Help Bring Direct Boston Service to CHO
Help Bring Direct Boston Service to CHO
Fueling connectivity. Accelerating innovation.
Charlottesville’s innovation economy depends on connectivity—and right now, we have an opportunity to significantly strengthen it.
Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) is applying for a federal grant through the
Small Community Air Service Development Program
to support new direct air service between Charlottesville and Boston.
To be competitive, CHO must demonstrate strong, visible community demand—and that’s where you come in.
Why This Matters
• ✈️ Connectivity drives growth
Direct access to Boston strengthens ties to a top-tier hub for tech, biotech, higher ed, and venture capital.
• 💼 Economic impact is real
Each new flight leg from a major hub like Boston generates ~$21M annually in local economic activity.
• 📈 Proven results
The last time CHO secured this grant (Chicago, 2010), it led to sustained expansion—now nearly 5 daily legs.
The Ask
Submit a letter of support by April 15.
Your letter should briefly speak to:
• Why this route matters to you or your business
• How you would use the service (frequency, purpose, etc.)
• The broader value to Charlottesville’s innovation ecosystem
Both financial and non-financial letters are welcome. (Financial commitments are only used if the grant is awarded.)
Address Your Letter To:
Brooke Chapman
Associate Director
Small Community Air Service Development Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
📩 Email your letter to Travis Wilburn at CHO
View Sample Letters
This is a community-powered effort—and every letter strengthens the case.
If this route would benefit you, your company, or your network, we encourage you to:
• Submit a letter
• Share this with colleagues and partners
Together, we can help bring direct Boston service to Charlottesville—and unlock meaningful economic and innovation growth.
CBIC builds clarity, strengthens connection, and aligns resources to advance innovation-based businesses across Greater Charlottesville. This is one of those moments where alignment leads to real impact.