State College, PA – October 5, 2026 – The State College Air Service Alliance today celebrated the launch of American Airlines’ new nonstop service between State College Regional Airport (SCE) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). 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.
Today’s inaugural flight is the direct result of the Alliance’s unified efforts to grow and sustain regional air service. A partnership between the Centre County Airport Authority, the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), and the Pennsylvania State University, the Alliance works collaboratively to demonstrate the regional demand for air service and advocate for the regions needs.
“Today 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.”
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,” said Jason McMurtrie. “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.”
“Improving air service was a clear priority in the Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan, and today’s inaugural flight delivers on that priority,” said Todd Dolbin, Vice President of Economic Development at the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. “Connectivity is one of the key factors companies weigh when deciding where to locate, expand, or invest. Direct access to a major hub makes Centre County a more competitive place to do business, and makes it easier for the companies already here to reach customers, meet with partners, and recruit talent from anywhere in the country.”
“Better access makes it easier for people to come to Centre County for Penn State events, conferences, business meetings, recreation, and tourism,” said Eric Engelbarts, President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. “Service to Charlotte is an opportunity to reach a broader visitor market and strengthen the visitor economy across our region.”
“Strong commercial air service is part of the infrastructure that allows Centre County and the broader region to compete for businesses, investment, jobs, visitors, and talent,” said Mark Higgins, Centre County Board of Commissioners Chair. “The partnership between the airport and our community has already produced great results, and more is to come.”
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. The breadth of that support demonstrated to airlines that Centre County is prepared to invest in the service it seeks.
While the inaugural flight marks a milestone, the Alliance will continue its work to maintain and grow air service at SCE. The Fly State College Fund remains open to contributions, which directly support Centre County’s competitiveness in attracting, securing, and sustaining service at SCE. Contributions can be made at www.flystatecollege.com.
###
About the State College Air Service Alliance
The State College Air Service Alliance is a partnership between the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, the Centre County Airport Authority, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and The Pennsylvania State University to maintain and grow air service at the State College Regional Airport. The Alliance works collaboratively to retain and attract commercial air service, enhance connectivity to major destinations, support regional economic development and tourism, and improve quality of life through expanded travel opportunities.
