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Blog | 4 min read
Greater Richmond competes globally. Our air service should, too.
March 18, 2026
Original Op-Ed in Richmond Times Dispatch
Every day, over 300 passengers enter Richmond International Airport, passport in hand, and after one or more connections, end their journey in Europe. Hundreds more drive several hours, often out-of-state, to other airports to get smoother connections to their destinations. In a world where time is the most scarce resource, and for business, our competition is not just near but often global, securing regular international service to top European destinations is essential to a growing and prosperous region.
That’s because clients, investors, partners, supply chains and talent networks span Europe and beyond. Yet one of the most basic tools of a globally competitive business region — a direct, nonstop flight to Europe from Richmond — so far…remains out of reach. Positioning the greater Richmond region as a competitive international hub for businesses could transform how our businesses, employees, and communities connect to the rest of the world. A review of traveler behavior already shows that the demand exists. And that data also shows that Richmond is now the largest metro market on the East Coast without a direct European flight.
Yet merely hoping that Richmond will land such international service will not make it happen. This requires intentionality from our public and business leaders, with support from citizens across our region, to secure this vital link.
Other markets like Richmond, such as Indianapolis, Cincinnati and St. Louis, have recently forged public-private partnerships to bring this vital air service to their communities. Not only does such a partnership require investment in the core airport infrastructure – something we’ve already done in Richmond by adding enhanced customs and immigration checkpoints – but we have to be sure that the new route makes financial sense for the airlines to ensure its long-term sustainability.
On the private side of that partnership equation, one of the most effective tools many of the communities mentioned have used for launching new international air service is a Minimum Revenue Guarantee, or MRG. Despite the name, an MRG is often misunderstood.
An MRG is not a subsidy in the traditional sense, nor is it a blank check to an airline. It is a temporary, performance-based risk-sharing mechanism that helps offset the financial uncertainty airlines face when launching service in a new market.
An MRG simply guarantees that, for a limited period of time, revenue will meet an agreed-upon minimum threshold. If the flight performs well, the guarantee is never fully used. If it underperforms in the early months, the guarantee helps bridge the gap. Once demand stabilizes, the guarantee expires, and the route stands on its own without the need for continuing support.
This model is not theoretical. It has been used successfully in mid-sized regions across the country to secure direct international service — often with strong business community participation.
The time to act is now.
Transatlantic airlines are actively reshaping their networks in response to evolving travel patterns, aircraft technology, aircraft availability and demand forecasts. Many of the regions that Central Virginia competes with when attracting investments and talent to our region already have international service. Surveys show it’s the number one reason investments pass us by.
For Richmond, the opportunity is clear. The region has a strong business base, growing international ties, and a track record of economic momentum. What is needed now is a focused, proven strategy to reduce early-stage risk and make the business case for Richmond undeniable.
The alternative is continued reliance on connections through other hubs — an option that carries its own hidden costs in time, opportunity and perception.
And that’s an alternative we can no longer tolerate or afford.
Support the initiative by visiting:
www.grpva.com/airservice
About The Author
Jeff Wright is the CEO of Allianz Partners US and co-chairs the Air Service Task Force for the Greater Richmond Partnership to attract a Transatlantic non-stop route from Richmond International Airport.
