Lambert Airport moves closer to China Hub deal
KMOX
September 9, 2010
Lambert Airport's courtship with China appears to be getting serious.
Mike Jones, Chairman of the Midwest China Hub Commission, says after two years of talks, it comes down to a big visit next month.
A technical team of Chinese officials is scheduled to tour the proposed cargo hub site, and Jones sees significance in the type of team being sent.
If you really want a strong buy signal, the fact that they're sending a high-level, technical team to St. Louis, not a political , ceremonial team is I think the strongest signal we could ask for," Jones said.
Jones expects the Chinese delegation to spell out what they like and don't like about the Lambert site.
We're going to hear, yes, you have what we could use, but, Jones said," and the but could be small. It could be medium sized.
Right now, Jones says Lambert has the capacity to handle 2-3 flights Chinese cargo flights a week. Eventually, the goal is to expand the capacity to a much higher level. Discussions during the October visit are likely to include what type of investment in infrastructure at Lambert the Chinese could expect from the airport, the region and the state.
When asked about possible competition from Mid-America Airport in Mascoutah, where a Chinese cargo plane landed last month in a test flight, Jones says there is no rivalry over China.
Mid-America's looking for a girlfriend, Jones said, Lambert's looking for a wife.
If all goes well, Jones says the wedding could take place as soon as early next year.
