BRIDGE Announces Effort to Bring New Passenger Service to TRI in 2025, Seeking Partners
BRISTOL, VA, December 4, 2024 - BRIDGE, a privately funded economic development organization working in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia announced today it is in talks with an airline to bring passenger air service to two major markets to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in 2025. The airline would be new to the airport.​
The airline would commit to providing non-stop service between the TRI and the two major markets for two years, while BRIDGE and its partners would cover a minimum guarantee of $2 million to the airline over that period. The Sullivan County Commission has already voted to fund up to $240,000. BRIDGE is currently seeking other partners in the public and private sectors.​
BRIDGE Executive Director John Rose addresses a crowd of 80 regional business and government leaders at a community information event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino regarding air service expansion opportunities at Tri-Cities Airport.
New Air Service Proposal Fast Facts
WHAT are the terms of this deal?
TRI receives:
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New direct flights between TRI and two major markets.
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New Airline to the region.
Airline receives:
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The incentive is a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) of $2 million over two years.
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The airline makes as much of that as possible off ticket sales.
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Partners’ commitment guarantees the rest.
WHO in our region benefits most directly?
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Anyone who wants to stop driving elsewhere to fly.
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TRI currently loses 60% of air travelers in this region to other airports, mainly because of ticket prices.
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More flights – and more airlines competing here – mean lower fares.
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Outbound travelers
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More direct destinations and lower fares make travel from the TRI easier and cheaper.
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Businesses in the region that benefit from tourism
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As our region becomes a more attractive destination, revenues here rise.
WHY should my community support a project that most directly affects tourism?
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Tourist dollars shrink the tax burden on everyone who lives here.
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In 2023 visitors to NE Tennessee generated $404 in tax saving per household through state and local tax collections.*
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Communities in the region will find it easier to attract and retain businesses.
WHY should my company support a project that most directly affects tourism?
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Business travelers will see cost benefits on ALL flights at TRI, not just the new airline.
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Existing airlines have no incentive to lower fares at current supply/demand levels. Flights now are 80% full. Adding new competition drives down all fares.
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Companies in the region will find it easier to attract and retain employees.
WHO is taking part?
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Sullivan County has already committed $240k over two years.
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BRIDGE is asking our neighbors, public and private, in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, to participate.
* Based on 2022 American Community Survey 5-year Households, provided by Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association