Former USAF Base Opened Passenger Terminal In April

Things seem to be looking up (pun intended) for upstate New York's Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), seven months after the converted air force base opened a new passenger terminal, in hopes of attracting commercial airline service.

On Wednesday -- just four days after inaugurating non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale -- Allegiant Air announced a tripling of its activity at Plattsburgh. The carrier unveiled plans to add four new flights a week from Plattsburgh, including new non-stop jet service to Orlando, FL beginning February 1, 2008.

In addition, the Fort Lauderdale service that began November 16 will be increased from two to four flights per week, beginning February 2.

"We are extremely pleased to expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare non-stop jet service to the North Country and Canadian residents," Maurice J. Gallagher, President and CEO of Allegiant, said. "This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers."

"Four days ago, we welcomed our first passengers to Florida, and celebrated the fact that Plattsburgh had two Allegiant flights a week," said James Langley, Jr., Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature which owns and operates the airport. "It's incredible and extremely satisfying that Allegiant is so pleased with its performance here that they are already tripling their weekly flights and adding another great destination."

Plattsburgh International is the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Converted into an aerospace park since 1995, it entered the passenger market earlier this year with the opening of an extensive new terminal, as ANN reported.

Besides Allegiant, the airport hosts up to three flights daily by Delta Connection to Boston, with extensive connections via Delta and other Boston carriers.

FMI: www.plattsburghinternationalairport.com