Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) taps Hiltachk Marketing Group and BLAZE PR to deliver on marketing and outreach objectives

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a thorough RFP review process for new marketing expertise, Santa Barbara Airport has landed on the selection of Hiltachk Marketing Group and locally-based BLAZE PR to support their goal of increasing outbound resident passenger traffic from SBA, California's largest airport between Los Angeles and San Jose.

According to the Airport, the Hiltachk/BLAZE team was selected due to their understanding of the specific challenges the Airport faces. "We appreciate their thoughtful approach to really getting to the core of what we need to do as an airport in order to convert residents into resident travelers," stated Deanna Zachrisson, SBA's Business Development Manager.

With founder Kimberlie Hiltachk at the helm, Hiltachk Marketing Group has been successfully driving awareness and outbound passenger traffic at Sacramento International Airport since 2010. Their success stems from their intimate knowledge of the aviation industry and a keen understanding of how to most effectively land targeted information with specific traveler groups when they are most likely to book a trip.  

"From a marketing perspective there is nothing to spin with Santa Barbara Airport," stated Hiltachk. "The Airport offers unparalleled conveniences in a new airline terminal specifically designed to scale with increased passenger demand. And the new, larger Boeing 737 and Airbus 319-320 class aircraft serving SBA are contributing to double-digit passenger growth.  SBA has built it, now it's our job to ensure they come."

According to Hiltachk, much effort will be focused on appealing to local travelers with real-world comparisons of the benefits of departing from your local airport vs. the costs in time, money and aggravation inherent with choosing a more distant, larger airport such as Los Angeles or Burbank. "It's psychological consumerism. Travelers too often make a ticket purchase based on number of stops and price. We tend to forget that driving or taking a bus nearly 100 miles south on congested freeways comes at a significant personal and pocketbook cost," added Hiltachk. 

For BLAZE PR, representing SBA sits close to home. With an office in Santa Barbara, the agency has a longstanding relationship with the airport. "We are thrilled to be able to support the airport's goals," stated Erinn Lynch, VP of BLAZE PR. "As local residents, it behooves us to use SBA and root for its continued success. Increased outbound traffic begets bigger planes, new carriers and destinations and price reductions. It's a win-win for all of us."

ABOUT SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT
Santa Barbara Airport served nearly 700,000 passengers in 2016 and is the 13^th largest airport in California. SBA's architecturally-praised and LEED certified new airline terminal opened in 2011 and features state-of-the-art amenities and efficient passenger security screening. The Airport is served by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines with 22 daily departures to seven non-stop destinations – Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. The Airport resides on the site of a former World War II Marine Air Station, next to the Pacific Ocean and the University of California at Santa Barbara, and is conveniently located just 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara.  SBA is a self-sustaining enterprise operated by the City of Santa Barbara.

ABOUT HILTACHK MARKETING GROUP
Hiltachk Marketing Group is based in Sacramento, California and offers a strategic and nimble approach to brand advertising.  Since 2008, HMG has worked with local, national and international brands, including airports and destinations, bringing their stories to life and, most importantly, moving consumers to action.

ABOUT BLAZE PR
BLAZE PR is the go-to partner for lifestyle brands hungry for a real piece of the marketshare. Fresh and seasoned, the boutique agency is comprised of veteran practitioners who stay one step ahead of trends and will not rest on the laurels of past successes. BLAZE puts the strategy back in PR. Their media strategies are meaty, creative and on-point, backed by a thoughtful process that considers the particular world of each brand.

Media Contact:
Erinn Lynch
[email protected]
805-570-0990

SOURCE Blaze Company

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