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Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport requests $275,000 county support, cites jet-fuel sales decline and revenue challenges
Summary
Airport director requested $275,000 from the county, described a drop in jet fuel sales caused by changes in military and fractional operator behavior, and outlined efforts to recover revenue, pursue military fuel contract and commercial partnerships, and develop workforce training through local colleges.
Nick (airport director) asked the commission for $275,000 in county support for the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport and described the airport’s efforts to address a recent decline in jet fuel sales that has strained revenues.
The director said the airport generates roughly 90% of its own revenue but that jet-fuel sales — a large revenue source — dropped sharply in recent months after military and fractional-ownership operators changed fueling practices. He said the military has moved to require airports to hold a military fuel contract and that certain fractional operators now prefer to use CAA-designated airports. The airport is applying for a new program to recoup costs when fueling military aircraft and is pursuing CAA designation to regain business; both processes are described as taking months and the military-fuel application result is expected in October.
The airport director outlined other responses: pursuing public–private partnerships to build hangars, expanding relationships with three colleges that have aviation programs (Marshall University, Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community & Technical College), and exploring opportunities with government contractors and an electric aircraft developer (Beta) that plans service and charging infrastructure on the field. He reported a recent increase in community engagement activities, educational tours and events and noted plans for a pavilion and other amenities to encourage public use of airport facilities.
Commissioners asked about fuel margins and payment timing; the director said military and CAA deals provide lower margins than prior business but that the airport’s costs would be covered at the pump under the new military program. He reported the airport’s total economic impact studies estimating community impacts in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and said hangars and lease revenues help diversify operations. The airport director said the airport has reduced staff hours and made other adjustments while pursuing revenue-recovery strategies.
Ending: The director thanked commissioners for support, said one pending land sale was progressing and that the airport expects to report further developments in coming months.
