The Ark-La-Tex Regional Air Service (RASA) has been instrumental in creating direct air flights from Shreveport Regional Airport (SRA) to Denver, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando/Sanford, Destin, and recently Chicago.
RASA was chartered in January 2012 as a Louisiana nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to increase air service by providing payment incentives to airline carriers for expanding service in the Shreveport market.
RASA’s major funding source is the Shreveport-Bossier City hotel occupancy tax, which became effective in November 2015 and expires in June 2027.
In November 2024 RASA entered into a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) agreement with Allegiant Air, LLC to provide nonstop service to Nashville for May through August 2025 and May through August 2026. The maximum payout per service period is $521, 472 and RASA agreed to spend $100,00 to advertise this new route.
To gain the direct flights to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, RASA entered into a MRG with United Airlines for two years with guaranteed cap of $4 million. This twice-a-week flight has been very successful, sometimes flying three times a week in a larger plane.
These revenue agreements are confidential, and the actual amounts paid to Allegiant and for other direct airline services is not subject to public disclosure for competition reasons.
A December 31, 2025 Financial Statement listed net assets of $5,719,938.
In 2025 RASA paid $671,998 for air service incentives and support.
Since its creation RASA has increased the direct flights from SRA from four non-stops and that number will rise to ten on Oct. 25, 2026.
RASA and its board of directors headed up by president Tim Wilhite are to be commended for their great work that benefits northwest Louisiana.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.