First commercial flight arrives at Concord Regional Airport

CONCORD, N.C. — Allegiant Airlines' first flight to Concord Regional Airport landed Friday morning –- the first day the airport started offering commercial flights.

The flight came from Sanford, Fla., just outside Orlando, and passengers were eager to tell Eyewitness News about their flight.

Katie Williams said, "It was efficient. Staff was friendly. It was short."

"I fly through other companies and I think this one is good. They treated me good," said Luz Reriber.

The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau was on hand to receive some different feedback from the passengers.

CVB President Donna Carpenter said, "They're all filling out some information so we know why they're coming here, how long they're staying and where they are staying."

The CVB plans to use the information as it works with a research agency that specializes in air travel to figure out how to market Concord and Cabarrus County to future travelers flying in from the Orlando area. Carpenter said the goal is to maximize all the benefits that will come from this new commercial service.

"We know it's going to have a huge impact on the economy here -- people staying overnight in rooms, easy access to the race track and motorsports events," she said.

A lot of the passengers coming in on Friday's flight are visiting family for the holidays, but many already confirmed they plan to come back, and soon.

Linda Malinowski said, "I'll do it again and again."

About 100 people were on the first flight into Concord Friday. Allegiant said 150 people were booked on the afternoon flight headed back to Sanford.

WSOC