North Carolina Airport Authority Puts Off Plans for Printing Brochure

Nov. 18, 2005
Craven County Regional Airport Authority members continue to feel they have the best airport around, but they lamented Tuesday that they're getting beat at marketing it to regional travelers.
Craven County Regional Airport Authority members continue to feel they have the best airport around, but they lamented Tuesday that they're getting beat at marketing it to regional travelers.

"We have a wonderful facility with great advantages," said authority member Bill Naumann, noting two consecutive months of declining boardings.

"We don't do much to toot our own horn," he said, waving a press release from the Kinston JetPort in response to the presentation of the draft of a color brochure to be sent to area chambers of commerce and tourist centers.

"Every time something happens at Kinston it's on the Internet and broadcast. We have wireless Internet, two overhead TV sets -- all of this. This (brochure) tells you how to get to the airport, but it doesn't give me any reason to come here. We can beat them at their own game. We have a lot more to sell here than rocking chairs."

After a brief discussion, the authority decided to hold off printing the brochure until it could contact a professional air service public relations consultant who lives in the area.

Naumann heads the air services committee for the authority, which is seeking input from air travelers on ways the airport can better serve them. He reported that the airport staff did a great job interviewing close to 400 travelers in a week.

He said Craven County Economic Development Commission Director Jim Davis, who was present at Tuesday's meeting, and his staff are getting feedback from 499 area businesses about airport use and needs. About 20 percent of those surveyed has responded.

Airport Manager Larry Scantlin said active military travelers on leave are using the free parking program that has been set up for November. So far, the program has saved military members $ 1,216.

Davis suggested the airport further publicize in the Cherry Point newspaper, The Windsock, the gesture of appreciation to active military so Marines can take full advantage over Thanksgiving.

The authority also:

--Heard that the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's response to a query on general aviation security regulations suggested they hold a public session for input.

--Heard a report that repaving of the parallel taxiway west of the primary runway is complete.

--Was advised that the AV-8 Harrier mounted outside the terminal will be refurbished and painted.

--Met in executive session related to the purchase or sale of property. No action was taken.

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