No Miranda Lambert or Jay-Z, but NCWV Airport Has Visitor Last Week with Possible Huge Implications
By Jeff Toquinto on January 21, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It wasn’t Miranda Lambert. It wasn’t Jay Z or Beyonce or any number of famous Big 12 coaches either. But last week’s visitor to the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport may be the most important – at least from an air service standpoint.
On very short notice, NCWV Airport officials learned that Steven Harfst was on the flight last Thursday heading to Bridgeport. While the 
name might not light up a Google search like Miranda Lambert, it’s certainly important. Harfst is the Chief Operational Officer of Allegiant Airlines.
name might not light up a Google search like Miranda Lambert, it’s certainly important. Harfst is the Chief Operational Officer of Allegiant Airlines.
“It was nice to see the leadership of Allegiant come in and take interest in our operations here,” said NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock. Following today’s meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority – the airport’s governing body. “He came in and viewed what we were doing and then he took the flight that departed out.”
And how was his experience?
“I’m pretty sure he was pleased and I’m pretty sure it was to see how quick and how efficient we were,” said Rock. “He just said ‘quick turnaround. You get them in and out of here quickly.’ That’s exactly what we wanted him to say because that speaks volumes for what they want and what we want.”
For those that may not know, Allegiant is the airline that provides twice weekly low fare jet service to the Orlando area with direct flights 
to and from Bridgeport. In 2014, more than 13,000 people flew the direct flight and the company also offers other direct destination flight services; several of which Rock said NCWV officials have been negotiating with for more than a year hoping to acquire.
to and from Bridgeport. In 2014, more than 13,000 people flew the direct flight and the company also offers other direct destination flight services; several of which Rock said NCWV officials have been negotiating with for more than a year hoping to acquire.
“They know we’re interested in additional flight,” said Rock, who added that Harfst has been to the airport before. “Certainly we’re trying to add Myrtle Beach, but we want whatever we can get that this market will support and that Allegiant will agree to.
“ … There’s a lot of data available showing that the Tampa area, where they also have direct flight service to, shows 20,000 former Mountaineers living there and in the Fort Lauderdale area,” Rock continued. “I can’t say we’ll get a flight to either place or any other place, but I can tell you that I believe what happened last week didn’t hurt our effort and, in fact, enhanced them.”
The Allegiant flight continues to be popular. Rock said it’s up 3 percent from the same time last year.
“It just continues to do well,” he said.
Rock also said that a recent flight problem where more than 1400 flights were canceled and involved flights from Allegiant created hardships for many travelers, including those using the Bridgeport flight. While Allegiant is technically a tenant and handles their service, Rock said they did do their best to try and help alleviate the issues that arose.
“No one wants a bad experience, but that’s the only major flight issue we’ve had with Allegiant since they’ve been with us,” said Rock.
Many on social media were dismayed with Allegiant’s efforts on finding ways home. Authority President and Harrison County Commissioner Ron Watson said that when those problems happen that the result is that heat is going to be taken.
“We have no control over the customer service of any of our tenants or any type of attitude that may be experienced, but we understand we’re going to get the heat for that and since they’re in our airport it’s a concern,” said Watson, who was talking about tenants in general.
As for other business today, the Airport Authority:
- Named its new officers for 2015. Watson will remain as president with Marion County Commissioner Ernie VanGilder as vice president. Dean Ramsey will maintain his role as secretary, while Rock will continue to serve as treasurer. Four commissioners – two each from Marion and Harrison counties – will be joined by former Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie on the airport’s executive committee.
- Heard from Donald Trisel, the interim dean for the College of Science and Technology at Fairmont State University about creating partnerships, internships and other opportunities with the airport. Trisel touted FSU’s flight training program.
- Listened to a presentation from Kayla Grant representing the SpringHill and TownPlace Suites by Marriott that is in Bridgeport. She gave an overview of both properties, including the soon-to-open SpringHill Suites.
- Was told by Rock that the enplanement numbers from 2014 were “one of the best years since 1980.” The airport unofficially had 22,765 people fly out of Bridgeport last year. The number still has to be certified by the FAA.
- Heard a report on various initiatives and updates from Tom Stose, who is the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock addressing the Airport Authority during today's meeting. Middle photo is of Authority member and former Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie, who was re-appointed to the Authority's executive committee. In the bottom photo, Kayla Grant was one of several individuals that made a presentation during the monthly meeting.
