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North Central West Virginia Airport News:
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RNCWV Airport welcomes commuter airline
Colgan Air returns to area, now serving six cities in state
By Jessica Legge
Times West Virginian
BRIDGEPORT — People “mixed and mingled” at the North Central West Virginia Airport, the former Harrison-Marion Regional Airport, Monday to celebrate the airport’s new commercial passenger airline.
Today, US Airways Express by Colgan Air will begin service to Pittsburgh International Airport. As the airport’s new commuter airline, Colgan Air takes the place of RegionsAir.
More than 400 business people, county leaders and community members packed the Aero Club Restaurant, located on the airport’s second floor overlooking the 7,000-foot runway, for the “Wine Tasting” event Monday night.
Lambert’s Vintage Wines of West Virginia hosted the “Wine Tasting,” and food was available for attendees to enjoy. People also had the opportunity to tour a US Airways Express aircraft.
Joan Keith, director of marketing for the airport, said the reception was organized to let the community know that the airport is open and has service available.
“We think it’s worth showing off,” she said. “This airport belongs to the community. It’s a great thing for the community to have.”
The airport offers free parking and no lines, and the terminal is equipped with free wireless Internet access, Keith said.
The Aero Club Restaurant, which opened in November, is another feature of the airport. Pat Kelly, who formerly ran P.J. Kelly’s in Clarksburg, is the owner and operator of Aero Club. He is optimistic about the business’ future at the airport.
Alan Parks, president of the Benedum Airport Authority, said the “Wine Tasting” event was a great way to introduce people to the new airline and show off the equipment and services.
“We’re really excited about the new airline,” he said. “A family-owned (and) oriented business that’s all about service and taking care of customers — that’s what we were missing.”
Mary Finnigan, vice president of administration for Colgan Air, was among the Colgan Air staff present at the event to answer questions. A member of the Colgan family, Finnigan was with the company in the 1980s when it used to offer flights to Clarksburg and Morgantown. She said Colgan Air is excited to bring its services to the North Central West Virginia Airport.
“It’s great to be back,” Finnigan said. “We’re thrilled. The community’s been great. We hope that people will give this service a try and see that we care very much about servicing (this area).”
Colgan Air, headquartered in Manassas, Va., is now servicing six cities in West Virginia: Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Clarksburg, Morgantown and Parkersburg. Dennis Burnett, director of station development for Colgan Air, said Colgan Air has received a warm welcome from the North Central West Virginia Airport. He encouraged the public to provide feedback on Colgan’s services.
“We are very pleased to be in West Virginia,” he said. “We’ve had a great history in (the state). I feel like this is a perfect fit for us.” |
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