Earlier this week, the North Central West Virginia Airport received news regarding the possibility of a direct flight starting in 2015 between Bridgeport and Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately, the news of that flight hosted by Allegiant wasn’t the news many were hoping for.

 

“We were told through correspondence with our consultant that for 2015 there won’t be a direct flight that we’ve been working toward trying to obtain,” said NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock.  “Certainly, this isn’t what we were hoping to hear. We were somewhat optimistic that we would be able to land the service.”

 

Rock’s optimism isn’t blind optimism. In fact, it’s based on the existing Allegiant flight between Bridgeport and Orlando. The first rotation of flights saw capacity just above 90 percent and the Bridgeport market actually outperforming nearly every other market that has the direct flight. The second rotation of flights is already off to a strong start, which he was hoping would bode well for the airport’s chances.

 

“Our last Sunday flight we were actually at 100 percent capacity,” said Rock. “We’ve shown that we have a market here and that we’re drawing from our own state as well as Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio.”

 

While Rock said the correspondence wasn’t positive, he said it isn’t all gloom and doom. In fact, he said they didn’t shut the door on the flight in the future.

 

“They tell us that their plans and flight schedule for 2015 is set, but that that we’ll be considered in 2016,” said Rock. “If we can take something positive out of it, that statement is it.”

 

In the meantime Rock said he will work with the Benedum Airport Authority – the airport’s governing body – to try and make sure the flight comes here in 2016. And, he said he’s not yet completely thrown the towel in on this coming year.

 

“I actually know the person that signed off on this letter … I’m going to see what I can do and reach out to him. The worst thing that will happen is that nothing changes and that means we’re no worse off than before,” said Rock.

 

Rock said he still believes Allegiant is happy with the NCWV Airport. He said the decision probably came down to market size and other factors that he and others had to fight against to get the Orlando flight.

 

“It’s competitive and the market for that flight is very competitive. They only have so many planes and they probably have people that meet to discuss what their best opportunities are,” said Rock. “Their goal is to maximize revenue and they see that, now, as being able to be done from different locations. We have to be of the mindset if we can’t change their minds for this coming year, how we can better show them that if they expand and have growth with the Myrtle Beach flight in 2016 why we’re a good fit. If I can’t get them to change their minds this year, we want to be at the top of the list for a new service in 2016.”

 

Rock said the best thing the airport can do is to continue to see big numbers on the Orlando flight. He said thanks to the public’s buy in, Bridgeport has the attention of Allegiant.

 

“Maybe they will consider other flights, but Myrtle Beach is the one that most of those contacting us wanted and was likely our best option. Still, I’ll take others they have and I think we can make it work as long as it’s to a destination area,” said Rock. “I’m greedy and I want them all for our flight, but if we can show continued success to Orlando it’s going to eventually create an opportunity to a Myrtle Beach or another destination.”