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North Central West Virginia Airport News:
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High Hopes For New Marketing Campaign
May 21, 2007
WBOY TV, West Virginia Media
by Gabe Gutierrez
BRIDGEPORT -- There's a new air carrier. A new marketing director. And soon, a new name and Web site.
The the big question: will it all mean new passengers?
Airport officials are trying to move mountains.
Literally.
"The new approach slope will be in compliance with FAA regulations," said Jim Griffith, the airport's manager.
Officials at the soon-to-to North Central West Virginia Airport are shaving about 50 feet from a hill near the airport. That's because they're also building a new run-off ramp for airplanes. One of many projects designed to improve this fledgling airport.
"Our strong suit has always been aircraft maintenance," Griffith said.
New carrier, Colgan Air, wants more. It took over earlier this month. About a hundred passengers flew out the first week. Progress has been steady since then. But many passengers won't fly out of Bridgeport, unless the price drops.
And so far, Colgan Air has not made much difference there.
On the travel Web site Expedia.com, a trip to Chicago next month costs more than $200 more if you fly from Bridgeport than if you fly directly from Pittsburgh.
"We feel that because of that price difference, it's more geared to the business traveler," said new marketing director Joan Keith.
But Keith is also reaching out to leisure travelers.
"If you consider driving and parking, you're out $100 just to depart from Pittsburgh," she said. "When you consider four hours of driving time and an hour before departure; most people's time is a little more valuable."
The restaurant upstairs, the Aero Club, has noticed a change since Colgan took over.
"Passengers!" said owner Patrick J. Kelly. "People getting on and off the airline, which has helped immensely. We've had good service, which we didn't have with Continental."
Keith believes there are too many airports in West Virginia, and that the state should consolidate to lower fares for customers. |
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