The data is in. And so is the sales pitch.

 

Now, for those wanting additional flights to Orlando and Myrtle Beach – as well as the possibility of destination flights elsewhere – the waiting games begin.

 

Earlier this month, North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock was in Las Vegas for the annual Allegiant Conference. The event ran from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4 and it wasn’t open to everyone.

 

“It’s an Allegiant member only airport conference. This isn’t for airports that don’t have service with Allegiant trying to get their service. This was only for those with existing service,” said Rock.

 

Rock said the goal of the conference is to allow airports to work with the leadership of Allegiant. They look at the results of operations from each airport whether it’s good, bad or ugly, he said.

 

“One you meet with the leaders in their organization at this conference you provided them with performance indicators such as cost, load factors, revenues and things of that nature and give you a grade,” said Rock. “The grades were no concern with how you’re doing operations, to some kind of concern or major concern.”

 

The good news?

 

“We’re at no concern as to how we’re doing operations. They’re happy with the last 12 months of flights from Bridgeport to Orlando and Myrtle Beach,” said Rock. “They enjoy partnering with us and it’s been a good relationship both ways.”

 

Of course, once the presentation was given on past performance and the grade of “no concern” presented, Rock said the conversation changed. And it changed to the desires of the airport.

 

“I was able to show them a true market study and also let them know about the number one thing that our community pointed out to me that they wanted,” said Rock. “It had to do with Myrtle Beach.”

 

This past year, the regular summer flight service to Myrtle Beach did not go into September as it has in the past. However, Allegiant did add three days of service from June through much of August as opposed to the two days.

 

“Myrtle Beach is a tremendous market for us and the numbers we were able to show during what they consider the peak summer months were solid. We talked about continuing the three flights during the peak season, but also about a longer period into what would be considered the offseason,” said Rock. “I let them know I was yelled at by members of our community for two months and I would like to see it extended. That’s on the table. Whether the desire our community has will make a difference remains to be seen.”

 

Rock said he also hopes additional flights will continue to Orlando and even an expansion of that flight. While nothing was confirmed on either of those two requests, he said both will be in place with Orlando ready to begin again and Myrtle Beach starting again in 2020.

 

As for new flights, Rock said several were pitched. However, he said the focus was on using data from the true market study to validate his requests. Again, the West Coast of Florida – the Tampa-St. Petersburg area – was discussed.

 

“The study shows after Orlando that’s our catch pin area’s top destination as far as travelers going to other airports to get there,” said Rock. “Third was southwest and south Florida. Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, and Miami. We suggested flights for both, but the strongest is the Tampa area.”

 

Rock said the true market study showed another area where local travelers head to on a regular basis. And this one may be a long shot, but it’s one Rock said he assure those involved this region would support.

 

“The market that showed up was Las Vegas. I feel like our team can get anything to work. We have the data showing it could work and I let them know that’s the case,” said Rock. “With all of these, nothing may happen, or something may happen and there’s no timetable on when they’ll let us know. There are a lot of factors involved and, outside of the fact this community has supported the flights and we can show them that, most of the other factors are outside of our control.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows passengers boarding an Allegiant flight in Bridgeport, while NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock is shown below at a past Airport Authority meeting.