The Chautauqua County Airport, just north of Jamestown. (Image via Google)
JAMESTOWN – Chautauqua County leaders have just under three months to find a new air service provider for the county airport in Jamestown.
On Tuesday, County Executive Vince Horrigan announced that United Airlines has notified the United States Department of Transportation that it will end scheduled air service out of several North East regional airports – including Jamestown – on or about May 15. United Airlines owns the Silver Airways Corp, which provides all commercial flights in and out of Jamestown.
In its announcement, United Airlines cites pilot shortages, reduced passenger numbers, and the decision to reduce flights out of Cleveland – which is the hub serving Jamestown – as the reason for ending air service in the region.
Horrigan says that he will and Public Facilities Director George Spanos and Airport Manager Sam Arcadipane are working to find a new provider and have already reached out to Senator Chuck Schumer for assistance.
In a statement, Horrigan said that scheduled airline service out of Jamestown is essential to supporting the conty’s on-going economic development objectives. As the County explores all options, Horrigan encourages residents and visitors to continue using the Jamestown Airport.
In January, Schumer was at the Jamestown airport to call on FAA officials to allow Jamestown to continue maintaining its Essential Air Service status – which allows it to provide federal funding so commercial flights can continue to serve the area.
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