Bristol, Va. Set for Exciting Airline Expansion with New Routes and Incentive Package

Bristol, Va. on the Brink of Exciting Airline Expansion!

In a move that could bring exhilarating travel opportunities to the charm-filled Tri-Cities Airport, the bustling city of Bridges is buzzing with the potential arrival of a new airline, along with two enticing destinations. Discussions are underway, and much hinges on whether local businesses and governmental bodies rally together to support a proposed incentive package aimed at making this dream a reality.

Gathering at the Heart of the City

This week, leaders from numerous sectors came together at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol to dive into the details of this proposed incentive. The plan? A substantial $2 million investment spread over two years to help kick-start service from the new airline. The hope is to not only boost the economy but also bolster outdoor tourism, an essential part of the local landscape here in the Tri-Cities.

John Rose, the executive director of the local economic development group known as BRIDGE, spoke passionately about the long-term vision. He emphasized how this investment could have rippling effects throughout the community, supporting everything from local shops to larger businesses looking to set up shop in the area. “It’s a long-term investment that supports every aspect of our community,” he said, and who could disagree?

Airline Needs: The Basics of Revenue Guarantees

In a world where traveling is often seen as a hassle, it’s essential to understand how airlines decide to launch new routes. Air service consultant Kirk Lovell was on hand to explain that, nowadays, airlines want a guarantee of a minimum revenue during those crucial first years. Without that safety net, they’re likely to avoid riskier moves like starting up new services, which can often lead to losses at first.

This proposed incentive package would cover that revenue gap for the airline. Lovell elaborated, “They look at the revenue they’ve generated, the passenger ticket revenue. Then every month, they true up, and say ‘BRIDGE, you owe us X.’ And write X of a check to make that airline whole.” Sounds like a solid plan to keep our airport bustling, right? Although it’s noted that such coverage isn’t something the airport can do on its own due to legal restrictions.

Sullivan County Steps Up

In a show of local support, Sullivan County has already pledged a hefty $240,000 towards this initiative. This contribution is expected to help lower airfares for local travelers. Lovell explained it perfectly: “As you remove people from one airline, leisure passengers who are more cost-sensitive, to another airline, that opens up the seat and starts to reduce the fares on that other airline.” This could be a game-changer for the residents who often feel the pinch of travel costs.

Secrecy Brews Excitement

While officials are keeping mum about the specific airline and its potential destinations due to a contractual agreement, one thing is clear: the excitement is palpable. Airport leaders reveal that they’ve already lined up one airline and are hopeful this could mark a significant turning point for the area.

Tri-Cities Airport Authority CEO Gene Cossey shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We know there are no guarantees with that, but the fact that they’re interested and they’re the ones who asked us to make this happen more quickly, we’re really excited about that.”

What’s Next?

The next steps are vital as leaders push to solidify support for this incentive. The community stands poised and hopeful for new travel options, allowing Bristol’s residents to see the world—and perhaps even invite more travelers to explore everything our vibrant region has to offer. So, keep your eyes on Bristol, folks! Adventures could be just around the corner.