The US DOT awarded US Airways slots to fly CAK-DCA. I need to pinch myself, I am so excited! Rick came into our marketing/ communications planning meeting yesterday afternoon to tell me. I was already feeling good…cuz of all the good ideas my staff was bringing to my attention…but I literally jumped up and down when he delivered the big news.

Why is this a big deal you might ask? Well, because we have been trying to get to DC for more than a decade. DCA is the easiest airport to use in the greater DC area but it is slot restricted, so it literally takes an act of congress to get into the place. Every community in the country wants service to Washington Reagan and we got it!

The flights will begin sometime in late January. US Airways is still putting the finishing touches on flight times, fares and such.

If you were one of the hundreds of people who wrote a letter or signed a petition to help us get the service, I want to thank you. I truly believe that the overwhelming support from this community gave us the edge over the competition.

Also, I’d like to thank Congresspeople Regula, Ryan, Sutton and LaTourette for their advocacy and support. I know they are working hard for Northeast Ohio in Washington, D.C. I can’t wait to see them flying through CAK on our new nonstop flight!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!