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 201 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
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