Moore County travelers may soon be able to catch a commercial flight closer to home if the Moore County Airport can succeed in raising $3 million to help secure commercial airline service.
At a community event held at Pinehurst Resort Wednesday evening, airport officials outlined a plan to raise a $3 million minimum revenue guarantee required by an airline considering a daily flight between Moore County Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Many local leaders attended the meeting, including Senator Tom McInnis, Representative Neal Jackson, Moore County commissioners Adams and Ritter, and a slate of business owners and stakeholders.
The guarantee would act as a reserve fund during the first two years of service, when airlines typically assess whether a new route can become self-sustaining. If ticket sales fall short of certain revenue thresholds, the fund would cover the difference. If the route performs well, the money would not be used.
“This is no longer speculative,” said Adam Kiker of the Moore County Airport Authority. “We have an airline that has expressed interest. The simple equation is that if we come up with the funds they need, they will deliver air service to Moore County.”
Competition for new airline routes has grown more intense nationwide, with many airlines requiring financial assurances before launching service in smaller markets. However, Moore County Airport Director Rick Cloutier maintained that it’s rare for carriers to be interested in bringing commercial services to a smaller, local airport, and that the carrier sees the potential and need in the community.
Organizers said more than $1.3 million in pledges from local businesses has already been secured toward the $3 million goal. The Moore County Economic Development Partnership is accepting additional pledges from the business community through June 30 while officials also pursue state and federal funding sources.
Among the lineup of speakers were Senator Tom McInnis (left), Representative Neal Jackson (center), and Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pinehurst Resort Eric Kuester.
Because the airport authority cannot provide direct funding to an airline, airport officials said they plan to support the effort through reduced fees and operational assistance.
Supporters say that the service could greatly improve travel convenience for residents and businesses. Currently, most travelers in Moore County drive about an hour or more to reach larger airports such as Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
According to data presented, about 1,275 passengers from the region depart from other airports each day.
A study cited during the presentation estimated that commercial service could generate $16.5 million in economic output, create about 115 jobs, and attract roughly 6,300 additional visitors to the area annually.
Kiker also clarified that the airport’s existing infrastructure could support the proposed service without major runway expansion, despite rumors that the airport would have to expand.
“If we get this minimum revenue guarantee secured, we are very confident we can do this,” Kiker said.
State Sen. Tom McInnis also spoke at the event, highlighting the county’s reliance on tourism, particularly golf-related travel, and urging businesses to participate in the effort. He said improved air access could help attract businesses and professionals to the region.
A public opinion poll conducted in January found that 79% of Moore County residents support bringing commercial flights to the local airport, according to organizers.
If the funding goal is met and the airline proceeds with the plan, the route would launch in April 2027, just over a year from now. Leaders said they view the proposed Dulles flight as a starting point that could eventually lead to additional routes and destinations.
Laughing, Dr. Mike Jones of the Moore County Airport Authority told Sandhills Sentinel, “We’re taking one bite of the apple at a time.”
“This would just be the beginning,” Kiker said. “We believe once service starts, it will grow.”
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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