FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2021
Contact: Sarah Suggs, Director of Communications
Phone: 910-500-6464
Email: sarah@fayedc.com

Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation congratulates Fayetteville Regional Airport on new Dallas-Fort Worth flight
New service connects travelers to 299 destinations globally

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) congratulates Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) and the City of Fayetteville on its new American Airlines connection to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

The new flight, which commenced this morning, connects Fayetteville travelers to 79 new destinations through Dallas-Fort Worth, the fourth largest metropolitan in the country. DFW is connected to 192 domestic and 67 international destinations. Between DFW, Charlotte and Atlanta, FAY offers 299 connections, further positioning Fayetteville as one of the most accessible U.S. cities.

“We commend FAY’s hard work in adding the direct DFW flight, giving our local business community expedited travel to other regions of the U.S. as well as an opportunity for business travelers to fly directly into Fayetteville,” FCEDC Chairman Andrew Pennink said. “We are growing, and FAY is working diligently to accommodate needs of business travelers.”

Benefiting neighboring Ft. Bragg, a direct flight to DFW provides military personnel expedited travel to engage with geographically dispersed Army units.

“We are proud to call Fayetteville home. They have welcomed us and been wonderful hosts, and the support they have provided to us has been integral to our success. As the Army’s largest command, we must be able to engage with our communities throughout the United States to be successful,” commented US Army Forces Command Spokesperson Col. Scott Rawlinson. “We want to extend a sincere thank you and congratulations to the Fayetteville community on this additional direct flight, which will make our travel more convenient and bring more people one step closer to our home here. Freedom’s Guardian!”

FAY remains a powerful economic development catalyst for the Greater Fayetteville area. According to a 2021 report conducted by N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, FAY has a $790 million economic impact, supports 4,575 jobs, and generates $28 million to local and state taxes. In a study conducted by NC Airports Association, it was concluded that FAY experienced a faster recovery of passengers when compared to most N.C. commercial service airports.

“During early February 2021, Fayetteville was welcoming approximately 50% of pre-pandemic flyers, when the U.S. was seeing closer to 35% of prior year activity,” said NC Airports Association President Chris White. “North Carolina continues to see solid demand for air travel and is likely to experience a robust and rapid recovery.”

The added daily flight service to DFW commences during FAY’s $45 million terminal renovation project. Phase I, completed January 2020, included a new concourse that will accommodate this new flight. The airport is in Phase II of construction, which is expected to be completed in early 2022.

“As a primary gateway to Fayetteville for many corporate decision-makers, potential job creators, and leaders of existing industries, FAY is an economic development asset,” shared FCEDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons. “We appreciate City Council making the renovation a priority and continuously investing in the airport and other projects contributing to the economic vitality of our region. This added destination serves as a testament to our community’s strength as we emerge from Covid-19 with this new flight, opening doors to additional opportunities in the future.”

To view more photos and media of the event, contact Sarah Suggs.

ABOUT FCEDC: The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community tax base. Learn more at www.fayedc.com.

ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT: Fayetteville Regional Airport is the Sandhill’s leader in airline service, general aviation, and rental car services. Learn more at www.flyfay.com.

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