Pocono News Section

Final Flights for U.S. Airways in Williamsport?

Final Flights for U.S. Airways in Williamsport? - Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 5:25PM EST

? Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 @ 05:25pm EST
Montoursville, Lycoming County-

The sight of a U. S. Airways jet taking off from the Williamsport Regional Airport may soon be a thing of the past. Company officials say rising fuel costs are crippling their ability to operate the airline.

The company recently filed a ninety day notice for termination of services at the airport. That would become effective October 2nd of this year, but it still needs approval from the Federal Department of Transportation.

The airport's director, Thomas Hart, says either way, Williamsport Regional will continue on. Hart explained, "This is basically the corporation positioning themselves in the event that their financial situation continues the way it is."

The situation is not unique to Central Pennsylvania. Airlines are cutting flights all across the country. But Hart reminds everyone that the termination is not yet final. He noted, "I don't want to make their decision any easier by not booking flights so we're encouraging our residents to continue to utilize our airport."

Gail Lawrence is one of those frequent fliers. She lives in Chicago. Gail uses the airport often to visit her parents in Lewisburg. "I think it's tragic if they stop because I don't know how I'm going to get here from now on because that's the only airline that comes in here with connections from Chicago," Mrs. Lawrence said.

The idea of finding an alternate route doesn't appeal to her. "I don't know what I'd do. It's a 650 mile drive and I don't like that. That takes a whole day," Lawrence added.

One possibility being thrown around is reducing the number of U. S. Airways flights into and out of Williamsport Regional from five a day to one or two.

No matter what, Thomas Hart says Williamsport Regional Airport will remain open and fully functional. Hart said, "We will continue to have air service. Who that will be at this point, I don't know. But I can guarantee you we will have air service here."

Williamsport Regional Airport does fall under the umbrella of the Essential Air Service Act of 1978. That means federal money could be used to assist any airline that chooses to operate here.

Which airline that will be, remains up in the air.