Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 1

171 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 WEST V I RGINI A INTERNAT IONAL YEAGER A I RPORT passengers can be processed, which will eliminate a competitive disadvantage for West Virginia – making it possible for someone trying to come here for business to not have to stop at another airport first to clear customs. The benefit of choosing CRW over a larger hub is that you can refuel and clear customs much quicker because of our smaller size. “The new name makes the location more prominent; by adding West Virginia to the name we highlight that this is the gateway to the state. Also, the New River Gorge National River became the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve this year which increased the number of tourists. It’s only an hour’s drive from the airport, and we are seeing growth opportunities in the leisure market.” BVM: How did COVID affect your numbers? Keller: “Right now we’re still trending about 30% below normal pre-Covid traffic in terms of business travelers. And although there have been bumps in the road, commercial air service is operating at about 70% of normal. It has gone up and down with holidays and outbreaks. One good thing that happened is that our Spirit Air service started back with service to Orlando three days a week. COVID had forced them to cut service to once a week.” BVM: You are also part of the Home Base Program, can you tell us about that? Keller: “The Home Base Program is going strong, and we’ve had a recent addition that’s going