Mar 28, 2023
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice today announced a partnership with the successful new low cost carrier Breeze Airways to connect West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) with at least five cities over the next two years. New nonstop flights to Orlando, Florida (MCO) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) will begin May 31, 2023. The new routes are now on sale at introductory fares of $59 and $49, respectively, one way. At least three more destinations, including New York City, are slated to be added over the next 24 months.
This innovative partnership between the state, Kanawha County, and the City of Charleston comes after years of decline in available destinations from smaller airports around the country, including West Virginia International Yeager Airport. The flights announced today will more than double air connectivity to West Virginia’s capital.
“I’ve said over and over that our airports in West Virginia are our lifeblood,” Gov. Justice said. “They fuel our economy, bring in tourism, and their ripple effects are off-the-charts. CRW is absolutely knocking it out of the park, and it’s a testament to West Virginia’s resurgence as a top destination for tourism, and as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m so proud to welcome Breeze Airways to Almost Heaven, because I know that they will find success here, but above all, they will find a new home among our hills.”
Breeze was launched in 2021 by JetBlue founder and former CEO David Neeleman with a mission to fill a key gap in America’s air-travel offerings: efficient, affordable, direct flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. It was recently named one of the best domestic airlines in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Breeze offers travelers the option of three price levels, “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “Nicest,” the latter of which includes a first-class seat on the airline’s Airbus A220 aircraft.
“As we look to fill the gaps left by larger carriers in midsized markets, Charleston/Yeager is a great fit for Breeze’s business model,” David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ Founder and CEO said. “With our new ‘Charleston to Charleston’ service, we’ll connect the West Virginia and South Carolina cities for the very first time, and our new nonstop to Orlando is also adding another currently unserved destination from CRW. We know the Almost Heaven community will enjoy Breeze’s affordability, flexibility, and our family friendly policies including free family seating.”
Breeze has grown rapidly since its founding, now with 145 nonstop routes between 36 cities in 22 states nationally. The airline has ordered 80 brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for 40 more.
This summer, Breeze aircraft will be seen touching down in the Mountain State. The partnership includes adding three additional routes in the first two years, including potential service to New York City and the west coast.
The announcement follows several years of record-breaking tourism growth in West Virginia and a year in which the state was labeled a must-see tourism destination by publications such as Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, TIME, CNN, and USA Today.
“I’d like to thank the Governor for this bold commitment to air service in West Virginia,” Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. “At a time when airports across the nation are losing flights, he’s shown an unwavering commitment to ensuring continued growth in the state’s tourism industry. This partnership will not only provide better connectivity for residents but will make Almost Heaven, West Virginia more accessible to millions of new travelers. It’s truly a historic day.”
An expansion of this magnitude at West Virginia International Yeager Airport is unprecedented. Airport officials are excited about the long-term possibilities created by this new partnership.
“We are so excited to welcome Breeze Airways to West Virginia International Yeager Airport,” Airport Director & CEO, Dominique Ranieri said. “Breeze will provide nonstop flights to some of the Airport’s unserved and underserved markets at low fares, offering additional travel options to our region. Thanks to this new partnership with the State of West Virginia, Kanawha County, and the City of Charleston, we look forward to growing with Breeze Airways.”
“Air service is economic development,” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said. “Congratulations to Governor Justice and Secretary Ruby, for what will be known as a signature moment for air service in the state of West Virginia. The Kanawha County Commission is tremendously proud of West Virginia International Yeager Airport, our team, and specifically the dynamic leadership under the direction of Dominique Ranieri.”
“The announcement of Breeze Airways joining CRW as a new carrier is exciting,” Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango said. “CRW continues to grow, and this new partnership would not have happened without the assistance of Governor Justice and Secretary Ruby with the WV Office of Tourism. This announcement is pivotal in providing expanded service to those who fly in and out of CRW daily.”
“Kanawha County is excited to welcome Breeze Airways to the CRW airport,” Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler said. “This is a great economic development and will be instrumental in offering expanded airline services. The Kanawha County Commission is incredibly proud to work with Governor Justice, Secretary Ruby and the WV Office of tourism to continue to expand CRW.”
“Charleston is quickly becoming a destination for its diverse and growing arts and music scene, family-favorite events like the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta and FestivALL, sports tourism and leisure travel,” Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin said. “Through this partnership with Breeze Airways, we have the opportunity to bring more folks to our Capital City and the region.”
Those wanting to book a flight from Charleston to Orlando or Charleston, South Carolina, can do so now at www.flybreeze.com or via the Breeze app.
Mar 22, 2023
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is pleased to announce the launch of a new children’s book “The Adventures of Hercules: A New Friend.” To celebrate, CRW is partnering with the Kanawha County Public Library (KCPL) to host a special Storytime and birthday party with Hercules himself joining the fun.
