The goal of the Memphis International Airport (MEM) Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP) is to increase nonstop scheduled passenger air service and passenger traffic at MEM and to sustain the service over the long term.
The MEM ASIP is subject to change; any changes will be posted on this site at least thirty (30) days in advance of implementation.
General Guidelines
- Air Service Incentives (“Incentives”) are offered to any eligible air carrier announcing scheduled nonstop passenger service to an eligible market.
- Markets, both domestic and international, are considered served as soon as service is announced and/or loaded into schedules, whichever occurs first.
- New service must operate a minimum of two (2) roundtrip flights per week to be eligible for Incentives under the program.
- All conditions for receiving the Incentives will be documented in a legal agreement (“Incentive Agreement”) between the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (“MSCAA”) and the eligible air carrier. The Incentive Agreement is subject to final approval by the MSCAA.
- The maximum incentives available for new service are based on the initial service frequency proposed in the carrier’s Notice of Intent (or Application) and subsequently memorialized in the Incentive Agreement. Any increase in service frequency beyond the initially agreed-upon level will not automatically receive additional Incentives unless a separate amendment is negotiated and approved by MSCAA, subject to available budget.
- If the eligible air carrier does not meet the minimum service requirements, the MSCAA may immediately terminate all future Incentives. Upon such termination, the MSCAA shall have no further obligation to provide any Fee Waivers or Marketing Support funds, regardless of amounts originally specified in the Incentive Agreement. Fee Waivers already applied, and Marketing Support funds already disbursed shall remain with the carrier.
- Charter operations, including operators under 14 CFR Parts 121, 135 and 380, are not eligible for the program.
- Essential Air Service (“EAS”) markets, which are federally subsidized routes, are not eligible for the program.
- The MEM ASIP is subject to change; any changes will be posted on this site at least thirty (30) days in advance of implementation.
Summary of Available Incentives
The following chart summarizes the Incentives offered in the MEM ASIP. Details regarding eligibility, terms, and conditions are provided in the MEM ASIP document.
| # | Service Category | Eligibility Criteria | Fee Waivers | Marketing Support Category 1 5X+ Weekly | Marketing Support Category 2 2-4X+ Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Entrant Carrier | Currently Served Domestic or International | 100% for 1 year (initial 12 months) | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| 2 | New Service to Unserved Target Market | Domestic Unserved Target Market (SEA, SAN, SFO, IAD) | 100% for 2 years (initial 24 months) | $100,000 – Year 1 $50,000 – Year 2 | $50,000 |
| 3a | Domestic Unserved Market | Domestic Unserved Year-round Service (>7 months) | 100% for 2 years (initial 24 months) | $50,000 – Year 1 $25,000 – Year 2 | $25,000 – Year 1 $25,000 – Year 2 |
| 3b | Domestic Unserved Market | Domestic Unserved Seasonal Service (<7 months) | 100% for 3 years (initial 36 months) | $20,000 – Year 1 $15,000 – Year 2 $15,000 – Year 3 | $15,000 – Year 1 $10,000 – Year 2 $10,000 – Year 3 |
| 4 | Short-Haul International Unserved Market | International Unserved Short-Haul Market *Section 2.2b | 100% for 2 years (initial 24 months) | $150,000 – Year 1 $75,000 – Year 2 | $50,000 |
| 5 | Transatlantic International Unserved Market | International Unserved Transatlantic Market *Section 2.2b | 100% for 2 years (initial 24 months) | $500,000 – Year 1 $500,000 – Year 2 | $400,000 – Year 1 $300,000 – Year 2 |
- Currently Served Domestic Markets are eligible for Incentives from New Entrant Carriers only as part of the incentive to attract new carriers to MEM.
- Unserved Domestic Markets are any Domestic Markets that have not had scheduled nonstop service from MEM in the most recent twenty-four (24) months.
- Unserved International Markets are any International Markets that have not had scheduled nonstop service from MEM in the most recent twelve (12) months.
- Currently Served International Markets are eligible for Incentives from New Entrant Carriers only, as part of the incentive to enter the MEM market.
- “Year-Round” means service operated for a minimum of seven (7) months per year
- “Seasonal” means service operated for less than (7) months per year • Fee Waivers include both landing and terminal fees for specified duration
Contact Information
For questions regarding the MEM Air Service Incentive Program or to submit a Notice of Intent, please contact:
Primary Contact:
Director of Properties
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
2491 Winchester Road, Suite 113
Memphis, TN 38116
Phone: 901-922-8000
Email: airservice@flymemphis.com
Additional Contacts:
President/CEO or Vice President Finance & Administration/CFO
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Email: airservice@flymemphis.com
Program Process and Timeline
Participation in the MEM ASIP follows this timeline:
- Notice of Intent: Carriers submit formal Notice of Intent with required documentation. Carriers with existing public announcements must submit within 60 days of announcement.
- Agreement Execution: MSCAA reviews and provides draft agreement if approved. Parties execute final agreement within 60 days of approval.
- Service Commencement: Begin service within 180 days (domestic/short haul) or 270 days (transatlantic) of agreement execution
- Ongoing Compliance: Submit required reports and maintain service standards throughout incentive period
Notice of Intent
An air carrier must notify MSCAA within sixty (60) days of public announcement of eligible service of its intention to enter into an Incentive Agreement. The Notice of Intent must be submitted in writing to one of the following:
- President/CEO, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
- Vice President Finance & Administration/CFO
- Director of Properties
Email submission is acceptable to: airservice@flymemphis.com
Program Termination
The MSCAA reserves the right to terminate this program at any time and for any reason, at its sole discretion, by posting notice of such termination on this site. The termination shall be effective as of the date posted.