Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2004

Schumer Introduces New Low Cost Air Service To Rochester Area – Unveils New Independence Air Jet And Brings Ceo To Meet With Local Leaders

Schumer and CEO Kerry Skeen visit Rochester with new jet that Independence Air will use for flights from Rochester International Airport

Schumer encourages close relationship between CEO and local business leaders

US Senator Charles E. Schumer introduced Independence Air CEO Kerry Skeen to the Rochester/ Finger Lakes area by bringing him to Rochester to unveil his new jet and meeting with local business leaders. Schumer said it was important to introduce Skeen to the Rochester community and to encourage close relationships between the airline and local business leaders to maximize the benefit of the new affordable air service to the area economy.

"Companies often look at the number of flights before bringing business here, and up until a few years ago people were complaining there was no way to fly here at a reasonable rate,” Schumer said. “Low fare flights have a domino effect, causing other carriers to keep their ticket prices down. Independence Air is 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 and Skeen unveiled a new Independence Air Jet that will be used on service between Rochester and Washington DC Dulles International Airport. This July, Independence Air will begin 8 daily round trip flights from Rochester to Washington DC and connections to 23 destinations for as low as $59 for a one-way ticket. Schumer said that customers will be able to connect to the following cities from Rochester: Atlanta, Boston, Charleston (SC), Charleston (WV), Chicago, Columbia (SC), Columbus (OH), Dayton, Greensboro (NC), Greenville/Spartanburg (SC), Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Louisville, Nashville, Newark, New York (JFK), Norfolk, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Providence, Raleigh/Durham and Savannah.

Schumer also released the following schedule for flights between Rochester and Washington DC.

To view chart click here

In November, Schumer helped to pave the way for this new low-fare service 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.

"Cheap air service to Upstate New York is proving to be so popular that companies can’t help but add flights," Schumer said. "That's good news for passengers looking to fly in and out of the area and good for attracting businesses." 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 and Southwest flights to Albany.

Schumer was joined by Rochester Business Alliance President Sandra Parker; Terry Slaybaugh, Director of the Greater Rochester International Airport; and other representatives from local businesses.

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