Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2004

Schumer: New Affordable Flights Coming To Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, White Plains, And Stewart On Independence Air

Starting this summer, Independence Air to begin 42 new low-fare flights to Washington DC Dulles International Airport and as many as 26 connecting cities; one-way tickets as low as $49

In November, Schumer paved the way for the new low-fare service to Upstate New York by getting the US Justice Department to block a hostile takeover of Independence Air

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced the addition of 42 new low-fare flights to Upstate New York on Independence Air. Schumer said the airline will begin offering new flights to Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains and Stewart/Newburgh to Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport with connections to as many as 26 cities for as low as $49 for a one-way ticket.

"Having local and affordable air service in your region shouldn't be a special privilege reserved for a lucky few," Schumer said. "These flights are a giant leap forward for economy of Upstate New York because the bottom line is the more flights you have, the more companies and people you'll have coming in."

Schumer said that the flights would be non-stop between Washington DC and Upstate New York and that New Yorkers would be able to purchase their tickets beginning today at www.FLYi.com. Below is a breakdown of the new daily round-trip flights being offered by Independence Air:

• 7 daily round-trip flights between Albany International Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning on July 23. One-way tickets will cost $59 to $103.

• 8 daily round-trip flights between Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning July 1. One-way tickets will cost $59 to $103.

• 8 daily round-trip flights between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning July 17. One-way tickets will cost $59 to $103.

• 8 daily round-trip flights between Rochester International Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning July 17. One-way tickets will cost $59 to $103.

• 6 daily round-trip flights between Stewart International Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning September 1. One-way tickets will cost $49-$109.

• 5 daily round-trip flights between the Westchester County Airport and Washington DC Dulles International Airport and connecting cities beginning June 23. One-way tickets will cost $49-$109.

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.

###

Resource Center