MARION - Although Cape Air's first departure to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport from Williamson County Regional Airport is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. Sunday, it looks like good news is already taxiing in.

Airport manager Doug Kimmel said Friday he received word the Massachusetts-based carrier will have a codeshare agreement officially available in April with American Airlines.

"That's always been our query of any proposal we've received for service here. They (Cape Air) have been working behind the scenes to get this addressed," Kimmel said.

The codeshare agreement will allow Cape Air passengers here to book flights and make other arrangements through American Airlines' reservation system.

In addition to providing a travel convenience for passengers departing from here, it also enhances greater visibility for Williamson County Regional Airport. People flying American Airlines from other destinations will now have access to a direct connection to Southern Illinois. That has been proven to increase the number of passengers who disembark at smaller airports such Williamson County, Kimmel said.

"This kicks us up a notch to be accessible and visible to the traveling public," Kimmel said.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he was pleased.

"Having a codeshare agreement with American Airlines already in place shows Cape Air's commitment to restoring reliable air service to Marion," said Durbin in a news release.

Durbin and U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, lobbied Department of Transportation officials during the summer for new airline service here as a way to increase ridership numbers that correlates with federal funding for the airport.

Williamson County Treasurer Bruce Troutman immediately booked a flight from Williamson County on Oct. 23 when news was reported that Cape Air had been selected to service it.

He said a Cape Air reservation specialist went "above and beyond" to help him book a flight with an American Airlines connection from St. Louis even though no information had been posted yet on the Cape Air Web site.

scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com

618-351-5076