By Gary Sinderson –
Posted on by Jules Slater
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A new initiative in Centre County is aiming to increase business at the State College Regional Airport, potentially impacting surrounding communities. The State College Air Service Alliance held its first meeting Tuesday, focusing on attracting new airlines and flights to the area.
Greg Scott from the Centre County Chamber of Business emphasized the importance of reliable air travel, stating, "Reliable connector air travel supports thousands of local jobs and underpins so much of our economy."
The airport is undergoing improvements to attract new carriers. Jason McMurtrie of the Centre County Airport Authority noted, "Right now we're looking at adding jet bridges to the airport. Airlines do look at amenities like that."
The alliance also introduced the Fly State College Fund, aiming to raise $500,000. This incentive fund is designed to market the airport and attract more airline business. Tim Sieber from Volaire Aviation Consulting highlighted the challenge, saying, "The challenge is going to be airlines like to get people into their network in the shortest time possible, burn the least amount of fuel, getting people into the network."
The Air Service Alliance includes the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, the Chamber of Business and Industry in Centre County, the Centre County Airport Authority, and Penn State, which owns the airport.