Article originally posted to the WYMT-TV web site http://www.wkyt.com/yourtown/locations/pike/headlines/Appalachian-Air-takes-trial-flight-from-Pikeville-to-Nashville–245305681.html
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) Update: 10/27/14
Monday marked the beginning of a new era in transportation in Eastern Kentucky with the first round trip commercial flight between Pikeville and Nashville.
The plane left Pikeville/Pike County Regional Airport at 6:30 a.m. Monday and returned about 12 hours later.
“The community has had a long-held goal to bring commercial air service to the mountains and today was the day we made it happen, so it’s a big day,” Appalachian Air spokesman Luke Schmidt said.
“We think that by connecting Pikeville and Eastern Kentucky to the global air system, it will help create jobs,” Schmidt said. “It will help people interested in investing in the region to get here and find out what a great community it is and what is available here.”
Fewer than 10 people were aboard Monday’s flight, but Appalachian Air officials are optimistic seats will start filling up as more people hear about the service.
Skip Holmes with the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce made the round trip Monday. He said the best part is being close to his home in Floyd County when the plane lands instead of having to drive back from the airports in Lexington or Louisville.
“Being able to come here, get in my car, be in my easy chair in 15 minutes, that’s perfect,” Holmes said.
Right now, one round trip flight per day is scheduled to leave Pikeville every morning at 6:30.
To book a flight and look up ticket costs, visit AppalachianAir.com.
To watch the television news story, please click on the following link: