Survey to Capture Billings’ Interest in Additional Air Service

Big Sky Economic Development this week released an
online survey to gauge business travelers’ interest in adding additional flights from Billings. The
organization recently hosted a 2-day tour for member investors and community leaders to the Bakken
oil fields in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota.

The tour served as a way to educate and
inform members of the Billings area on the economic impacts as a result of a growing energy sector. It
gave people a first-hand look at the potential opportunities, challenges, and successes as Montana
looks to further develop its natural resources.
One of the follow up items resulting from the tour was a lack of adequate transportation to the
region.

Big Sky Economic Development took this as an opportunity to approach Gulfstream
International Airlines about the possibility of expanding air service to include a direct flight from Billings
to Williston, ND. Currently, Gulfstream offers three direct flights daily (weekdays) from Billings to
Sidney.

The airline has expressed interest in the possibility of expanding the service but is in need of
some data to determine the feasibility of the new flight. Additionally, the survey gauges interest in
adding flights from Billings to Helena and Missoula.
Big Sky Economic Development is asking businesses to participate in a short survey to help
Gulfstream better understand the potential need for adding the service. The link to the survey is:
http://www.billingsairsurvey.com.

Big Sky Economic Development is a public-private partnership made up of two separate
organizations. Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA), the public agency, evolved from the
Montana TradePort Authority, launched in 1989, by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners
and is tasked with facilitating the development of business that supports our community and quality of
life. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the private business side, was started in 2002.

The EDC’s mission is to recruit primary sector businesses and retain and expand existing Yellowstone
County business that supports our community and quality of life. One hundred of the county’s top
businesses are member-investor partners in the EDC involved in recruitment, retention, legislative
issues and finance. For more information on Big Sky Economic Development, visit
http://www.bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org.