A coalition of local organizations are partnering on an initiative dedicated to maintaining and expanding airline service at State College Regional Airport.
The State College Air Service Alliance — announced at the first State College Regional Air Service Summit on Tuesday morning — is a formal partnership among the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, the Centre County Airport Authority, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Penn State. The organizations say they will work together to strengthen access to airline networks, with the goals of driving job creation and and supporting economic development, tourism and quality of life in Centre County.
“The State College Air Service Alliance was formed to address an important need for our community’s economic development and quality of life: air service,” Greg Scott, president and CEO of CBICC, said. “Our organizations will work together to retain existing service and attract new airline partners and routes that enhance connectivity to national and international destinations, and support tourism and business growth through increased travel options for residents and visitors.”
State College Regional Airport currently offers regular direct flights to Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. through American Airlines and United Airlines. Each of the alliance’s organizations has played a role in efforts to attract new airline service to the airport, and the partnership unifies and organizes that work.
One of the key initiatives of the alliance is a more stable source of airline incentive funding, which has previously been sought on an ad hoc basis from local governments and organizations when opportunities arose to pitch airlines on bringing new service to State College Regional Airport. The Fly State College Fund will provide revenue guarantees, marketing support and other financial incentives that go beyond what the airport itself can, or is permitted to offer prospective carriers.
The alliance has set an initial goal of $500,000 for the fund and has $130,000 in commitments from its member organizations and local municipalities.
“To attract new air service, we must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise,” Scott said. “The Fly State College Fund allows us to raise capital locally and demonstrate that our community is invested in increasing service at State College Regional Airport.”
The alliance plans to present a unified front for regional air service advocacy, including coordinated outreach to demonstrate community and business need, marketing strategies to retain and attract carriers and helping to secure public, private and grant-based funding to support incentives.
“Through the Alliance, we aim to strengthen State College Regional Airport’s position to attract new routes, retain existing ones, and expand travel options for businesses and residents,” Ralph Stewart, the Airport Authority’s executive director, said. “We’re grateful to have community partners who share our commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and who are ready to lead initiatives that incentivize airlines to choose our airport.”
With the goal of encouraging local travelers to fly from State College Regional Airport, the alliance has also launched a “Fly Local” campaign. Stewart said that stronger demand demonstrates that the market is a worthwhile investment for airlines.
“Every ticket purchased at State College Regional Airport shows passenger demand and helps improve our long-term air service,” Stewart said.
Each of the alliance partners will have a defined role.
HVAB, the county’s chief tourism promotion agency, “will drive marketing and tourism strategies to support visitor growth and airline interest,” according to a news release.
“Targeted promotion to bring in new airline partners and desired connections is an important part of the Alliance’s mission,” Fritz Smith, president and CEO of HVAB, said. “By analyzing data on demand, market opportunities, and competitor performance, our marketing strategy intends to strengthen connectivity for business and leisure travel and drive Happy Valley’s tourism economy.”
The Airport Authority, which operates the commercial airline terminal, will lead engagement with carriers, manage airline incentive programs and coordinate with federal and state aviation agencies. CBICC will oversee engagement with the business community, identify corporate travel demand and coordinate private-sector support as the fiscal agent for the Fly State College Fund.
Penn State, which owns the airport, “will provide institutional insight, travel demand data and strategic collaboration,” according to the release.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with alliance partners to strengthen air service in State College and streamline travel for Penn State students, staff, faculty, visitors and community members,” Mike Stefan, Penn State vice president of government and community relations, said.
