At a “State of the Airports” forum held at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) CEO Mark Perryman detailed the airport’s push to secure direct transatlantic service and to coordinate regional air‑commerce efforts.
European carriers in talks
Perryman said the airport is in advanced discussions with two European airlines that have the appropriate aircraft and network connections to serve Norfolk. “We have a call very soon with one of those airlines and hopefully we’ll have some good movement coming out of that,” he told News 3.
Earlier this year, ORF launched a direct flight to Cancun, and Perryman has previously identified Dublin (Aer Lingus), Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and Paris as potential European targets. While he declined to name the carriers currently under consideration, he emphasized the region’s strong NATO community as a draw for European partners.
Regional cooperation on air service
The forum, hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber, highlighted growing collaboration among the area’s major tourist hubs. Chesapeake City Manager Chris Price noted that Chesapeake airports are ready to absorb some private and military flight traffic, easing congestion at ORF and allowing the Norfolk airport to focus on larger commercial routes.
“If Norfolk needs something, we can pivot if it’s Chesapeake Regional or Hampton Roads Executive, and even though to some extent they’re competitors, they really do cooperate,” Price said.
Shifting focus to air commerce
Panelists also discussed a broader shift from traditional passenger service to “air commerce” – a blend of cargo, advanced‑manufacturing logistics and private aviation. Bob McKenna, president of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, described the Newport News‑Williamsburg Airport as well‑suited for aviation‑related advanced‑manufacturing projects, reflecting the Peninsula’s growing role as an industrial hub.
“The Peninsula is kind of an advanced manufacturing hub,” McKenna said. “For that reason, the Newport News‑Williamsburg Airport is very suitable for aviation‑related advanced manufacturing opportunities.”
Defining each airport’s purpose
Perryman stressed that the path forward lies in recognizing the unique strengths of each airport. By aligning Norfolk’s commercial ambitions with Chesapeake’s capacity for private and military flights and the Peninsula’s manufacturing focus, the region can present a unified, competitive aviation profile to airlines and investors.
“Recognizing what each airport’s role can and should be within the region” is the guiding principle, Perryman added.
Looking ahead
The upcoming call with a European carrier could mark the first step toward regular transatlantic service from Norfolk, a development that would boost tourism, business travel and cargo opportunities for the entire Hampton Roads area. Continued cooperation among ORF, Chesapeake, Newport News‑Williamsburg and other regional airports will be essential to sustain growth and to position Virginia as a key gateway for both passengers and advanced‑manufacturing logistics.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
