JmstnAirport3Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Oct 10, 2013) — Boardings at Jamestown Regional Airport, jumped in September this year.

Manager, Matt Leitner says September’s boardings were up 49 percent, over September of 2012, from 171 to 253. He said that was the highest number of boardings for a September, and the second highest number of boardings this year.

He pointed out that the tower for the new airport beacon has arrived on site, and is expected to be installed this Monday. The present beacon, 71 years old will be sent to the Bismarck Air Museum, that is yet to be constructed.

He added that the new runway lighting is installed and will be adjusted.

Leitner said the spring of 2014 is the target date to start construction of nine hangars the first phase of new hangar construction. Current the project is in the planning and design phase, and includes ramp and other lighting.

He said the Requests For Proposals for an Essential Air Service carrier for Jamestown will go out at the end of this month.

The carrier would be in place for Jamestown by March 31, 2014. The selected carrier, if different than the present carrier, Great Lakes Airlines, would then have 30 days to have such items as new signage, in place.

He said Great Lakes Airlines may continue, or another carrier could take its place, depending on which airline is selected, under a new contract.