SCHUMER ANNOUNCES BREEZE AIRWAYS OFFICIALLY LANDS IN OGDENSBURG AS NEW ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE CARRIER: AFTER SUCCESSFULLY SAVING & BOOSTING FED PROGRAM VITAL TO NORTH COUNTRY AIRPORTS EARLIER THIS YEAR, SCHUMER SAYS USDOT HAS CLEARED BREEZE FOR TAKEOFF IN OGDESNBURG
In FAA Re-Authorization Bill, Schumer Secured More Than Double The Funding For Essential Air Service Program That Guarantees Air Service To Smaller and Rural Communities – Vital To Maintaining Air Service At North Country Airports
Now Breeze Will Offer Flights Between Ogdensburg & Washington DC Starting In October, Keeping Ogdensburg And North Country Connected To Key Hub and National Travel Network
Schumer: The Sky Is The Limit For Breeze, North Country & Ogdensburg!
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation named Breeze Airways as Ogdensburg International Airport’s new Essential Air Service carrier. The Senator said that Breeze will be launching a new direct, daily route from Ogdensburg International Airport to Washington, D.C. starting on October 1st. In this year’s five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Schumer secured more than double the funding for the Essential Air Service program to guarantee service to smaller and rural communities. In October, Breeze will start offering flights between Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport and Ogdensburg.
“It’s official Breeze is landing in Ogdensburg! Breeze expanding its service in the North Country with flights between Ogdensburg and DC is great news for Breeze and the North Country,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to secure an increase in funding for the Essential Air Service Program in this year’s FAA bill because I know how important it is for our smaller communities to stay connected to a key hub and the national travel network. This decision is a win-win-win for Breeze, Ogdensburg, and the North Country’s economy. Ogdensburg International Airport is a gateway for commerce, tourism, and travel for North Country residents. The sky is the limit for Breeze and Ogdensburg!”
"On behalf of the OBPA and community we serve, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for working with USDOT to ensure that there is no interruption of air service in Ogdensburg. The launch of Breeze Airways at Ogdensburg International Airport is a pivotal moment for our airport and our region, and the Senators efforts to cut through the red tape and make that happen are sincerely appreciated," said Steve Lawrence, Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. "We are confident this new service to Washington, D.C. will not only meet the needs of local travelers but also stimulate economic growth in the area."
“As we connect more unserved city pairs, Breeze is proud to be expanding its premium leisure low cost product with this Essential Air Service Contract bringing service from Ogdensburg to Dulles,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ Founder and CEO. “With a great Guest experience, including elevated seating options, fast WiFi and added affordability, we’re setting ourselves apart as nice people, flying nice people, to nice places. This new route to Dulles will allow Ogdensburg residents the ability to travel more affordably and conveniently.”
The Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service program subsidizes trips between smaller and larger airports to ensure access to travel for smaller and rural communities. Schumer has worked for years to ensure NY’s airports are adequately funded and in this year’s FAA bill secured an over 111% funding increase per year to strengthen the Essential Air Service (EAS) program and ensure small and rural communities maintain regular commercial service. The bill also makes it harder for airlines to terminate contracts that could leave communities without air service by incentivizing airports to keep their essential air service contracts, protecting families in areas that would not have easy access to an airport without the small one in their community. Ogdensburg International Airport is one of five airports in New York state that currently depends on this critical program.
Schumer is committed to making flights accessible and safe for the North Country, earlier this month securing almost $ 7 million for airport improvements across 8 North Country airports including $2 million for Ogdensburg’s terminal expansion project.
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