As Chicago O'Hare tries to expand, another airport is clinging to life. Stewart International in Newburgh, New York was looking good at the beginning of this year, with new Skybus service and a $500 million investment plan from the Port Authority that had recently taken it over. (The agency envisioned it as the New York area's potential fourth major airport.)
Now, just months after the Skybus meltdown, AirTran says it will pull out of the airport on September 3. As carriers abandon Stewart and carriers across the country cut back, though, the Port Authority is moving ahead with its plans:
"We know that this is a remarkably resilient industry. Stewart is key for us for providing greater capacity for the region," says spokesman Pasquale DiFulco. "And we remain committed."
Even Congress is getting involved: Rep. John Hall penned a note to AirTran, asking the carrier to stay at Stewart. No telling if that'll work, but he might want to ready more letters: Delta, Northwest and US Airways all serve SWF.
Related Stories:
· Hall Urges AirTran to Stay [Hudson Valley Press]
· Despite Loss of Carriers, Growth [AP, via Newsday]
· AirTran coverage [Jaunted]
· SWF coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: theogeo]]]>