NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk International Airport (ORF) leaders are urging Hampton Roads leaders to provide more financial incentives to attract European airline carriers to the airport.
For months, ORF has continually broken records with historic passenger travel. Mark Perryman, CEO and President, said the problem is not the demand but rather the money.
"These airlines are looking for us to put our money where our mouth is," said Perryman. "It's basically a guarantee that they will at least be able to cover their costs while getting their footing underneath them."
To attract these carriers, Perryman said he wants City Council members to consider setting aside a combined three to five million dollars for the airlines. The money would essentially cover the deficit airlines could face once getting here. Perryman said it would last for three to four years and is not "free money."
"This is not a 'give-me,' or a 'freebie,'" said Perryman. "It doesn't get paid out until the airlines show us that they didn't hit their revenue target to cover their costs, that's when we are going to kick that in."
So far there have been very few overseas flights out of ORF. In June, Frontier Airlines began nonstop service between Norfolk and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Plans are also underway to expand service to the Caribbean.
This is possible because of a recent billion-dollar investment to construct a new U.S. Customs Inspection Facility, an on-site hotel, and a major expansion to Concourse A that will include three new airport gates.
It's the first major upgrade to come to Norfolk International Airport since 1999.
"As both the Mayor of Norfolk and as a person, I am very excited to see this project come along," said Kenny Alexander. "Norfolk and the rest of Hampton Roads is a destination, now we have even more means to support that."
Perryman said once a partnership is solidified with a European airline carrier, the door can be opened to other European cities Hampton Roads citizens might like to visit.
"Where in Europe? We are not quite sure yet. How often? It will probably be two, three times a week at most to start until we build up that demand," said Perryman.
He urged patience as these deals with international airlines can sometimes take years to finalize.