Richard Howell Executive Director of the Williamsport Regional Airport Authority talks about Southern Airways starting air service at the airport during a press conference announcing the return of air service to the airport. Southern Airways will start air service to Dulles Airport May 23, 2024 with 2 flights a day on their 9 person aircraft. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority members at their regular monthly meeting said good-bye to Richard Howell, who led the local airport’s operations for the past five-and-half years.

“Thank you for your service,” Authority Chair Frank Pellegrino told Howell. “Best of luck in your retirement.”

Howell, an Air Force veteran and licensed pilot, called his tenure as executive director of the Williamsport Regional Airport “an interesting trip” and “an interesting ride.”

The April 10 meeting marked Howell’s last official day on the job.

Just months after Howell assumed the leadership post in 2019, the COVID pandemic began, significantly reducing airport operations nationwide.

During the pandemic, the Williamsport Regional Airport lost commercial air service when American Airlines pulled its flights.

Southern Airways Express restored commercial flights to the airport in May 2024 after more than two years without passenger service.

“Richard was dealt a bad hand from the start,” board member Chris Logue said.

He added that Howell went above and beyond in his duties.

Eric B. McKitish Sr., a longtime Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport official, takes over as executive director, and Ahmad Nawaz as senior airport manager.

“We did an extensive search,” Pellegrino said. “We found what we need. We have a very successful team now.”

McKitish noted his many years of experience in the airline industry.

“We plan on building on what we have,” he said.

Nawaz, airport certified in NOTAM, FAR 139 and most recently employed at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York, said he is excited about being in Williamsport.

In other matters, Mark Cestari, of Southern Airways, told the board the airline is working with Dulles Airport, Washington, D.C., toward further marketing Williamsport as a flight destination.

The board met in an executive session following the meeting to consider personnel and other issues.

The next authority meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in the airport terminal building.