Oct. 8, said Wendy Harris, director of sales and marketing. The flights will cost $450 one way or $650 for a roundtrip. The flights will leave early in the morning and return in the evenings. Those interested in booking a flight can contact Harris or Melvin Wagoner at 208-234-2141.
Harris said they are planning to offer the service on a trial basis, but will likely continue the flights if there is enough of a demand. To help determine that, an online survey is now available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/VS79NNK.
Linda Martin, CEO of the economic development agency Grow Idaho Falls, which is working with AvCenter on the effort, said the 10-question survey will be available through at least Oct. 1.
“Each one of the questions tells us a piece of the puzzle,” Martin said, adding that the responses will help officials not only determine if there is a demand for the flights, but also shed some light on other important factors.
The survey asks participants how often they travel between eastern and western Idaho, what days they like to travel on, how much they would be willing to pay for the service, and the best locations for departures and arrivals, among other questions.
Martin said the flights could help state government and business officials who have to travel to the Boise area on a regular basis, especially since they could avoid long hours in the car, construction delays in the summer and slick roads in the winter.
“It’s nice to have an option,” she said.
The cost of flying on a small, luxury plane may be a bit more than people are used to, but Martin said it can also eliminate the need to stay in a hotel overnight and pay for multiple meals — both of which are often required on road trips.
Harris said AvCenter already offers flights all over the U.S. and Canada, but this service is different because it allows people to purchase an individual seat rather than charter the entire plane.
AvCenter plans to use a Beechcraft King Air B200 twin-turboprop plane for the flights. And officials there have said the small, luxury planes, which seat only eight, are easier to fill; that gives them an advantage over commercial planes that have tried to offer similar services.
Harris said they are planning to offer the flights three to four days a week during the trial period.