Press-Republican

Local News

November 18, 2009

Three companies vie for essential air service from Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH — Three airlines are vying to serve Plattsburgh International Airport with daily commuter service.

Cape Air, the existing service provider; Colgan Air, a US Air affiliate; and Charter Air Transport, are all seeking to obtain federal Essential Air Service funding to supply commuter flights.

Cape Air began operating daily flights from Plattsburgh to Boston in January 2008 using nine-seat aircraft.

Under the Essential Air Service program, the federal government pays the airline to offer the service in order to ensure a profitable operation.

The contract for the federal funding is due for renewal, and Colgan Air and Charter Air Transport have submitted bids, along with Cape Air.

"Airlines are trying to come up with different ways to increase ridership, and I think it says a lot for this airport that they see this as a viable market," said Clinton County Legislator Robert Heins (R-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh), who chairs the county's Airport Committee.

"They've seen what Direct Air and Allegiant (charter flight providers) have done here."

The Cape Air bid is similar to the service it is providing now but would also include options to go to Lake Clear and then on to Boston.

Colgan Air will use 34-passenger airplanes and will go from Plattsburgh to Lake Clear and then on to Boston but would offer two fewer flights per week.

Charter Air Transport will feature aircraft of 19 seats and 30 seats. They are offering flights from Plattsburgh to Lake Clear on to Boston and New York City.

Legislators have until Dec. 4 to make a recommendation to the federal Department of Transportation, which will ultimately decide which airline gets the funding.

E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints
New Today
  • City fire call

    Smoke in the basement at 11 Lorraine St. in Plattsburgh likely a dryer fire.

    Updated: 2 hours
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up

Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix