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All signs point skyward for commercial flights to resume at the Williamsport Regional Airport later this month.
Airport Executive Director Eric McKitish reported that Contour Airlines will begin non-stop service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina beginning Oct. 19 as scheduled.
McKitish told the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority at its recent meeting that planning and other processes are well under way for inaugural flights, training, and arrival of additional equipment.
The flight schedule, he said, calls for single non-stop daily departures at 6:15 a.m. from the local airport in Montoursville to Charlotte. The schedule also includes single daily flights from Charlotte to Montoursville.
"The service will be operated aboard Contour's 30-seat regional jets, offering travelers a comfortable experience with extra legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages on every flight," McKitish said.
The airport has been without commercial flights since Aug. 1 when Southern Airways Express abruptly pulled its service.
Southern officials claimed it flew passengers from the airport despite unpaid bills, a claim at the time disputed by airport officials.
Frank Pellegrino told the Sun-Gazette most recently that the board is awaiting invoices from Southern.
In other matters, it was reported that the dispute regarding construction of the terminal building has apparently been resolved following mediation.
The building was completed in 2017 but later experienced roof leakage issues and water damage.
The mediation involved recovering the airport's repair costs from the contractor and architect amounting to $200,000.
Lobar, Inc. and Murray Associates Architects, were the parties involved in the mediation process.
"I believe we have resolved the pending lawsuit," Williams said.
Terms of the agreement were not released.
The Authority met in executive session following the meeting to consider legal issues.
The next Authority meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the airport.