LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Community members gathered Thursday at Greenbrier Valley Airport Thursday to celebrate a renovation and the opening of their new United Airlines service.
The airport announced in January they were bringing United Airlines, operated by SkyWest, to replace Via Air whose contract expired in November. A nearly $1 million renovation took place in the terminal and pre-TSA Landings Restaurant.
“We’re putting our money where our mouth is,” Airport Director Stephen Snyder told MetroNews affiliate WJLS. “That means that we’re here to attract businesses, we’re here to serve the customers. We’re not just an airport, this is an experience. So if you want to come somewhere, sit down in a big leather chair, enjoy yourself and wait for the flight then this is your place.”
The new service will provide direct flights to and from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles International Airports multiple times per week.
As part of Thursday’s festivities, a direct United flight brought Lou Malnati’s Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Potillio’s Hot Dogs from the city. Other events included hourly drawings, airport tours and live music.
“We are Greenbrier Valley Airport, but we are a regional airport,” said Snyder. “We are here to serve all of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia. People who need to travel, we’d love for you to do it with us. We promise you an exceptional experience.”
Snyder said he is most excited for the economic impact this service could have locally.
“Anytime we have a major-branded airline in the terminal rental car companies do better, restaurants do better, hotel/motel tax does better, occupancy rates are fuller. The Main Street businesses feel it.”
Ticketing information can be found on United’s website.