by Hannah Olson | photo courtesy of Cape Air

Billings is known as Montana’s trailhead for many reasons. As the city serves a pivotal role as the gateway to much of the rest of the state and region, locals and visitors alike come for the many amenities of Billings and the numerous ways it connects to the rest of Montana and beyond. As the hub for travel, retail, business, sports and recreation, entertainment, and medical care, Billings is the economic nucleus for the region, making it an essential destination for many. Because Montana boasts such a vast geographical area, traveling across the state can be daunting and time-consuming.

Fortunately, there are affordable and accessible solutions for many that remove the burden from long journeys across Montana. For travelers seeking seamless connections to Montana's rural communities, Cape Air stands as an emblem of convenience and comfort, offering an unparalleled flying experience that transcends mere transportation. As America's premier commuter airline, Cape Air has been steadfast in its commitment to providing swift, reliable, and enjoyable air travel since its inception in 1989.

From Small Beginnings to Great Heights

From its humble beginnings with a single flight between Boston and Provincetown, Cape Air has soared to new heights, now serving 32 cities across the United States and the Caribbean. With a fleet of 98 aircraft and a team of dedicated professionals numbering 640 strong, Cape Air epitomizes the pinnacle of commuter air service, ferrying nearly 400,000 passengers annually to their desired destinations.

What sets Cape Air apart is not just its expansive network or its fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft but its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Cape Air's ethos revolves around making its customers happy while ensuring a delightful journey every step of the way.

Streamlining Travel Costs & Time: Cape Air's Advantage

For Montanans, Cape Air serves as a vital lifeline to connectivity, offering flights out of Billings to and from Glasgow, Wolf Point, Sidney, Havre, and Glendive starting at a remarkable $39. Since 2013, Cape Air has played an indispensable role in Montana's transportation infrastructure by providing Essential Air Service (EAS) to these five eastern Montana communities through a subsidized program maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

These flights facilitate essential travel and open up opportunities for day trips, allowing residents and visitors alike to explore the beauty of rural Montana without the constraints of lengthy road journeys. With Cape Air's convenient flight schedules and swift air travel, passengers can embark on round-trip adventures to these destinations within a day, saving valuable time and eliminating the need for costly overnight accommodations. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for travelers seeking business opportunities, visiting family, or accessing Montana's medical hub for necessary healthcare.

By opting for air travel over driving long distances, passengers can maximize their time at each destination while minimizing the hassle and expense associated with traditional modes of transportation. Additionally, passengers from the small communities flying into Billings can seamlessly connect to a multitude of other airlines, expanding their travel options to destinations worldwide without the need to drive to a larger airport several hours away, to begin with. Whether it's a spontaneous getaway or a planned excursion, Cape Air's flights from Billings offer a convenient and affordable means of exploring Montana while providing easy access to global destinations.

Flights and Fleet Designed for Commuter Comfort

At the heart of Cape Air's commitment to excellence lies its fleet of aircraft, including the revolutionary Tecnam P2012 Traveller. Custom-designed for commuter air service, the Tecnam P2012 Traveller embodies a fusion of safety, comfort, and innovation. With features such as Italian leather seats, air conditioning, LED lighting, and USB ports, every aspect of the passenger experience has been meticulously crafted to offer the utmost convenience and luxury.

Moreover, Cape Air's partnership with major airlines ensures seamless connections and money-saving joint fares for passengers, further enhancing the travel experience. Whether you're embarking on a journey to explore Montana's rugged landscapes or jetting off to exotic Caribbean locales, Cape Air's world-class distribution ensures that your travel plans unfold seamlessly every step of the way.

Celebrating 35 Years of Connectivity

As Cape Air embarks on its 35th year of service, the commuter airline remains steadfast in its commitment to providing dependable air service to communities across the United States. With a resounding vote of confidence from the Montana EAS Task Force and glowing endorsements from community leaders, Cape Air looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence for years to come.

So, whether you're a resident of Billings or a visitor eager to explore Montana's hidden gems, look no further than Cape Air for your travel needs. With a promise to make its customers happy and have a good time doing it, Cape Air invites you to experience the convenience, comfort, and camaraderie that defines the essence of flying

Originally printed in the Month 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Read this article in our digital edition of Simply Local here!

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