Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare using 50-seat jets operated by SkyWest Airlines. “Our passenger volume has been going well since SkyWest became our air carrier back in 2020,” says Cory Cree, the airport manager.“Our enplanements have increased every year in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.” This consistent growth proved significant enough that in 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration reclassified the airport from a non-primary nonhub to a primary non-hub. The designation brings additional federal funding, a crucial resource for an airport managing both commercial service and an extensive military presence that includes Pennsylvania Army National Guard aviation units and the 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron. BUILDING A FULL-SERVICE EXPERIENCE The airport’s strategy creates a destination that serves travelers and the broader community. In January 2025, Balance restaurant opened its doors in the terminal, operating seven days a week. The establishment, which also runs a location in downtown Johnstown, attracts passengers and local residents who visit specifically to dine. “We have people coming to the restaurant just to eat rather than just passengers flying out,” Cree explains. “We’re hitting it from both directions, giving our passengers a food option as well as getting the general public here to the restaurant and letting them then find out about our services.” Hertz relocated its headquarters from downtown Johnstown to the airport in January 2022, creating another dual-purpose amenity. The rental car company supports airline passengers while also serving area residents who need vehicles. Nulton Aviation, the airport’s full-service FBO, rounds out the facility’s offerings with fuel services, flight support, flight training, aircraft storage, and maintenance capabilities. CULTIVATING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE The aviation industry faces a looming crisis that threatens to ground aircraft and delay maintenance schedules nationwide. Boeing projects the need for 610,000 new civil maintenance technicians over the 193 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 JOHN MURTHA JOHNSTOWN-CAMBRIA COUNTY AIRPORT
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