Natchez Democrat
The future of Natchez takes flight as first commercial air service in 30 years returns
United Airlines brings commercial air service back to Natchez after 30 years, launching nonstop flights to Houston and opening a renovated terminal supported by new federal funding.
By Jan Griffey
NATCHEZ — United Airlines Flight 5086 touched down ahead of its scheduled 1:15 p.m. landing Wednesday to thunderous applause from a packed terminal building at the Natchez-Adams County Airport.
The flight — a CRJ 200 jet that holds 50 passengers traveling from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport — marks the return of commercial air service to Natchez for the first time in more than 30 years.
Shortly after its arrival, United Airlines Flight 5139, filled with Natchez passengers including Airport Director Carl Beasley and his wife Mary Beth, Adams County Supervisor Kevin Wilson and his wife, Dana, and Randy and Helen Moss Smith, Robb Gray and Brian Rutledge of Living History Natchez and Natchez businessman Tance Hughes who was making his way to London, took off for Houston and points beyond.
The outbound flight was delayed briefly on the runway because of lightning in the area.
After the plane landed, officials held a brief press conference at which U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced another $500,000-plus grant from federal funds to help pay for the newly renovated, 10,000 square foot terminal at the airport.
In July 2022, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson launched JET Natchez, an all-out effort to bring commercial air service back to the city. Gibson, along with much help from Adams County Board of Supervisors President Angela Hutchins and the remainder of the county supervisors and the city's aldermen, hired consultant Jeremiah
Gerald, who immediately began working on our air traffic study and plan.
Four years later, after attending numerous conference and sales visits to multiple airline officials, and lobbying elected officials for millions of dollars in grant funding, SkyWest, partners with United Airlines and United Express, set up shop at the Natchez Airport.
In a record four months, the largest hangar at the airport was transformed into a modern airport terminal, complete with TSA and other modern amenities found at regional airports. Former Adams County Administrator Mitzi Conn, who previously served on the airport's commission, and Beasley are lauded for making the transformation happen, along with work by Thrash Commercial Contractors Inc., Waycaster Dungan Architecture and Engineers, Graham Coffelt with Neel-Schaffer, Vasey Aviation, and Brett Simon of BSJA.
“We are thrilled to celebrate a truly historic milestone for Natchez — the launch of the first-ever scheduled 50-seat commercial jet service in our city’s history. Through our partnership with SkyWest and United Airlines, we’re opening a gateway to the global economy. Residents can now check in at home, clear TSA in Natchez, and connect seamlessly to destinations around the world on a single ticket. This service will strengthen tourism, drive economic growth, and make it easier than ever for the world to experience the history, culture, and hospitality that make Natchez so special," Gibson said.
“Seeing commercial air service return to Adams County has always been a vision of mine during my tenure as a member of the Board of Supervisors. This is truly an exciting day for Natchez and Adams County," Hutchins said.
“This is an exciting milestone for the Natchez community and we at United are thrilled to provide nonstop service between Natchez and Houston,” said Chris Earley, senior regional manager, Airport Operations at United. “Travelers will be able to conveniently reach Houston as well as destinations across United’s leading global route network through seamless one-stop connections.”
Beasley and his wife, Mary Beth, are relatively new full-time residents of Natchez. They own and operate the historic home Ravenna. Beasley retired from a seasoned career with the Federal Aviation Administration just in time to accept the job as Natchez-Adams County Airport director.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come on board as the airport director. We are blessed to have such fantastic team members and consultants to work alongside. Having their level of expertise was key to executing the monumental task of opening a commercial airport in six months. I appreciate the support of our community and look forward to seeing our airport grow in the future” Beasley said.
Chandler Russ, executive director of the economic development agency Natchez Inc., thanked the many people who came together to make the new airport service a reality.
“This is a truly historic day for the greater Natchez region. The opening of our new terminal and the establishment of commercial air service represents years of hard work, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the future of our community. I want to sincerely thank the outstanding team of local, state, and federal partners whose dedication made this vision a reality. Most importantly, we extend our deepest appreciation to SkyWest and United for believing in our market and investing in the people and businesses of our region. Commercial air service is much more than a convenience; it is a catalyst for economic development," he said. "It strengthens our ability to recruit new industries, support existing employers, attract visitors, and create new opportunities for future generations. Now it’s our turn. The long-term success of this service depends on the support of our regional citizens, businesses, and employers. We encourage everyone to choose Natchez first and book their flights here. Together, we can ensure this service grows and continues to pave the way for even greater economic success. Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible. The future is taking flight, and it begins right here in Natchez. Book HEZ today.”