Yeager Airport Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

W.Va. Dogs Fly To Forever Homes And A New Book From Ron Rash, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, the power of collaboration was evident at West Virginia International Yeager Airport this week as three organizations joined forces for a “dog-gone-good” cause. Caroline MacGregor reports.

On this West Virginia Morning, the power of collaboration was evident at West Virginia International Yeager Airport this week as three organizations joined forces for a “dog-gone-good” cause. Caroline MacGregor reports.

Also, in this show, Appalachian writer Ron Rash has written more than 20 books, including several that have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest is called The Caretaker, set in a small, Appalachian town during the Korean War. Inside Appalachia Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Rash about the book, Appalachia and getting older.

And, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Alisa Amador. We listen to her performance of “Slow Down.” It’s the second track on Amador’s EP, Narratives.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.

Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from CAMC and Marshall Health.

West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caroline MacGregor, Chris Schultz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.

Eric Douglas is our news director. Caroline MacGregor is our assistant news director and producer.

Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning

Save Coonskin Park Petitions FAA With More Than 11,000 Signatures

The tentative proposal by the FAA to acquire more than 400 acres of Coonskin Park for a valley “fill area” would make way for an expansion as part of Yeager’s Airfield, Safety, and Terminal Improvement project.

Save Coonskin Park, collected 11,087 signatures for a petition which was submitted this week to the Federal Aviation Authority and public officials in opposition to a proposed runway extension at West Virginia International Yeager Airport.

Opponents feel it will destroy a local tourist attraction.

If approved, the loss of public land would affect woodland trails like the Coonskin Branch hollow which is featured on the state’s list of waterfall trails.

There’s also the potential loss of the Kanawha Valley Railroad Association Museum and concerns about the Elk River, a source of drinking water for nine counties.

Scott Hill, whose family lives on Keystone Drive in Charleston, the site of airport landslides in 1969 and 2015, said the airport has a “terrible record” when it comes to landslides.

“They’ve never made it right,” Hill said. “And now they want to put all that dirt hanging over the Elk River, that’s another disaster waiting to happen.”

Last week, the FAA pledged $2.29 million in grant money for a third phase of their Environmental Impact Study to consider alternative ways to extend the runway and shift the parallel taxiway.

According to members of the group, if approved, Yeager’s proposal would destroy the entire Upper Park including the Alice Knight Memorial (Grotto) area.

Passenger Traffic At Yeager Airport Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels

Passenger traffic at West Virginia International Yeager Airport, known by the airport code CRW, has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

On Friday, Yeager airport officials announced that from January to June 2023, 24,284 more passengers traveled through CRW than in 2022.

In June alone, the airport experienced a 13.4 percent increase in the number of people boarding aircraft with a total of 178,888 passengers.

Airport Executive Director Dominique Ranieri attributes the growth to a strong rebound in the travel industry, convenient travel options and tourism efforts to market West Virginia as a sought-after travel destination.

“Everyone on the team here at CRW is so excited to see passenger numbers back at 2019 levels,” Ranieri said. “These numbers reflect people coming to West Virginia and also our community utilizing the flights that we have.”

Ranieri said the numbers also reflect the use of current air service in attracting new airline partners like Breeze Airways, which will offer nonstop flights to Tampa, Florida starting on Oct. 4.

Ranieri said as the travel industry continues its upward trajectory, more visitors are choosing CRW as their preferred gateway.

“As we have always said here at CRW, the only way to get additional air service is to use the service we have, and these numbers show that is happening,” Ranieri said. “We’re excited to share them with our airline partners to encourage additional frequency and new destinations.”

Ranieri also credited continued collaboration between airport, state and airline officials for the rebound, adding they are determined to further establish West Virginia as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers.

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.”

Breeze Airways Begins Service From Yeager Airport

The much-anticipated inaugural flight celebration for Breeze Airways got off to a bumpy start Wednesday at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW).

West Virginia’s newest low cost air carrier arrived on time at Charleston’s Yeager International Airport at 8:35 a.m. Wednesday morning before departing for its first trip to Orlando.

Weather issues, however, delayed the plane’s return to Charleston for a planned celebratory media event slated to include the governor, Breeze representatives and other VIPs.

When the inaugural inbound flight pulled up to Gate B2 it was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute by the 130th AW Fire Department.

When the aircraft doors opened passengers and crew were treated to a party at the gate featuring balloons and refreshments that included a decorative cake and giveaways.

Airport Director and CEO Dominique Ranieri said the addition of Breeze Airways marks a new era in flight service for West Virginians.

“CRW is thrilled that Breeze will begin nonstop service today to Charleston, South Carolina and Orlando,” Ranieri said. “CRW continues to be grateful for the support of everyone who has made today possible, starting with Gov. Jim Justice, Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby, the Kanawha County Commission, and the City of Charleston.”

The Kanawha County Commission offered the following statement, “Kanawha County is thrilled that Breeze is already expanding flights from CRW. It’s proof that the innovative partnership between the State of West Virginia, Kanawha County, and the City of Charleston is working. Great things are happening in Kanawha County!”

Breeze Airways will offer direct flights to Charleston, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida. The new routes were introduced at a special introductory fare of $59 and $49 for a one-way ticket. The carrier added two extra flights to its Orlando route with summer flight service scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through August 15.

After that date, the carrier will revert to two weekly flights.

The airline plans to add bigger Airbus 220-300 aircraft that can carry more passengers with first class seating and more leg space.

Three more flights are expected to be added to New York City and the West Coast over the next two years.

West Virginia International Yeager Airport is an underwriter of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.