Moore County Airport Fly Local campaign reaches $1.3M, nearing goal to launch D.C. commercial flights

The Fly Local campaign to bring commercial flights to the Moore County Airport received $1.3 million in pledges by 7:30 p.m. on March 25.

After Representative Neal Jackson and Senator Tom McInnis’ called for attendees to fill out their pledge cards to make “a defining moment in history,” the pledges were expected to increase significantly.

Former Moore County Airport board member Dr. Mark Brenner said he was optimistic about the fundraising.

“It’s positive growth with little demands on the community and it benefits medical services and commutability for patients,” Brenner said about how streamlined flights from Dulles International Airport in Washington DC into Moore County Airport would benefit people from around the world and help save lives.

The Fly Local campaign needs to raise $3 million in minimum guarantee (MRG) funds to gain the county commissioners’ approval. MRG is the minimum revenue over a specific time period, which is two years for the Moore County Airport, while the airline builds a customer base for the new market. It is not a profit guarantee.

While the county commissioners do not unanimously agree on public funds supporting a for-profit business, the economic study showed that 365 commercial flights would generate $16 million annually for the community.

McInnis said golf accounted for the county’s low .29 cent tax rate and was the reason for their ability to thrive on tax dollars generated by the tourism industry and “live cheap.”

Over 80 supporters attended the Fly Local campaign at Pinehurst Resort, among them County Commissioner Tom Adams, who said he wanted to be on one of the first commercial flights.

“Look at New Bern, similar size with multiple flights, like we are trying to bring here,” Adams said.

Pilot Mike Jones said the flight costs would be comparable to Raleigh’s costs.

A one-way flight may cost $150, which is comparable to Raleigh-Durham with costs from $100 to $200, depending on how far in advance the flight is booked.

Moore County Airport Director Rick Cloutier began with one commercial flight in Concord and it now has two. When he was in Ohio, commercial flights increased from three to 17.

If Fly Local secures $3 million in MRG funds by the summer of 2026, commercial flights could begin by the spring of 2027.

One flight per day would arrive in DC in the morning and one flight would depart from the Moore County Airport in the afternoon.

Over 20 years ago, the county had commercial flights, and long layovers “contributed to the failure of commercial air service,” according to Moore County Airport officials.

Minimal upgrades are required for ticketing, security and baggage handling. Federal and state sources, the FFA and the Airway Trust Fund set up in 1980, help airports with improvements.

The existing 6,500-foot runway would not need expansion.

One more flight will not impact noise levels considering they have about 15 jets serving customers daily.

No county tax dollars are required for the commercial air service proposal.

March 26, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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