We now know when a new air carrier will take over at the DuBois Regional Airport.
Southern Airways told Clearfield County Commissioners on Tuesday that they’ll start on Nov. 30 with 38 flights per week.
That includes three flights each weekday to Pittsburgh and three to Baltimore.
Silver Airways will continue until then.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says it will pay nearly $3 million per year to continue the air service through late 2018, according to online records.
Southern will keep the current maintenance hub with about a dozen employees and officials hope this will be a more reliable service, airport manager Bob Shaffer said.
Shaffer is happy they will be offering flights to Pittsburgh again, which is what many have been asking for.
The airline released a press release:
“Southern Airways is pleased to announce new daily service connecting DuBois to Baltimore and Pittsburgh beginning Nov. 30. It’s the first ever service from the city to the major Mid-Atlantic hub of BWI – Baltimore/Washington.
The launch of Southern’s service to these cities also replaces service from DuBois to IAD-Washington/Dulles offered by Silver Airways.
“We are excited to offer this service to the people of DuBois,” said Keith Sisson, chief marketing officer of Southern. “We have worked very closely with the airport commissioners to offer a seamless transition to our air service options. We think the passengers are going to love the options that come with service to two major hubs.”
Tickets are on sale at the airline’s website, www.iFlySouthern.com, as well as major online travel sites. Fares start at $29 each way.
“The Authority is very excited about bringing back three times daily nonstop Pittsburgh service, along with the same to BWI – Baltimore/Washington.” said Rick Wise, chairman, DuBois Regional Airport. “We heard loud and clear from the Tri-County area we serve that Pittsburgh was the desired destination and adding BWI – Baltimore/Washington as an alternate to connect with Southwest’s fourth largest hub makes the world accessible from your own back yard.”
BWI – Baltimore/Washington is the 22nd busiest airport in the United States, serving about 24 million passengers per year. Commercial airline service at BWI – Baltimore/Washington includes more than 300 daily nonstop departures and flights to 80 domestic and international destinations.
“At BWI Marshall Airport, we continue to add new airlines and service to new markets,” said Ricky Smith, CEO for BWI Marshall Airport. “Southern Airways is a growing airline with a record of reliable service. We look forward to working with the carrier to connect BWI Marshall to DuBois.” “
