RFD may announce new warm-weather destination as early as Friday

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

Chicago Rockford International Airport could announce new seasonal service to a popular southern destination as early as Friday.

Airport Executive Director Bob O’Brien said tonight he is “96 percent” sure an airline will start the route. He said it’s to a destination more than 2,500 people have e-mailed him about recently and that many of them have condos there.

O’Brien wouldn’t say it was the Fort Myers, Fla., area tonight, but has previously said 2,500 people have e-mailed him about prospective service to there.

Those 2,500 people likely would get first crack at tickets when they go on sale through an e-mail from the airline.

O’Brien said the route would be from December through early spring.

He also said if there is enough interest in the new route, it could lead to more flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C., next spring.

Tonight, officials from the airport, Carnival Cruise Lines and AAA Chicago told about 200 people about possible air/cruise deals from Rockford. O’Brien said if there is enough interest, the airport hopes to offer flights to Carnival ports in New Orleans; New York; Melbourne, Fla.; and/or Norfolk, Va., between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

He also wants to offer one- and two-day trips to those destinations or other places.

Carnival Business Development Director Tom Panici said the cruise line wants to link airport passengers to its cruises. He said if the airport can get flights to work, he’ll line up cruise packages.

Those interested in the day trip or cruise program should e-mail mlhaan@aaachicago.com or call AAA Rockford at 815-636-9050.