testing with the Southern Alleghenies Planning Commission to training pilots and mechanics with Saint Francis University and Nulton Aviation, the airport is open to all partnerships that drive growth in aviation. The airport’s outreach extends beyond formal education. As a board member of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, Cree collaborates with other airport managers and state aviation leaders to share resources and strategies.“All of us in the council want to work together to promote aviation,” he says.“This collaborative network supports Aerium’s efforts and helps align aviation goals across the state, creating a more cohesive approach to addressing workforce challenges and fostering new talent.” EXPANDING SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Looking ahead, JST is focused on securing its position as a valuable transit hub while enhancing services and infrastructure. Maintaining its critical jet service through SkyWest Airlines under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program is a top priority. “We’re committed to keeping our daily connections to Washington, D.C. and Chicago,” Cree says, noting that the airport will rebid its service contract with the Department of Transportation in late 2025. Additionally, the airport is exploring partnerships with ultra-low-cost carriers to introduce nonstop flights to popular destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, addressing strong local demand for direct routes to Florida. Cree is also eager to support the new Balance Restaurant, set to open in January 2025, to ensure it thrives as a welcoming option for passengers and the public.“We’re partnering with them to spread the word about the restaurant’s launch,” he says. Meanwhile, on the infrastructure front, Cree has ambitious plans to expand general aviation facilities. By spring 2025, the airport will bid on a site preparation project for eight new box hangars to accommodate 42-by-45141 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 JOHN MURTHA JOHNSTOWN-CAMBRIA COUNTY AIRPORT
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