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Blair Airport Thanks Customers During Appreciation Day

A crowd of more than 250 enjoyed drinks, food and a Mariachi band at Altoona-Blair County Airport's Customer Appreciation party on Tuesday, June 18.

This was the third year for the airport to have this event, which was sponsored by Southern Airways Corp., said Tracy Plessinger, manager of the Altoona-Blair County Airport in Martinsburg.

People were asked their opinions about the local airport.

Sam Benasso said he flies a couple of times a year, mainly to Dallas, Texas. Benasso loves the free parking, the convenience and would love to see more direct connections to other airlines.

Christopher Mika, owner of Nova Tech Construction, finds the airport to be convenient, close and enjoys the free parking. He loves flying with American and he does not have to waste time going through security again at adjoining airports.

Dennis Mika, father of Christopher from Hollidaysburg, also finds the airport convenient and loves the short lines and the low cost. He would like to see the accessibility online improved a little.

Sherry Waddington from Yellow Springs, Williamsburg, loves the convenience of this airport. Also, she finds the location of the airport very nostalgic. She remembers going to the airport with her parents and watching the planes.

Keith Forstell and Marjorie Baines from Hollidaysburg find the airport to also be very convenient. Both praised the "excellent staff" at the airport.

"You do not get this service in larger airports and all of them really help you and take care of you," Baines said.

"I see only success for this airport," Ted Beam, Blair County commissioner, said. "New hangers and offices will be added and they will continue to provide service to Baltimore and Pittsburgh."

Stan Little, chairman, founder and CEO of Southern Airways Corp., said, "It has been six years since the company was founded. This airport has the best numbers it has had in a decade. We will be adding some new things this summer.

"We do this event to remind people we appreciate them and are here. This is a great way to meet the team and we will give away three flights. The food is from the La Fiesta restaurant on site, which is great."

As the band from the Reading area played and attendees enjoyed their Mexican cuisine, three prizes were given away by Southern Airways. Mark Cestari, chief commercial officer, pulled the names and announced the winners.

The grand prize winner was drawn by Plessinger and went to Vaughn Faulk, a Vietnam veteran.

Faulk has not flown since his return in 1973. Mrs. Faulk had been encouraging him to "get back in the air" to celebrate their 47th wedding event. The flight was to Dallas, Texas.

 

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