Be cautiously optimistic, but don't start scheduling for it.
Marshall may have a scheduled commercial air partner with service to Minneapolis with an American Indian-owned company based in North Dakota. It appears to be a strong possibility, but the city has some evaluating to do.
Indeed, Sovereign Air is not Northwest Airlines or even Sun Country. It's not big, and based on what we've heard from city officials and a Web site search, the company doesn't own any planes. It would need to contract with a company that owns planes.
But then, it may not be burdened by the financial challenges some of the larger airlines are now facing.
The city will likely incur some equipment and other related expense for required security at the municipal airport. There will also be requirements to train employees and firefighters specifically for airport emergencies.
Of course, the city knew about additional expenses and training when it began to pursue scheduled commercial air service several years ago.
But the economy is different now.
As city engineer Glenn Olson said at noon Rotary meeting Tuesday, the probability of air service to Minneapolis is a bit of a two-edged sword.
If we want it, it's going to cost us something.
But if we don't get it, there is a good chance it will still cost us something.
We live an increasingly mobile society. While technology allows us to communicate across the globe for personal and business use, people still need to meet with employees, visit a client or work a few days a week or month at the corporate or regional company headquarters.
We still take vacations and visit family and friends.
The prospect of walking into the Marshall municipal airport and completing a security check, flying into Minneapolis and then on to Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago or wherever without checking through security a second time, leaving your car in park-and-ride or spending a night in a Twin Cities hotel before your flight is encouraging.
Air service is a key component in economic development and quality of life.
If Sovereign Air proves to be a good partner, it may be too risky not to pursue the relationship.