MARION (WSIL) -- Cape Air held an open house Tuesday at Veterans Airport to unveil its new aircraft.
"This airplane is superior to our other older airplanes," said Cape Air pilot Michael Rossi.
The new Tecnam Traveller has city officials excited.
"We're trying to recruit new businesses to the area, and what--have--you makes them a lot easier for them to get here and take a look at us and visit and so forth," said Herrin Mayor Steve Frattini.
The upgrades in this new aircraft are about comfort and convenience.
"We have nine passenger seats instead of eight in the old plane, and we have nice Italian leather seats. We have air conditioning, so in the summer, you're not going to be sweating in the airplane," said Rossi.
There's also heating for the winter time and charging ports for cellphones. The new plane also brings opportunities for new businesses.
"You know, to see this facility, this new terminal out here with these new planes, and see that you can be connected now to the world not only through St. Louis, but Nashville, all these new planes. So, it'll be quite impressive for someone coming into our region," said REDCO chairman Brian Ziegler.
"The plane being nine seats, we're going to be able to get more people back and forth and help people get to their destinations, wherever they may be," said Rossi.
Flights to St. Louis in the new aircraft begin Wednesday.
