NATCHEZ, Miss. – When a United Airlines regional jet touches down at the Natchez-Adams County Airport on July 1, it will mark the culmination of years of work by Mayor Dan Gibson, the Adams County Board of Supervisors, Airport Director Carl Beasley and numerous business and tourism partners who have pushed to restore commercial air service to Southwest Mississippi.
With less than a month remaining before the inaugural flight arrives, representatives from the City of Natchez, Adams County, Visit Natchez, the Natchez Area Chamber of Commerce, SkyWest Airlines and dozens of local businesses gathered Wednesday morning at the Natchez Convention Center to discuss preparations for what many believe could become one of the most significant economic development milestones in recent city history.
The new service will connect Natchez directly to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport through United Airlines’ partnership with SkyWest Airlines, providing residents and visitors access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations through United’s global network.
Speaking to stakeholders, Gibson described the upcoming arrival as another major achievement in the city’s ongoing “Natchez Renewal” effort, which began nearly seven years ago.
“What a great way to celebrate the seventh year beginning than to have a commercial jet landing in Natchez, Adams County, July 1,” Gibson said.
Gibson credited a collaborative effort between the city, county and airport leadership for helping bring the project to fruition. He specifically praised Adams County Board President Angela Hutchins, Supervisor Wes Middleton, County Administrator Mitzi Conn and Beasley for their work throughout the process.
“People ask me all the time about the airport, and I remind them all the time, it’s a team sport,” Gibson said. “The real leader in our team is the county.”
For years, community leaders have argued that expanded transportation options were essential to attracting investment, supporting tourism and improving access to the region. The upcoming United Airlines service will provide travelers with direct access to one of the nation’s largest airline hubs, allowing passengers to connect to destinations throughout the United States and around the world.
Beasley provided an update on the extensive renovations and improvements made at the airport to prepare for commercial service. Upgrades have included terminal renovations, Transportation Security Administration screening facilities, new signage, passenger amenities and operational infrastructure needed to accommodate airline operations.
“The county has done a Herculean job of making this happen,” Beasley said while showcasing the transformation of the airport terminal and grounds.
Representatives from SkyWest Airlines and the consulting team that helped secure the route emphasized that while obtaining commercial air service was a major accomplishment, maintaining it will require continued support from residents, businesses and visitors throughout the region.
Officials discussed ongoing marketing efforts designed to encourage travelers from Southwest Mississippi, Central Louisiana and neighboring communities to choose Natchez as their airport of departure rather than driving to larger regional airports.
During the question-and-answer session, attendees asked whether all of the new jobs associated with commercial air service had already been filled. Beasley said both the Transportation Security Administration and the airport itself are still actively recruiting employees ahead of the July 1 launch.
“As far as I know, TSA is still seeking employment. You go to USAJobs.gov and they are still hiring,” Beasley said. “I am hiring. I’m looking for linemen out there to work the airport, fuel the aircraft, marshal the aircraft, cut the 672 acres of grass, maintenance. So yes, there are jobs to be had.”
Beasley said the airport continues to seek workers for a variety of operational and maintenance roles as preparations continue for the arrival of United Airlines service next month.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to arrive July 1, when city and county officials plan to host a public celebration welcoming passengers to Natchez.
For Gibson, the significance extends beyond aviation.
“We’ve been saying it all along,” he told attendees. “It’s happening in Natchez.”
View the meeting below:
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