Take Off From the Charlottesville Airport
If we’re being honest with ourselves, no one actually likes flying. Or at least, no one actually likes the process of flying. Once you get up into the air it’s all gravy, but this writer has never been a fan of the hustle and bustle of the terminal, the anxiety that stems from baggage claim, or the Greek tragedy that is terminal parking. The good news is that seven-odd miles north of the city, the Charlottesville Airport (CHO) makes travel convenient. Celebrating its 60th anniversary less than a year ago, this relatively small public-use airport has been operating commercial flights since 1955. It generally has about 46 non-stop flights every day, to six major cities. The period between August 2014 and July 2015 saw the airport handle an estimated 261,050 passengers (or enplanements), up from 197,776 in 2010…and this is just with one runway! Though Charlottesville is still fairly convenient to major airports like Richmond and Dulles, there’s nothing like flying into your home in Charlottesville and getting a quick ride up or down 29, especially after a long journey.
There are three airlines which operate out of CHO: American Eagle (which will take you to Charlotte, Philadelphia, O’Hare in Chicago, LaGuardia in New York), Delta (Atlanta and LaGuardia), and United Express (Dulles Airport). Of these, Charlotte and Atlanta are by far the most popular destinations, serving as touchstones for connecting flights. Most of the traffic is from general aviation, with nearly 25% coming from air taxi services and a small percentage for military flights.
The terminal (about 60,000 ft2) is currently being renovated. They’ve introduced a business lounge area and a new retail store. Over the summer, they added fresh, hot food options, served by a speedy restaurant aptly named the Turbo Grill. It features products from local farms and businesses that call Charlottesville home. Look out for other terminal and restroom renovations too.
Operations at CHO are not just limited to commercial flights. If you have an aircraft or pilot’s license, general aviation at the airport is handled through Landmark Aviation. As the Fixed Base Operator for the airport, LA offers support 24 hours a day. Their services include ground handling up to B-757, a pilot’s lounge, and a conference room. If this is something to which you aspire, consider contacting the Charlottesville Flight Center. For 10 years they’ve offered flight lessons, aircraft rentals, and aerial sightseeing. So there you have it. In many ways, CHO is an ideal representation of life in Charlottesville: big city resources with a small-town feel. Book a flight and take to the skies!