Charleston Area Alliance Remains Committed

to Advancing Transportation Improvements

The Charleston Area Alliance Executive Committee today reaffirmed its commitment to improving the region’s transportation system, despite the suspension of a project to launch an ultra low-cost airline at Yeager Airport. The Alliance had recently invested $200,000 toward the $3 million seed capital requirement for “Jet America,” a new airline proposed by South Charleston native John Weikle.

Weikle terminated the project over the weekend in response to recent bankruptcy announcements by other low-cost airlines, including Skybus, which he founded.

“All investors, including the Alliance, are expected to receive refund checks in the very near future,” said Alliance President/CEO Matt Ballard. “Mr. Weikle has notified all investors that he will return their investments this week.”

External forces and economic uncertainties rendered this project unfeasible at this time, Ballard noted. “Naturally, we are disappointed that it has been shelved for now. Jet America, which had a very strong business model, had the potential to be one of the most significant economic development projects in recent history,” he said.

Despite this setback, the Alliance remains firmly committed to advancing initiatives to improve the region’s transportation system. Limited direct service to major destinations from Yeager Airport and high airfares are a major hurdle to economic development in our area, Ballard said.

“Our plan is to move on to the next economic development and transportation project. We won’t let up in our efforts to make our area more accessible to relocating businesses and tourists,” Ballard said.

In coming months, the Alliance plans to work with the City of Charleston, the Kanawha County Commission, Yeager Airport, and the local convention and visitors bureaus to determine possible next steps.

The Alliance stands by its decision to support Jet America, Ballard said. “Given the tremendous upside potential of the project and the strength of its business model, we believed – and still do – that it was well worth pursuing," he said.

“It has been a pleasure to work with John Weikle over the past year on this innovative project,” Ballard said. “John brought a lifetime of experience in the airline industry to an effort that could have had tremendous benefits for his home state. We wish him well as he considers other new opportunities,” he said.

“Economic development is often a two-steps-forward, one-step back process, and setbacks frequently outnumber successes,” Ballard added. “However, by continuing to push forward, we will make progress in building a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.”