Bigger is better when it comes to commercial air service from Beckley to Washington, D.C., according to officials with the Beckley-Raleigh County Airport.

“We have expanded our commercial air service to Washington, D.C.,” said Tom Cochran, manager of the Beckley-Raleigh County Memorial Airport.

Cochran says the expanded service includes a larger airplane and a new carrier.

“These will be United Express flights operated by Colgan Air Inc.,” Cochran said.

Colgan Air announced three daily weekday and two weekend flights to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Raleigh County airport Monday.

Officials said the United Express flights are aboard a Saab 340-B, which is a larger airplane than the U.S. Airways Express planes previously used for flights to Washington by Colgan Air.

“These planes seat 34 and have restroom facilities aboard,” Cochran said. “They offer more legroom in a more comfortable environment.”

Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh, who is also a member of the airport authority board, said enplanements have increased at the airport since the United Express flights began.

“This is more good news for economic development in Beckley and Raleigh County,” Pugh said.

Third District Congressman Nick Rahall and members of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Raleigh County Commission, were on hand for the ceremony.

“Small airports like this one, and the ones in Lewisburg and Bluefield, are vital to small rural communities,” Rahall said. “I will continue to support small airports, and I am very happy to see all the growth at the airport here in Beckley.”

In addition to the new flights, the airport continues to develop its second industrial park.

“We are growing, and it’s nice to be able to expand our commercial air service at the same time,” Cochran said. “There are so many positive things going on at this airport.”

The three daily weekday flights include two direct flights to the nation’s capital and one flight that makes one stop at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport near Harrisonburg, Va. There are also two flights on Saturday and Sunday.

“The price of these flights is very comparable to Charleston, especially when you factor in gasoline prices, tolls and parking,” Cochran said. “We want to be able to offer the people of this region this service without having to travel to an airport out-of-town.”

The direct flight to Dulles from Beckley takes less than one hour. From Dulles, commuters then have the option of 129 connecting flights to destinations across the country and around the world.

“If you have been driving to out-of-area airports for flights, I urge you to check out the Beckley-Raleigh County Memorial Airport,” Cochran said. “We have expanded our commercial air service and may be able to save you both time and money on your next flight.”

Part of the day’s events also included an introductory flight for members of the local media to Washington.

Also on board was 42-year-old John Miller, a member of the Navy Reserves.

“This is a sad day for me,” Miller said. “I am leaving my family for a tour of duty overseas.”

Miller said goodbye to Kim, his wife of 16 years, and the couple’s two sons, Logan and Levi. He said he wasn’t aware of the expanded service and larger aircraft.

“I’m sad to be leaving my family, but at least I will have a comfortable flight and that’s a good thing,” he said.

Despite some technical problems and minor delays, commuters and media members appeared to enjoy the flight.

“It was fun getting the first ride on these new flights,” said Erika Rieth, a television reporter with WOAY Newswatch 4 of Oak Hill. “It’s a story assignment that will always remind me of Beckley.”