A LETTER FROM LEW BLEIWEIS, A.A.E. Asheville Regional Airport President + CEO

October 4, 2024

Dear friends in Western North Carolina,

I know this past week has been filled with unimaginable tragedy and anguish for many. For those who were spared the most harsh effects of Helene, we now begin to move beyond the initial, paralyzing phase of disaster into what follows next – a humbling sigh of relief, but with a long and uncertain road ahead.

The Asheville Regional Airport team takes its role as an important lifeline organization in Western North Carolina very seriously. This is more than a workplace – it’s where we live, raise our families, and, like you, we are deeply invested in our community.

The eyes of the nation are on us, and we are proud to deliver a crucial role in the relief efforts that are so vital to so many, and that have only just begun. As we continue to reflect on the immense challenges our region faces and continues to endure, the dedicated team at AVL will continue to work tirelessly to keep operations running smoothly.

Almost overnight, this airport transformed into a makeshift disaster relief hub, with military, general aviation and commercial aviation activity facilitating the delivery of vital aid to those in need, and as a home base for countless search and rescue helicopters. We are incredibly grateful for the remarkable generosity of everyone who donated supplies and the countless pilots who transported them, and to those who continue to come.

Like many others, we have also received invaluable assistance during this time. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the organizations that set everything aside to come to Western North Carolina and help when we needed it the most, including so many in the aviation industry. I would like to especially thank our friends in the aviation community in North Carolina and the southeast region who have sent expert staff and provided resources to help us with the major lift our team has undertaken. This support and collaboration have been crucial in enabling us to respond effectively during this initial critical period.

As we transition our emergency response from the immediate aftermath to stabilization, our hearts are with each of you as we navigate these new circumstances together. AVL’s commitment remains unwavering: we are here to keep the aviation gateway open for desperately needed relief efforts, and to supporting our community every step of the way. The airlines are also continuing to operate (up and operating just three days after the storm), and we are grateful because air connectivity is more important now than ever.

Follow our website at flyavl.com and @flyavlnow on Facebook for regular updates and answers to frequently asked questions about the airport operations during this time.

Together, we will emerge from this stronger than ever. And Western North Carolina will have its colorful edge once more.