mreuther@sungazette.com
Community leaders took turns citing reasons why commercial airline service is vital for the area in a three-hour webinar Thursday.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Hearing brought together officials from government, industry, education, and health care.
Frank Pelligrino, chair, Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority, said air service is simply a must for rural communities.
He noted the investments made to upgrade the airport in Montoursville over the years, including a new terminal building.
Pelligrino was among a number of people noting the loss of flight service to and from Charlotte, North Carolina, in the fall after it was launched in August.