Bristol: Flying High with New Airline Hopes!
BRISTOL, Va. — Big news is buzzing around the Tri-Cities as an economic development group is aiming to give locals something to cheer about: a brand new airline at the Tri-Cities Airport! Yes, you heard that right! BRIDGE, previously known as NETNHub, is not just sitting on its hands; it’s on a mission to connect the community and boost our travel options.
What’s the Game Plan?
Last week, officials at BRIDGE rolled out their plans to secure a minimum revenue guarantee of $2 million over the next two years. This hefty sum is essential to entice a new airline to make its debut at the airport in Blountville. Now, before you start dreaming of exotic getaways, let’s dive deeper into what BRIDGE has been up to.
Julie Bennett, the board chair of BRIDGE and chief legal officer of Ballad Health, shared insights about their recent transformation. “We’ve been listening closely to what community and business leaders want,” Bennet explained. It turns out, several folks were craving more than just standard economic growth; they wanted a regional entity that could tackle broader challenges.
Community Input Matters
To get things rolling, BRIDGE sought advice from over 100 business and government leaders in both Tennessee and Virginia. They really wanted to know what areas needed sprucing up to fuel our local economy. And guess what? The results are in! They pinpointed six areas to focus on: market research, airport passenger services, tourism, talent attraction and retention, and site and real estate development.
“We have a clearer understanding of our role now,” said John Rose, who recently took the helm as executive director of BRIDGE. He emphasized that they’re eager to collaborate with the existing tourism teams to ensure everyone gets the most out of what’s being planned.
Economic Impact Looms Large
With ambitious projects in the works, the economic benefits could skyrocket to over $175 million for both Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. That’s some serious cash flow that could uplift our communities! The previous organization, NETNHub, launched just last year under the leadership of former Kingsport mayor Dennis Phillips, and they’ve been laying the groundwork ever since.
What Would a New Airline Mean for Us?
During a recent gathering at the swanky new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, local business gurus, including Jerry Caldwell of Bristol Motor Speedway fame, weighed in on the matter. He proclaimed that adding a new airline service would be a “game changer” for the quality of life in the area. “Sure, we have a great airport, but this is our golden opportunity to level up,” Caldwell said.
Even Brian Noland, the president of East Tennessee State University, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that a new airline would not only benefit travelers, but also attract prospective college students and bolster local businesses. It’s a win-win, right?
Steps Forward with Community Funding
So, what’s needed to make all this happen? According to Rose, the key lies in securing the $2 million revenue guarantee over a two-year stretch. The Sullivan County Commission has already stepped up to the plate, allocating $240,000 toward the cause. “This investment isn’t just cash; it’s a chance to change things for the better,” Noland stressed.
With local officials from both Bristols rallying together, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the timeline for this venture hinges on how quickly the funds can be raised. Rose mentioned that while it could take just a few months, if we don’t act swiftly, we might wait another decade for our next chance!
What’s Next?
As exciting as this all sounds, there’s still some red tape to navigate. Gene Cossey, president and CEO of the Tri-Cities Airport Authority, pointed out that they can’t negotiate with airlines directly because they are funded by federal resources. While details about the airline and its potential destinations remain under wraps for now, the anticipation is certainly building!
With positive momentum on the horizon, it seems BRIDGE is indeed on the way to soaring high. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, because the Tri-Cities might just be gearing up for new adventures in the sky!
