Albany, NY (May 15, 2002) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today encouraged the United States Department of Transportation to accept the recommendations of a recent Airline Service Study for Northern New York. The study recommended that Ogdensburg/Massena air service be connected to Albany International Airport. At present, travelers from the region must fly first to Pittsburgh to connect with major air carriers.

The report, commissioned by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority and the town of Massena, showed that nearly 70 percent of the 82 businesses/institutions that responded would be more likely to use Ogdensburg/Massena air service if the destination hub is changed from Pittsburgh to Albany. The report also showed that nearly 75% of the respondents currently were traveling out of the region, to Syracuse or Canada to board flights.

Air service between Ogdensburg/Massena and Albany would be provided by CommutAir, which flies under the Continental Connection name. The service would be supported by $1.3 million in federal funding under the Essential Air Service program. CommutAir now serves Albany with over 50 flights each day to points in New York, New England and Pennsylvania. The Ogdensburg/Massena region is currently served by Mesa Airlines.

"CommutAir and Albany International Airport have combined to offer hub and spoke service that now provides regional air travelers with expanded service, low fares and frequent connections to major destinations throughout the nation," said Rev. Farano. "The Albany-Ogdensburg/Massena connection is the logical choice to bolster the economy and improve air service for leisure and business travelers in Northern New York State.".

The study estimated that an Albany connection would increase Ogdensburg/Massena air travel by an additional 5,000 to 6,000 passengers per year. That figure could increase since the survey did not include student and alumni travel associated with several colleges located in St. Lawrence County. The Albany connection represents "a powerful incentive for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and corporate researchers," said Clarkson University President Denny Brown.

Village of Massena Mayor Kenneth MacDonnell has indicated that air travel from Northern New York communities has declined nearly 50% since 1994. "Travelers in Northern New York drive to Montreal or Syracuse to originate their air travel. This is expensive, time consuming, and a true detriment to our efforts to foster new economic development in our area," said MacDonnell.

Support for the switch in hubs also came from State Senator James Wright and Assemblyman Chris Ortloff. "The presence of competition at the Albany airport offers passengers with options they do not currently enjoy," said Senator Wright. "This new proposed service pattern with Albany, New York as the "hub" is exactly what the region needs to stay competitive. Convenient, affordable air travel is essential for the economic growth of the North Country," said Assemblyman Ortloff.

The survey revealed that 72% of the respondents listed the state capital as one of their top three travel destinations. Virtually all of these trips are currently being taken by car, despite the four-hour drive time.

Additional support for the Albany connection came from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, General Motor's Powertrain Group, and the New York Power Authority.

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