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Pitt–Greenville Airport board pushes to recruit flights and expand services; asks council to approve budget appropriation
Summary
The airport board told council on May 14 it plans to recruit additional commercial flights and increase based aircraft to capture passengers now traveling to Raleigh; the board highlighted a five‑year capital program funded primarily by state and federal sources and reported an economic impact estimate of about $234 million.
Pitt–Greenville Airport leaders described a budget request and strategic push on May 14 to expand commercial service and grow general‑aviation business.
Vice Chair Michael Overton said the airport currently hosts about 65 based aircraft and generates roughly $1.1 million in direct tax revenue for the facility. He stressed an 88% passenger "leakage" rate to Raleigh—meaning most area travelers drive to Raleigh to catch flights—and said airport leaders are actively recruiting additional airlines and transient traffic. Overton presented an economic-impact estimate of roughly 1,200 jobs and $234 million in regional economic activity, and he said adding two commercial aircraft could increase economic activity by an estimated $90 million.
The board noted an FAA/state capital improvement program of roughly $33 million over the next five years with no local match required for many projects and asked council to include the airport appropriation in the city’s budget actions. New executive director Brandon Craft was introduced; board members said Craft’s early priorities will include customer-service upgrades, recruitment of commercial service and improvements to terminal amenities and marketing.
Council members praised recent board efforts, noted the airport’s potential to support Invest Greenville’s business recruitment, and encouraged coordination on customer service and marketing. The airport’s requested appropriation will be considered in the city budget process.
