FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2004

Starting immediately US Airways will begin new low-fare from Rochester to Washington; one-way tickets reduced as low as $89

Schumer made personal appeal this month to new US Airways CEO to expand low-fare service to Upstate New York
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that US Airways will be lowering fares to Rochester for as low as $89 each way available immediately to Washington DC. Schumer said the new low fares are important to Rochester because they will give passengers more low-fare options and could attract more businesses to the region. Previously, fares in the region had been as high as $406 each way.

"Upstate is really turning a corner when it comes to low-fare air service. When companies consider which region to locate their business in, they often look at the air service options," Schumer said. “ Up until a few years ago people complained there was no way to fly here at a reasonable rate. That has now changed dramatically.”

US Airways' Washington- Rochester GoFares will start at $89 each way in Coach Class, with last-minute fares at $139 each way. The lowest fares require a 14-day advance purchase; flights are subject to higher fares at peak times. Flights to Albany and Buffalo were also included in this round of US Airways' GoFares.
Schumer called new US Airway CEO Bruce Lakefield this month and urged him to provide more low-fare service for Upstate New York. "Inexpensive air service to Upstate New York is proving to be so popular that companies can’t help but lower prices," Schumer said today. "That's good news for passengers looking to fly in and out of the area and good for attracting businesses. Low fare flights have a domino effect, causing other carriers to keep their ticket prices down. These new low fares are going to be a shot in the arm for this region - because where there is affordable airfare new visitors and new businesses will follow."

Schumer has led the charge to bring affordable air service to upstate New York. Since 2001, Schumer has helped to bring JetBlue flights to Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester, Southwest flights to Albany and Independence Air to Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

In November, Schumer helped to pave the way for Independence Air to Upstate New York by getting the Justice Department to block a hostile takeover of Independence Airline by Mesa Airlines. Schumer, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged the Justice Department Anti-trust Division to investigate Mesa's attempt to see if the company may be engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Mesa dropped plans for the takeover upon learning that the Justice Department was considering conducting an investigation citing regulatory issues.

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