NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — In an effort to try and change the fortunes of Newport News Williamsburg Airport, both airport and city leadership are now publicly backing a plan to transform the property into an air commerce park.

In an announcement Wednesday morning, Mayor Phillip Jones said repositioning the airport from one that focuses solely on commercial air service to one looking to attract innovation, logistics and advanced mobility business, could help create a hub for economic growth and high-wage jobs.

The position echoes the recommendation made in the Hampton Roads Air Study released last year. The study found transitioning away from offering commercial passenger service would be “essential for long-term viability.”

The airport has faced six straight years of financial losses, and currently is only seeing four departing flights a day.

The airport is projected to spend $2.7 million more than it will bring in this fiscal year.

Jones backs continuing-on with hosting commercial passenger airlines.

“You can still focus a little bit on commercial,” Jones said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “And I would say when you look at any sort of large economic development project that you want to happen at the airport, (businesses) like the idea that there’s still some sort of commercial. So it sort of goes hand in hand.”

Jones again pledged the appropriation of $4 million over the next 12 months to the Peninsula Airport Commission in order to keep the operation funded through June 2026.

The commission’s most recent financial report showed only $1.4 million in unrestricted reserves. This Spring, the commission officially asked the city for financial assistance.

“We appreciate the City Council’s continued support, which is critical as we work to position PHF as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Lindsey Carney, Chair of the PAC. “We are focused on attracting forward-thinking partners who see the airport as a launchpad for innovation and high-tech workforce development.”

Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner recently announced $6 million in funding to the Peninsula Airport Commission to reconstruct 6,500 feet of existing paved taxiways at the airport.