State College Regional Airport launches new nonstop service
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The State College Air Service Alliance on Monday celebrated the launch of American Airlines' new nonstop service between State College Regional Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Community leaders, Fly State College Fund contributors and American Airlines representatives gathered at the airport to welcome the inaugural flight from Charlotte, which was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute. The route operates twice daily and connects central Pennsylvania residents, businesses and Penn State affiliates directly to American's second-largest hub.
During the program, platinum, gold and silver level contributors to the Fly State College Fund were recognized, and Jason McMurtrie, Air Service Specialist and assistant executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority, discussed air service development and early booking activity for the route.
"Attracting new air service can be a lengthy and multi-faceted process," McMurtrie said. "Part of the due diligence in identifying viable air service opportunities is looking at past trends from customers using the State College Regional Airport. We appreciate and thank everyone who has helped in that process, which has played a large part in securing the new Charlotte service on American Airlines."
The new service "is about partnership," said Ralph Stewart, interim executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority. "This service is the result of the airport, our Alliance partners, and the community working together toward a shared goal. We are grateful to American Airlines for its investment in State College Regional Airport, and to the Fly State College Fund contributors whose support helped make this route a reality."
The route was secured through a competitive package that combined the Centre County Airport Authority's incentive offerings with the Fly State College Fund, a community-led incentive pool that has raised nearly $200,000 from more than 73 contributors, including Penn State, local government entities, private businesses and individual contributors.