KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Cape Air hopes to stay in Kirksville for another four years. That's the news that was announced Thursday during the company's meeting with Kirksville's Airport and Transportation Commission.

The commercial airliner is the only company that submitted a proposal to the US Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service Program, asking for a four-year contract extension with a $1.6 million annual subsidy.

"We've been honored to serve Kirksville for the last almost two years," said Andrew Bonney, Vice President of Planning for Cape Air. "We're very pleased with the community support that we've received. And we'd love to continue for the next four year term."

"With the success that we've seen at the airport with Cape Air, a 4-year contract just makes good sense," said David Hall, Kirksville Regional Airport Director. "We can invest in marketing their service out of Kirksville Regional Airport and they can invest in community more. "

Cape Air's current contract included a $1.4 million subsidy. Andrew Bonney, Cape Air's Vice President of Planning said the increase in subsidy is due to higher fuel costs.

The company also plans to change its flight schedule to make it more convenient for passengers flying during the weekend.

"For weekend service, we will be adding a fourth flight on Sundays to make the schedule even more convenient by reducing the Saturday schedule to two flights per day, both ways," said Bonney. "We've now spaced out the flights differently so that they'll be well-timed. That change will be effective in early September and out for sale sometime in August. So great things to come to Kirksville. "

Kirksville Regional Airport Director David Hall said the airport's passengers per month have quadrupled since Cape Air took over; its contract is up in September. The US Department of Transportation has to approve the latest proposal from Cape Air.