Economic Development Department Expresses Optimism Over Future Of American Airlines Base At KCI

The American Airlines decision regarding operations at Lambert Field in St. Louis has a lot of people asking about the future of American’s overhaul base at Kansas City International Airport. Economic Development Director Joe Driskill says Kansas City and the state are working together to try to convince American that it should consolidate at KCI, rather than accept offers from airports in Tulsa and Fort Worth. Kansas City’s offer includes up to $200-Million in revenue bonds for the airline. Driskill says the state is offering incentives, as well, but he won’t go into details. About 2,300 people are employed at the KCI facility.