Guests of all ages are invited to join Hercules – the Airport Wildlife Patrol Canine – and his friends from the airport and library on Monday, March 27, 2023. Activities begin at 5 pm at KCPL’s Main Library (123 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV) in Children’s Services.
Join us for a fun and interactive reading of “The Adventures of Hercules: A New Friend.” The event will include sharing library resources, cake, ice cream, activities, and photo opportunities with Hercules. Attendees will have a chance after the reading for a Q&A session and to purchase a copy of the book signed by Hercules!
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share “The Adventures of Hercules: A New Friend’ with children and families in Charleston,” said Dominique Ranieri, Airport Director & CEO. “The event will be a fun and engaging way for children to connect with Hercules and their hometown airport.”
“KCPL is honored to host Hercules and his friends at the library on his birthday,” said Denise Norris, Children’s Librarian. “Partnering with CRW to allow young readers to meet Hercules, learn about the work he does at the airport and in the community, and discover his new book is one of many ways we open new worlds of information.
Based on a true story, “The Adventures of Hercules: A New Friend” is a book about unexpected friendship and adventures, showing kindness, and paying attention. The beautiful, inclusive illustrations by Jim Melton take young readers behind the scenes at a busy airport and celebrate the diversity of humans and canines who work extra hard to make air travel special. The book is now available for purchase online at Amazon, the Airport gift shop, and in select bookstores nationwide.
In addition to introducing readers to books like “The Adventures of Hercules,” KCPL librarians offer free, fun, family-friendly programs for all ages. Planning is underway for the highly anticipated Summer Library Club (SLC), hosted at KCPL, from June 1 to July 31. In addition to helping young readers in particular keep reading skills sharp during summer break, SLC is designed to engage readers and their families with members of the community and foster a lifetime love of learning. For more information about SLC and the many other programs available, visit kcpls.org.
Mar 22, 2023
West Virginia Residents will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) popular TSA PreCheck® program at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) from April 17 to 21, where officials will host a “pop-up” enrollment center inside the airport terminal in baggage claim.
TSA PreCheck is a valuable travel option that expedites the airport security checkpoint screening process. It allows passengers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear, and belt, keep their laptop in its case, and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on in select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes. More than 200 airports participate in TSA PreCheck nationwide, and more than 85 airlines participate in the program.
Travelers must make an appointment online (appointments are being taken now) to complete their enrollment in person or as a walk-in from Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Those who have pre-booked appointments will have priority over walk-ins.
To pre-register, applicants need to complete the pre-enrollment steps and then will use the location “Charleston, WV” to select the enrollment site for “Pop-Up CRW.” Next, applicants can schedule an appointment using the drop-down menu. The drop-down menu will show the first available time available, but individuals can choose a different date and time using that drop-down menu.
Applicants must bring documentation proving their identity and citizenship status. Visit the Universal Enroll website for a list of required documents.
The application fee is $78 and is good for five years. It must be paid at the time of your appointment by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Fingerprints and a photograph also are required during the in-person enrollment session.
After completing enrollment, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via U.S. mail within about ten days, valid for five years. However, many individuals are approved several days after completing the in-person appointment, so you are encouraged to check your status online.
When booking future airline reservations, you will enter the provided KTN in the “Known Traveler Number” field. The KTN can be added when booking reservations online on a participating airline website, via a call to the airline reservation center, or with the travel management company making reservations. Additionally, the KTN can be entered in participating airline frequent flyer profiles, where it will be stored for future reservations.
Mar 10, 2023
West Virginia International Yeager Airport to receive $964,648 in funding from the the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is excited to announce that it has received $964,648 in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This funding will be used to purchase new equipment that will help ensure safe and efficient operations for travelers. The equipment includes a snow broom to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods, a power sweeper to remove debris from the runway surface, and friction measuring equipment to maintain runway safety.
The funding was announced by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee. This funding was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This will enable West Virginia International Yeager Airport to obtain equipment to assist with ensuring safe airport operations during weather events.
“CRW would like to thank U.S. Senator Manchin (D-WV), as well as Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for their support of West Virginia International Yeager Airport and our efforts to improve operations and safety for our passengers. We look forward to continuing to provide safe and efficient travel options for the people of West Virginia,” said Airport Director & CEO, Dominique Ranieri.
Mar 2, 2023
WEST VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL YEAGER AIRPORT STATEMENT:
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) has been notified by Spirit Airlines that they will end their service from CRW on May 4, 2023.
The airline will issue a notice of cancellation to all ticketed passengers who have booked flights after May 4, 2023. Spirit Airlines is advising customers to contact the airline directly for assistance by visiting their website, or by calling 855-728-3555.
CRW is very thankful to Senator Manchin, Senator Capito, our Congressional delegation, and the Kanawha County Commission for their assistance obtaining the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Grant that provided the minimum revenue guarantee (MRG), which attracted Spirit to our market.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport will continue to actively pursue other air service providers to resume flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), and other additional routes to our region.
