On Saturday, flights through ViaAir to Baltimore from Bridgeport and back began. Today, those flights continued and the first flight to Charlotte from the North Central West Virginia Airport also took place.

 

So far, so good, according to NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock.

 

“We had a group of airport officials on the first flight Saturday. We took the crew up to check out the process involved and to see their team in action. I was pleased with what I saw and even though I had few if any concerns, they were erased,” said Rock. “What was really impressive is that the group cares about customer service and making sure passengers has as much as a hassle-free experience as possible.”

 

Rock said that the flights weren’t full over the weekend or to Charlotte today, but expects the numbers to grow as a full scale marketing blitz will soon begin. He added that, as of this morning, more than 750 tickets have been sold, which was usually a higher number than the previous daily flight provider – Silver Airlines – would do in a month.

 

“I think you’ll see this used for multiple things. There were people coming back to Bridgeport that were actually going to the Mountaineer game,” said Rock. “It was 45 minutes with a complimentary beverage and snack service. I was happy with the experience and I feel confident those utilizing the service will feel the same.”

 

Via Air is the new daily service provider to Baltimore-Washington International Airport that is being subsidized by the FAA through the Essential Air Service program to the tune of more than $2 million. Rock and airport officials were also able to get four flights weekly to and from Charlotte in the deal as well.

 

Rock said recently at a Bridgeport City Council meeting where he addressed that governing body that he’s working with another airport about possibly working through them to get at least another flight to Charlotte. If it works, it would also provide another stopping point for passengers.

 

According to Rock, he’s only in the discussion phase with Via Airlines and the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport that could possibly see an additional flight to Charlotte and perhaps an additional flight to Baltimore, but it would require a stop at the SVRA. The SVRA would then become an available flight option to flyers, which is near Staunton, to go to various places in that section of Virginia.

 

“The big thing is to get additional flights through their EAS situation with Via to Charlotte and Baltimore. The added bonus is that, yes, you would have a flight going to that area of Virginia,” said Rock. “There are discussions we’ve had with Shenandoah Valley and Via so there’s not a done deal or anything close, but it’s part of the out of the box thinking we’re trying to do to get as many flights in and out of the airport as possible.”

 

Rock said it is part of the “throwing good ideas up knowing a few will stick” mentality that has served the airport well. He ended by saying the airport will look to continue its flights to Orlando and have service again next year to Myrtle Beach. Rock added that he hopes those services can be extended and other services offered through Allegiant.

 

To book existing flights, visit ViaAir's Web site by clicking HERE.