April 20, 2011
People in the Valley know they have a variety of airports to choose from, so some may be wondering what would make a smaller one like Shenandoah Valley Regional a better option for them.
Officials know convenience and price are some of the biggest factors when people are choosing their departure location.
Despite recent price hikes and safety concerns, airport officials still say it’s the safest way to travel.
Even though regional airports are small, they are an important aspect in growing the local economy, and they also attract more businesses to the area.
Greg Campbell, the Executive Director of SHD, says, “It’s vital to the nation’s economy, airports of all sizes. It’s not just the larger commercial airports but it’s the smaller general aviation airports that provide access to industry that’s essential. When companies look to locate in an area, aviation plays an important role in that as well. From business and industry and their customers, their vendors to be able to access a community is a big deal.”
Campbell says SHD is constantly looking at ways to expand to potentially bring more airlines into smaller airports.
Its passengers have nearly tripled from 9,000 to 21,000 in just the last two years.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Smaller_Regional_Airport_Vital_to_Valleys_Economy_120235999.html
Source: WHSV 3
Date: 2011-04-20