When North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock travels to the occasional airport conference to meet with various air service providers, more often than not he’s not only representing the smallest airport in the room, he’s representing the smallest by far.

While that may make the effort by Rock and members of the Benedum Airport Authority’s efforts to secure yet another destination flight service from Bridgeport – the recently announced flights to Myrtle Beach – Rock is quick to point out that all of the effort in the world means nothing unless the public purchases tickets.

 

“We’re trying to build a solid foundation by continuing to be successful with our Orlando flight and backing up with what we told Allegiant about Myrtle Beach,” said Rock. “We told them we were positive it would be successful because the community has wanted it. Now, we just have to make sure the community is involved in what we’re trying to do to grow flight service.”

 

So far, so good. Rock said in the first week the public was aware of the new service – even without an advertising campaign lost – roughly 600 tickets were sold more than three months before the first flight.

 

It’s here where it’s not just Rock saying the community’s involvement is important for possibly adding future flights through Allegiant or perhaps another carrier. Rather, folks from Allegiant are saying it as well.

 

“We saw that the Orlando flight was a success and saw that there was demand for more great low-cost travel out of North Central West Virginia Airport so we figured why not offer this service to Myrtle Beach and see if the community will take advantage of it,” said Brandon Myers, Allegiant Public Relations Specialist.

 

Allegiant took advantage of the Orlando success by agreeing to give one of the smallest markets on its list of airports a chance at another route. Myers said that although there are no guarantees, the success of the Myrtle Beach flight could potentially lead to even more destination services.

 

“We’ll take (the potential success of Myrtle Beach) into consideration because, as mentioned, we seek opportunities. We’ll gauge the success of the route we’re adding and if we think there’s a demand for another route Allegiant offers I think this Myrtle Beach flight has shown we’re willing to take advantage of that.”

 

Where does that mean another route could end up?

 

Myers said the flights have to be wanted locally and have to make sense financially. With that in mind, any future fights would likely be based along the East Coast. Myers said some of the Florida destinations that might suit this area are the Tampa/St. Petersburg market as well as Fort Myers and the Punta Gorda region of the Sunshine State. Allegiant has also added a new route, he said, the flies into Georgia and services the Savannah and Hilton Head areas for those heading on vacations.

 

Of course, that doesn’t mean the NCWV wouldn’t add another low cost carrier to the lineup to go along with Allegiant and join the daily, federally subsidized essential air service flights from Silver Airlines to Washington’s Dulles International Airport. Right now, however, Rock said it’s important to work with what is in place.

 

“We’re so very appreciative of the relationship with Allegiant because it’s been a game changer, but we’ll work with anyone that can see what we have to offer,” said Rock. “We want to see the full potential of the airport and we truly believe this airport can sustain more flight service as long as it’s reasonably priced.”

 

That may sound odd considering the county that the airport is located in has just 68,000 people. However, within a 60-mile radius of the airport are 324,000 individuals and that is what the airport calls its “catchpin” area.

 

“With Allegiant, we’re actually drawing people from four states and people traveling for a few hours so we know we’re getting people from beyond that area,” said Rock. “We’ve been told they like the price of what Allegiant offers, the free parking, the customer service and getting off a plane and being in your car quicker than anywhere else.”

 

Rock said the goal of 20 minutes from departing the plane, getting your baggage and being on your way is something that is wanted with every flight. And it’s paying off.

 

“I’ve flown for years and one of the worst parts of the experience is getting off the plane, waiting for your luggage, going through multiple terminals and then having to walk forever to your car. That can be an hour or more experience,” said Rock. “Here, you’re off the plane and you’re one your way.

 

“Does that mean we’ll add additional destination? It doesn’t because there are no guarantees in this business and we’re competing against major players in a very competitive industry,” Rock continued. “You know what? I wouldn’t bet against us growing. I like our changes that we’ll continue to grow.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock and Benedum Airport Authority President Ron Watson during the recent Myrtle Beach announcement, while Allegiant's Brandon Myers is shown at the same conference. Watson is show in third photo with the unveiled Myrtle banner, while an Allegiant flight comes into Bridgeport in the bottom picture.