Full Speed Ahead

A Strategic Takeoff for Economic Growth and Community Development

Morgantown Municipal Airport, long considered a modest operation, is now emerging as a focal point for ambitious development plans that are reshaping the region’s economy. Once regarded as a small commercial service airport with limited reach, it is now becoming a powerful catalyst for regional development.

An intricate blend of infrastructure upgrades, corporate aviation expansion, and carefully coordinated public-private partnerships is redefining its role as an indispensable economic driver. With large-scale projects like a massive runway extension underway and business recruitment efforts aligning with strategic community growth, Morgantown is no longer simply servicing flights—it is positioning itself as a pivotal hub that connects industry, healthcare, education, and commerce across multiple states. The story unfolding here is not just about aviation; it’s about how a regional airport can anchor a community’s broader economic future.

Small Scale, Significant Impact

“The Morgantown Airport is a small commercial service airport,” explains Jon Vrabel, Airport Director. “We have one airline serving our community through the Essential Air Service program (EAS), and that is SkyWest Airlines flying as United. We have four flights a day with them, two outbound, two inbound—one to Washington Dulles, one to Chicago.”

Although relatively small in scale, the airport plays an essential role in supporting both the local community and the surrounding regions. Vrabel describes a bustling environment that extends far beyond routine passenger service.

“We have a tremendous amount of medical service that comes in and out. The majority consists of helicopter traffic, but we also offer medical jet service. With the trauma center nearby at West Virginia University Hospital’s Ruby Memorial, we see surgeons, organ transfers, and critical medical flights routinely passing through.”

The airport supports two major medical systems—WVU Medicine and Mon Health—serving as a vital link in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Civilian and corporate aviation activity also flourishes, adding diversity to the airport’s operations.

Corporate Aviation and Commercial Expansion

Looking to the future, Vrabel emphasizes the airport’s focus on corporate aviation as a growth driver. “We have a lot of corporate users in this part of West Virginia. Many business leaders that Russ works with are flying corporate jets in and out. We want to create facilities that allow them to base their aircraft here rather than having them fly in from other airports.”

Trademark Aviation, a charter service established at the airport roughly a year ago, is already capitalizing on this demand. “They provide charter services for business clientele, filling a gap that’s existed for years,” Vrabel says.

The airport itself manages fixed-base operations (FBO), handling fuel and standard ground services, while partnering with private providers to expand offerings. “Trademark Aviation also offers maintenance, and we have another maintenance provider coming in for smaller aircraft—RSA Flight Training, which is now branching into maintenance services under HD Aerospace. We also have LUVS Flying as another active flight school on site,” he adds.

Vrabel sees aviation education as another area of opportunity. “We have students from high school to adult learners training at these flight schools. Plus, Civil Air Patrol operates here, getting youth involved in aviation early.”

The Largest Capital Project in City History

Central to Morgantown Airport’s transformation is its ambitious runway extension project—the most significant capital initiative in the city’s history. “The runway extension is a $63 million project,” Vrabel explains. “It was originally planned for $50 million, but funding delays and rising costs forced us to redesign, repackage, and rebid each phase. That’s driven up costs significantly.”

The project aims to extend the runway by 1,000 feet to 6,200 feet, enabling larger and heavier aircraft to operate safely. “Currently, SkyWest’s aircraft are at the maximum operating capacity with our existing runway length,” Vrabel states. “The extension will open up possibilities for new aircraft types and additional air service providers.”

Beyond enhancing airport operations, the runway project is integrally linked with regional economic development. “This airport sits on top of a mountain, with a valley at the end of the runway. We’re filling that valley using rock from a nearby site that Russ is developing into a commerce park,” Vrabel says. “It’s a unique approach, leveraging both airport infrastructure and regional development goals simultaneously.”

Public-Private Partnership Unlocks Growth

Russ Rogerson, President and CEO of the Morgantown Area Partnership, describes the collaboration as truly innovative. “Very early on, the Monongalia County Development Authority, the airport, the city, and the county partnered to purchase a 90-acre tract of land adjacent to the airport, but not runway accessible. We use this site as the borrow area for the fill needed for the runway construction.”

