MOV Regional Airport officially announces service by United Express to Washington’s Dulles Airport

PARKERSBURG, WV (December 6, 2007) – Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport and Colgan Air representatives officially announced today that air service from the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport will now be with United Express to Washington Dulles Airport, located just outside Washington, D.C. beginning January 7, 2008.

The change in air service code share is part of the move from service to Pittsburgh to service to Washington. The MOVRA service provider will continue to be Colgan Air but they will now be affiliated with United Airlines instead of US Airways.

“We are looking forward to the change,” MOVRA Manager Terry Moore stated. “We believe there are significantly more connections to be made out of the United hub in the D.C. area. The hub offers direct connections across the country and the globe. Dulles is also a growing airport, heavily invested in by the FAA, and D.C. is a destination itself, where as Pittsburgh is more of a transit point for people in their travels.”

“We are pleased to offer our east cost customers what they want – more air service with a convenient schedule and easy connections to cities across the world,” United Airlines Senior Vice President – Planning Kevin Knight said.

“With this announcement of direct service to Dulles, new and more reliable domestic and international travel options to our state are opening up,” Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chair of Aviation Subcommittee of Senate Commerce said.

“When we chose Colgan as the EAS provider we did so because they indicated in their bid that they would switch us to Washington Dulles as soon possible,” MOVRA Authority President and Wood County Commissioner Blair Couch said. “This is a better service, offering more connections, and will serve the Mid-Ohio Valley traveling public better than any other service.

Officials indicated that amenities currently offered through US Airways will continue with United Express. Both services are part of the Star Alliance that allows passengers to transfer
frequent flier miles between carriers.

United offers flights to 117 destinations in 26 countries, and two U.S. territories. It has hubs in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.

“It may take some time to get used to the change, however we believe people will be really happy with the service,” Wood County Airport Authority President Virgil Flinn said. “As Terry has mentioned there will be additional opportunity and convenience for passengers to make connections to the west coast and beyond. It’s a good change for the business traveler and hopefully the leisure traveler.”

“We believe we’ve taken one transition out of a person’s flight with the switch,” Moore said. “This means fliers will be one step closer to arriving at their business meeting, family reunion, vacation, or home sooner and with more ease.”

Moore indicated for travelers who are seeking the best fare rates, to contact their travel agent or visit an online air travel site – such as Orbitz.com or Travelocity.com. To learn more about the MOV Regional Airport visit www.flymov.com

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