CRW Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Breeze Airways Adds Third Route

West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) officials announced Tuesday that Breeze Airways will offer a third nonstop flight to Tampa, FL starting this fall.

The new route will begin on October 4 with service available both on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Fares are available starting from $59 one way, for tickets purchased on, or before July 3rd.

Breeze Airways celebrated its inaugural flight from Yeager last month, and also offers nonstop service to Charleston, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida.

The low cost carrier’s introduction to West Virginia is expected to more than double air connectivity to the state’s capital. Airport director and CEO Dominique Ranieri said Breeze offers midsized markets like Charleston more flight options for passengers to fly to attractive markets like Tampa.

“The new route enhances connectivity for our passengers and strengthens CRW’s commitment to providing convenient travel options to popular destinations,” Ranieri said.

The airline flies regional and transcontinental flights within the U.S. on a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The airline has ordered 80 A220s, with options for an additional 40 jets.

The addition of Breeze Airways to Charleston Yeager Airport is the result of a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Tourism, Gov. Jim Justice, the Kanawha County Commission and the City of Charleston.

The airline said it plans to add flights to New York City and the West Coast over the next two years.

Yeager Airport Official Named To State Journal’s 40 Under 40

West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s Chief Marketing Officer Paige Withrow has been named to The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023. Each year, the publication honors 40 emerging young leaders under the age of 40 in industries throughout the state for their accomplishments within their respective communities.

West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s (CRW) Chief Marketing Officer Paige Withrow has been named to The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023.

Each year, the publication honors 40 emerging young leaders under the age of 40 in industries across the state for their accomplishments within their respective communities.

Withrow, who graduated from West Virginia University (WVU), was recognized for her efforts in promoting the state through her work at Yeager Airport.

She started work in 2016 at Airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) before working her way up to chief marketing officer in 2022.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as part of this year’s State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023,” Withrow said.

This is the fourth year in a row that an employee from CRW has been recognized by The State Journal.

“So that tells you about our team and all the people we have on staff,” Withrow said. “I’m so fortunate to be able to give back to our state and work in a place that I love. West Virginia holds a special place in my heart, and it is a privilege to contribute to the state’s growth and success through my role at West Virginia International Yeager Airport.”

Airport Director & CEO Dominique Ranieri credits Withrow’s marketing efforts with elevating Yeager’s brand and helping the airport promote the region’s economy.

“We are incredibly proud of Paige’s accomplishments and the well-deserved recognition she has received from The State Journal,” Ranieri said. “Her innovative marketing approach has elevated our airport’s brand and helped us achieve our strategic goals. This award is a testament to her hard work and commitment to our state, the airport team, and our passengers.”

W.Va. Airports Receive FAA Funding For Improvements

Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW) will receive $1 million under the Airport Terminal Program (ATP) for a series of projects to upgrade its 1950s terminal building, improve Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and install a new roof.

The federal government has awarded $1 million each to West Virginia International Yeager Airport and Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley.

Yeager Airport Director & CEO, Dominique Ranieri, said improving terminal facilities will make for a better passenger experience.

“CRW would like to thank U.S. Sen, Joe Manchin, D-WV, as well as Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV and the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for their hard work in helping to make the passenger experience more efficient and enjoyable by fighting for much-needed airport infrastructure improvements,” Ranieri said in a press release.

Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority Board Chairman, Ed Hill said a viable airport is crucial to the area’s economy.

“CRW is our community’s gateway to the world, and this funding will ensure we continue to operate safely and efficiently,” he said.

Raleigh County Memorial Airport will use its portion of FAA funding for a terminal expansion, and for the addition of ADA accessible restrooms, as well as sustainable design concepts to promote energy efficiency.

The funding is part of President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced nearly $1 billion for more than 100 projects at 99 airports.

Under the ATP, the FAA is providing $5 billion to airports via discretionary, competitive grants for eligible terminal projects over a five-year period.

CRW received $2.1 million in 2021 from first-year funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.