NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- Elite Airways has postponed the start of service at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport because of 'challenging perceptions' surrounding the airport.
The nonstop service to New York City/Newark (EWR) and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) was set to begin on March 13th, but has been postponed until further notice.
A special meeting was hosted by the Peninsula Airport Commission in Newport News Tuesday afternoon.
Elite Airways felt that due to constant stories being reported, it wasn't the right time to introduce their brand #13NewsNow.
— Niko Clemmons (@13nikoclemmons) January 31, 2017
Transportation Secretary Layne says the PAC used millions of dollars to pay off a loan secured for failed airline 'People Express' and now the state is cutting funding to Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport.
Elite Airways also released this statement regarding the temporary suspension of airline service:
"The Peninsula Airport Commission has been informed that Elite airways has chosen to temporarily suspend service from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) due to the continuing negative and inaccurate headlines, which are preventing the introduction of this new brand properly to our community. The Commission and Elite Airways have a great working relationship, as well as, support for one another. We look forward to setting a new launch date with Elite over the next few months. We feel certain that Elite will find success out of the market, and that our community will enjoy their 'Elite Class' of service.
“We strongly believe in the market and want to give this service the best possible climate to start in. Postponing the start date will allow both the airline and the airport to be more successful in launching new air service to meet the needs of the community,” wrote John Pearsall, the President of Elite Airways, in a press release.
In a press release from the Peninsula Airport Commission legally and properly utilized the state entitlement funds to satisfy a legal obligation which arose as a result of Peninsula Airport Commission’s promotion of air service development. The air service which it sought to promote was fully supported by the citizens of this community.
Executive Director Ken Spirito says according to the Virginia's Aviation Board policy as specified in the airport program manual, they did not violate any policy and this was not an unauthorized use of entitlement funds.
“The Peninsula Airport Commission did not do anything wrong using the funds we did,” Spirito says. “We follow it (the manual) like every other airport and we're looking forward to working with the secretary and the state.”
All ticketed passengers are being contacted and will be fully refunded immediately. They are also able call the airline directly at 877-393-2510.