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Council approves airport marketing incentive for new Akron‑Canton route using airport enterprise funds
Summary
Volusia County authorized a $150,000 per-airline incentive (maximum two years) drawn from airport enterprise revenue to support new commercial service to Akron‑Canton; staff said FAA rules govern use and require non‑discrimination among carriers.
The Volusia County Council approved a marketing incentive agreement July 22 to support a new commercial air route between Daytona Beach and Akron‑Canton (serving Cleveland/Akron area), a service that begins Sept. 3. The council voted 6–0 to authorize up to $150,000 for a new-market promotional pool that will come from the airport’s enterprise revenue fund, not the county’s general fund.
Cyrus Callum, with the county’s Aviation and Economic Resources division, told the council that the funds are commonly used to advertise new air service and that federal rules allow airports to use limited airport revenues to market new routes. He said the airport had negotiated with Akron‑Canton and carrier partners and that early bookings show community demand. He also reminded the council that the Federal Aviation Administration requires airports to treat new entrants consistently and not discriminate among air carriers; any incentive offered must be available to other qualifying new entrants.
Why it matters: The incentive is intended to promote booking and load factors on a new out‑of‑market route and to support the airport’s growth strategy. County leaders asked staff to confirm the funding source; Callum said funds are from the airport enterprise revenue fund and are not supported by general tax revenues.
Ending: The council approved the incentive package; staff will run marketing for the new service and report on ridership as service launches.
