NCWV Airport Authority President: Fares for Likely New Daily Air Service Provider to be "Really Cheap"
By Jeff Toquinto on August 18, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It still needs to be officially approved by the FAA, but it appears that the newest daily air service provider could be in place – as hoped for – by Oct. 1 at the North Central West Virginia Airport. On Wednesday, the Benedum Airport Authority heard from NCWV Executive 
Director Rick Rock on the status of Via Air going on line.
Director Rick Rock on the status of Via Air going on line.
“We’re literally just waiting for a few signatures to be signed. It could become official today or in a month, but we’re hoping that it will be soon,” said Rock.
On June 14 the Authority – the airport’s governing body – agreed to recommend to choose Via Air as the new daily service provider through the FAA’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The EAS provides a federal subsidy to rural airports for daily flight service to major hubs.
In May, the Authority reviewed six bids from airlines looking to provide the daily service and be funded by EAS. Along with Via and the current carrier Silver, there were bids from four others. Those airlines that bid included ADI, Boutique, CFM, and Southern.
Eventually, the Authority was sold on Via’s track record of on-time flights, which is something the current carrier Silver has struggled with, as well as that Via will use a 30-seat Embraer 120 Brasilia aircraft. It is a turbo prop plane. Also, Via required one of the lowest E
AS subsidies – at $2.1 million. Silver, the current provider, is at $2.3 million.
AS subsidies – at $2.1 million. Silver, the current provider, is at $2.3 million.
The Authority also was sold on two additional things. Via will have daily flights to Baltimore and also additional flights, although not daily, to Charlotte. The other benefit, which hasn’t been revealed or perhaps fully negotiated, are prices. Ticket fares, according to those involved, will be substantially lower and will be low enough for individuals to consider a daily trip to Baltimore where they can take a rail to New York, Philadelphia or other venues.
“These are going to be really, really, really good fares, particularly at the start,” said Authority President and Harrison County Commissioner Ron Watson. “I can envision a lot of people taking off a day and as a recreational experience to fly and go into Baltimore because it’s going to be a cheap, cheap, cheap fare into Baltimore. It’s also going to be a cheap fare for those wanting to fly into Charlotte.”
Rock echoed much of what Watson said.
“We think these are going to be good fares for the leisure travel and there will be some really good fares on the corporate level as well,” said Rock. “ … I think people will be very happy once they see the fares. It will drive people to our airport.”
Rock said he would have preferred to have had a 90-day window from the FAA’s official awarding of Via prior to the planned Oct. 1 start. However, he said that Via “wanted to start a month ago.” The Oct. 1 date is not an arbitrary one. The EAS contract with Silver ends Sept. 30.
If, and when, Via begins operations, Watson said the traveling public will now have the best options they’ve had in a long time. And not just out of Bridgeport.
“Those going to Baltimore can connect with Southwest gates, which I believe are about 70 percent of the gates in Baltimore. If you’re not happy with what we offer, you can still go to Charleston or Pittsburgh,” said Watson.
The goal, however, is to stop the travelers from heading either north or south. The Authority is hoping the hinted at low fares and connections in Baltimore and Charlotte will do that.
There will be 24 flights a week to Baltimore. Eight flights are planned for Charlotte.
In other business Wednesday, the Airport Authority:
- Heard from Tom Stose, the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center. Stose, whose educational training center is providing workers desperately needed at the aerospace complex on the airport grounds, said 27 new students have enrolled in classes. Stose also presented members of the Authority with West Virginia University plaques made by many of the displaced coal miners that have become involved with the program as a token of their appreciation for the Authority’s support.
- The airport has had 15,075 passengers through July 31, which secures $1 million in federal Airport Improvement Project (AIP) dollars. Rock said the numbers are slightly down this year, but that was due to a reflection in issues with Silver. He also said the extended extra weeks of the Myrtle Beach season should easily make up any declines.
- Heard from Tracy Miller of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex. The MAAC, which is the marketing arm of the aerospace companies at the facility, is currently redoing its Web site.
- Approved a contract to do promotional videos for Via Air so Rock said “the public can be educated” on their services once the FAA signs on the deal. The video deal is for $4,500 and is not to exceed $12,000. The deal, done through the Airport’s consultant Sixel, will bring the film maker in from Seattle and the cost over the $4,500 will partially cover expenses incurred.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Airport Authority President Ron Watson addressing the board, while Tom Stose talks about educational events at his facility. Bottom photo shows Authority member Randy Kerns holding a token of apprecitaion from miners taking classes at Stose's facility.
