MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With a new flight promotion, the interim director of the Morgantown Municipal Airport is taking the opportunity to continue discussions on long term projects.
Direct flights to Dulles International Airport will be offered at a discounted price through October 31.
A one-way ticket with Silver Airways is $59. Tickets must be purchased by October 16.
Summer has marked the completion of a number of airport projects.
According to Glen Kelly, the first and second phases of airport expansion have been completed.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies have been held for both the access road and the readiness center for the WV National Guard.
A recent briefing with WVU President, Dr. Gordon Gee, on plans for future development went well said, Kelly.
“They were already a supporter as they paid for the benefit cost analysis in the beginning,” Kelly reviewed. “We look forward to this partnership with the Monongalia County Development Authority, the university and the city to keep marching forward.”
Work continues on an agreement and the logistics to have an Air Force Reserve training group extend the airport runway by 1,001 feet and develop the surrounding property.
“Development the east side for general aviation and the west side for corporate – so we’re still moving forward,” Kelly confirmed.
Kelly has said collaboration with US airmen could save the city 8 to 12 million dollars in construction and excavation work.
Couple that with Monongalia County Development Authority support of at least $1.2 million dollars and University support, Kelly said we could see a more active airport.
“I think they’d like to see their basketball teams and down to the smaller teams fly out of the city,” predicted Kelly.
Holly Childs, the director of the MCDA, has said they see tremendous opportunity for enticing new business to development near the airport.
“It adds credibility to not only the city and the state, but the university as well, for people to be able to fly in. Even the business class, gulf stream class aircraft when they’re coming in to be recognized, develop a business or be a benefactor to the university,” Kelly agreed.
City leaders have indicated another 300 acres or more could be opened up for development through a partnership with the Air Force Reserve Innovative Readiness Training group.