MONTOURSVILLE -- Air travel to and from Charlotte, North Carolina, is nearly ready for take-off, according to Richard Howell, executive director of Williamsport Regional Airport.
As announced earlier this year, plans call for Americans Airlines to roll out the service Aug. 18 with two flights per day.
"We are enthusiastic about it. We are looking forward to it," he said.
While COVID-19 prompted some slight tweaking to the original plan, Howell feels the service puts the airport in a much more competitive position with other airports.
"Because of the virus, the airline will introduce a 40-seat regional jet, instead of the 65-seat plane," he said. "That is a positive, we feel, because with the virus starting to spike again, and readership probably dropping off, we will be able to get the service started."
Howell figured the smaller planes will be used till at least the end of the year.
He said the new terminal building is certainly a plus for the airport and likely made it possible to introduce the Charlotte service.
"We kind of see it as a total package deal," he said. "We think that it will promote growth."
Howell talked about the advantages Charlotte will mean for passengers traveling for business or on vacation.
"Charlotte has 700 departures a day. When we did the leakage study, we found our top markets were southeast. With 700 daily departures, there is much more frequency of flights," he said.
He noted that Charlotte is a major hub where passengers are better positioned to fly to many destinations.
"With these new flights twice a day and very competitive pricing from American, the Williamsport Regional Airport becomes not only the more affordable alternative but the most convenient," he said. "You can literally be dropped off at the front door and walk right into security for preflight check-in. There is no need for shuttles or long transit times to get through our airport. Parking is very close to the terminal. We are excited to also announce that our travelers get free parking when they fly with us."
Airport enhancements, he noted, include a new baggage carousel, modernized comfort waiting areas and the newly opened eatery and coffee shop, Simply Savor On the Fly.
The airport has scheduled celebration events planned to help usher in the new air service including a Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce a PM exchange event August 13.
Special maiden flight events Aug 18 will allow local media, Lycoming County commissioners and others to experience the new service.
In the meantime, the airport has taken precautions to ensure the health of travelers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Face coverings are required in the terminal and travelers must observe the physical distancing policy of 6 feet or more at all times.
Sanitizing stations are available through the building and enhanced cleaning of multiple touch surfaces are being done throughout days of operation.
Protective shielding is in place at ticket counters and in the security area.