WW air travel
hits new high
Increased advertising, a boost in business travel and growing vacation visits have all likely helped boost air travel traffic in and out of Walla Walla Regional Airport.
In fact, Alaska Airlines counts reflect record
breaking passenger numbers in May, July and September this year.
September, 2013 totals showed that 2,851 passengers flew out of the airport. That’s a 5.8 percent increase over the comparable period last year. During that time, a record-breaking 2,740 people from Seattle to Walla Walla.
Port officials give credit to an aggressive advertising program for the increase in air passengers. The airport is half-way into a two year promotional effort funded by a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation plus $50,000 from the Port to build air service.
“We’re definitely seeing an upward trend, which is positive news,” said Port Commissioneer Ron Dunning.
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Brewer fills vacancy in incubator village |
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David and Jennifer Marshall are set to open their Burwood Brewing Company in the midst of the WW Regional Airport’s “incubator village.”
The pair will produce five core beers and four seasonal brews, adding unique tastes to an arena that has since 2006 been reserved for wines.
While full operation isn’t expected until early in 2014, David Marshall is hoping they’ll be able to celebrate “pint nights,” featuring his custom-crafted beers in time
for the holiday season.
Marshall’s background includes work at Seattle’s Pyramid Brewery and, most recently, has been assistant winemaker at Walla Walla’s Long Shadows Vintners. Jennifer, who will manage the administration and marketing ends of Burwood, is with Keystone Fruit Marketing.
Airport Manager Jennifer Skoglund is pleased Burwood is joining the incubator mix. “I think its an exciting addition to this area,” she said. |
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