The strategic location offers remarkable potential. “We built a road to the site, which sits just a mile and a half from Interstate 68, providing excellent access. We’ll have around 54 acres of flat developable property for large users or multiple smaller users,” Rogerson says. “This can support over a million square feet of space for manufacturing, light assembly, and warehousing.”

The Commerce Park presents opportunities for cargo operators like FedEx and UPS to establish regional distribution hubs, supported by expanded airport operations. “It lowers the cost of the runway project and creates new job opportunities,” Rogerson adds. “We’ve worked hand-in-hand for over six years on this unique partnership.”

A Growing Regional Powerhouse

Rogerson points to the larger economic context that underscores Morgantown’s momentum. “Morgantown is one of the fastest-growing communities in West Virginia. The city itself has around 30,000 residents, and Monongalia County has approximately 100,000. But within a 60-mile radius, we serve over one million people. We pull from four states—West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.”

Central to the area’s growth is West Virginia University, which Rogerson describes as an “anchor institution.” WVU has approximately 24,000 students with extensive graduate and doctoral programs. WVU Medicine, which operates 24 hospitals across the state, is a key anchor in our healthcare sector. Ruby Memorial Hospital alone has over 800 beds and world-class specialty institutes in heart, cancer, neurology, and ophthalmology.”

Additionally, federal research and technology facilities, such as the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), offer high-quality employment opportunities and attract skilled professionals to the area.

Business Growth Accelerates

Several recent business expansions demonstrate the region’s increasing attractiveness. “Mountain Top Beverage located here two years ago,” Rogerson says. “They operate an aseptic packaging facility—producing drinks like milk and coffee with extended shelf life. They already have over 200 employees and 300,000 square feet, but they are planning an expansion to 700,000 square feet and close to 1,000 employees.”

Another significant addition is Owens & Minor, a medical supply company supporting WVU Medicine. “They just opened a 350,000 square foot warehouse using robotics and light assembly processes, with 150 employees expected,” Rogerson shares. “These examples highlight how enhanced air service will only amplify our ability to attract businesses.”

Gateway to Outdoor Adventures

While Rogerson’s organization does not directly oversee tourism, he underscores its growing role in the region. “We work closely with the Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau, which serves our four-county region. We have exceptional outdoor recreational assets—whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and more,” he explains. “This area offers visitors an authentic Appalachian experience, blending natural beauty with vibrant small-town charm.”

The region’s accessibility is also a key asset. “With the airport’s improvements, it’s even easier for visitors to reach these destinations, whether they’re coming for outdoor adventures or regional resorts,” Rogerson adds. “Nemacolin, for example, is just over the Pennsylvania border, and many visitors fly into Morgantown to start their journey. As our airport services grow, we expect tourism to become an even more significant contributor to the regional economy.”

A Shared Vision for Sustained Growth

Both Vrabel and Rogerson share a united long-term vision. For Vrabel, completing the runway extension remains the top priority. “After that, we’ll focus on attracting more corporate tenants and developing mixed-use areas for aviation and non-aviation businesses. We’re preparing the infrastructure so companies can build quickly once they’re ready.”

Rogerson echoes the transformative potential. “The airport is truly an economic engine. Its impact extends well beyond its borders. High-quality, reliable air service will make Morgantown even more attractive to manufacturers, technology firms, healthcare providers, and federal agencies. This multifaceted airport is a huge asset for our county, our state, and the entire region.”

Joint Vision Drives Multi-State Impact

What makes Morgantown’s story particularly compelling is the level of collaboration between public entities, business leaders, and infrastructure developers. The partnership between Vrabel’s airport team and Rogerson’s economic development office offers a model for other regions seeking to unlock the full economic potential of their transportation assets.

As the largest capital project in Morgantown’s history takes shape, the airport is prepared not only to serve its immediate community but to become a gateway for growth across multiple industries and states. The years ahead promise an exciting chapter for Morgantown Municipal Airport and the vibrant economy it supports.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Morgantown Municipal Airport

What: A small commercial service airport in Morgantown, West Virginia, providing essential passenger, corporate, and medical aviation services while playing a growing role in regional economic development.

Where: Morgantown, West Virginia

Website: www.morgantownairport.com