Categories: Business NewsElizabethton, TNNewsTransport

Tri-Cities Airport Air Service Deal Faces Setback

Tri-Cities Airport remains a vital hub for local air travel.

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News Summary

The Tri-Cities Airport is experiencing a setback as a proposed deal to introduce new air service stalls due to delays in securing funding. Discussions were underway between BRIDGE, a local economic development organization, and a prospective airline. However, without necessary approvals from local funding partners, the timeline could not be met. Despite this, optimism for future air service expansions remains high, aided by the announcement of new nonstop flights from Pasco to Los Angeles starting in October.

Tri-Cities Airport Air Service Deal Stalled Amid Funding Delays

Tri-Cities, a gem of a community nestled in the heart of the Appalachian region, is buzzing with news, though not all of it is what local residents had hoped for. A proposed deal aimed at introducing new air service to Tri-Cities Airport has hit a roadblock, leaving many wondering what comes next. The buzz came from BRIDGE, a local economic development organization, which announced that the plan is now on hold due to delays in securing necessary funding.

Deal on Hold

It appears BRIDGE was in conversations with a representative of a prospective airline at the airport. However, local executive director John Rose expressed his concern that key approvals from public sector funding partners were still pending. These local governing bodies needed to convene and finalize their decisions, but unfortunately, the timing just didn’t align.

BRIDGE was hoping to have everything wrapped up by early March, but the airline involved had its own timeline, issuing a deadline that left no time for delays. While government bodies are doing their best to expedite the approval process, it wasn’t enough to meet the airline’s needs.

The Six Localities

Tri-Cities Airport is a collaborative effort, jointly owned by six localities including Bristol, Tennessee, Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Virginia, Sullivan County, and Washington County. Coordinating decisions among multiple governing bodies can be tricky, and in this case, it proved to be a challenge.

Despite the disappointment regarding the stalled deal, local governments are acutely aware of their vital role in supporting regional economic development through expanded air service. John Rose reminded everyone that while they were making every effort possible, airlines have their own schedules that don’t always sync with local processes.

Future Opportunities

Even though this particular deal fell short, BRIDGE remains hopeful about future possibilities for expanding air service in the Tri-Cities area. With greater funding readily available for forthcoming prospects, the local economy could still see positive growth through the resurgence of air travel options. While the specifics of this latest deal didn’t materialize, optimism remains high for future endeavors.

New Flights on the Horizon

Pasco to Los Angeles will commence on October 1. This is particularly notable because it marks the return of Alaska Airlines to the local airport’s services after taking a break since 2019. With the initial flight already seeing a promising booking status, around two-thirds of seats have been filled, indicating that traveler interest is definitely there!

A Busy Year for Travel

The airport manager, Buck Taft, has shared some exciting statistics: 2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for air travel at Tri-Cities, with around 873,000 travelers recorded. This surge in passenger numbers underlines the importance of the airport as a significant economic driver for the region.

Although one deal may not have worked out as hoped, the wheels are still turning in Tri-Cities. From exploring new opportunities to the excitement of upcoming nonstop flights, the winds of change are in the air. Local officials are steadfast in their commitment to making air travel more accessible and convenient in the near future, ensuring that Tri-Cities Airport remains an essential hub for both residents and visitors alike.