BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. — North Central West Virginia Airport, partnering with Allegiant Travel Company, has announced a new direct flight service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“We try to provide what the community asks for, and they’ve asked for Myrtle Beach,” Rick Rock, Airport Director said. “West Virginians, when they say ‘the beach,’ nine times out of 10, they’re talking about Myrtle Beach. To have this service available at the convenience that our airport offers with the professionalism of Allegiant, it’s really a great opportunity for us.”
A nearly packed house of Airport Authority members, airport employees, community leaders and local residents was on hand for the announcement, Tuesday.
Representatives from the rather busy travel company were in attendance as well and eager for the service to get underway.
“This is one of 22, 22 route announcements that Allegiant is making [on Tuesday],” Brandon Myers, Public Relations Specialist with Allegiant said. “We’re excited to bring this Myrtle Beach low-cost travel option to Clarksburg and Bridgeport area residents. We saw a pent up demand here in the region for it, so we’re taking advantage of it.”
The 40-minute flights will begin June 5 and will run through August 17 on Mondays and Fridays.
The announcement comes roughly 18 months after the airport and travel company announced a partnership to offer direct flights to the Orlando/Sanford area.
Rock said the partnership has been great for the airport and community.
“Allegiant has come in and has done a spectacular job at our airport. Their on-time factor is tremendous. They’re great to work with. They’re very demanding, but they expect excellence and so do we.”
To kick off the seasonal service, Allegiant will offer one-way flights to Myrtle Beach from June 5-12 at a cost of $44. The return flight and all flights after the promotion will start as low as $58.
“I think the price is right, the timing is great and we’ll see,” Benedum Airport Authority President Ron Watson said. “It will be up to the public to see whether or not they utilize the services.”
More information on tickets can be found at Allegiant’s website.