CENTRE COUNTY — A new partnership has taken flight in Centre County with the launch of the State College Air Service Alliance, a formal coalition created to enhance connectivity, strengthen economic growth and expand travel opportunities at the State College Regional Airport.
The alliance — a collaboration between the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC), the Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA), The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and Penn State University — was announced Monday, Oct. 14, during the State College Air Service Summit.
“We know strong air service means a stronger economy,” said CBICC President and CEO Greg Scott. “When business, government, the university and the community come together, we can make good things happen. The Alliance was formed to retain existing service and attract new airline partners that enhance connectivity to national and international destinations.”
The Alliance’s goals include unifying advocacy efforts for regional air service, coordinating community and business outreach, developing marketing strategies to attract carriers and securing public, private and grant-based funding to support air service incentives.
Ralph Stewart, Executive Director of the Centre County Airport Authority, said the collaboration marks a critical step forward in regional development.
“Through the Alliance, we aim to strengthen State College Regional Airport’s position to attract new routes, retain existing ones and expand travel options for businesses and residents,” he said. “We’re grateful to have community partners ready to lead initiatives that incentivize airlines to choose our airport.”
A centerpiece of the Alliance’s launch is the creation of the Fly State CollegeFund, which will provide revenue guarantees, marketing support and financial incentives for new airline service. The fund has an initial goal of $500,000 and has already secured $130,000 in commitments from CBICC, CCAA, HVAB, and Penn State.
“To attract new air service, we must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise,” Scott said. “The Fly State College Fund allows us to raise capital locally and demonstrate that our community is invested in increasing service at State College Regional Airport.”
The Alliance also introduced a Fly Local campaign, encouraging residents and businesses to book flights out of State College rather than nearby airports. Stewart noted that every ticket purchased locally strengthens demand.
“When residents and business choose to fly from State College, we strengthen demand, reduce leakage to other airports, and send a clear message to airlines that our market is worth investing in,” Stewart said. “Every ticket purchased at State College Regional Airport shows passenger demand and helps improve our long-term air service.”
Fritz Smith, President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, said the agency will use tourism data to guide future expansion.
“By analyzing demand, market opportunities and competitor performance, our marketing strategy intends to strengthen connectivity for both business and leisure travel and drive Happy Valley’s tourism economy,” he said.
Penn State’s Vice President for Government and Community Relations Mike Stefan said the university is committed to supporting the initiative.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with our partners to strengthen air service in State College and streamline travel for Penn State students, staff, faculty, visitors and community members,” Stefan said.
As Secretary Carroll noted in his remarks, reliable air service doesn’t just connect passengers, it connects communities.
“This is an important event that seeks to advance economic opportunities not just for Centre County, but for the entire central Pennsylvania region,” Carroll said. “PennDOT stands ready to be a partner as Centre County advances its aviation and economic vision. This kind of collaboration is exactly how regions grow stronger.”
With a unified front between business, government, tourism and education, Centre County’s leaders say the State College Air Service Alliance represents both a strategic investment and a shared commitment to keep Happy Valley connected to the world.
