OGDENSBURG — The federal Department of Transportation has named Breeze Airways as the new Essential Air Service airline for Ogdensburg International Airport.
Breeze will offer direct, daily flights from Ogdensburg International Airport to Washington, D.C., and back starting Oct. 1.
“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,” Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Steven J. Lawrence said in a statement. “The launch of Breeze Airways at Ogdensburg International Airport is a pivotal moment for our airport and our region, and the senator’s efforts to cut through the red tape and make that happen are sincerely appreciated. 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.”
The OBPA board had previously voted to recommend the U.S. Department of Transportation select Breeze Airways. The USDOT has final say in which airline gets an EAS contract, but local input is heavily factored into its determination. In early August, Ogdensburg Airport Manager Charlie Garrelts said the USDOT indicated it would most likely pick Breeze and he expected the announcement by the end of the month.
Contour Air will continue to offer flights between Ogdensburg and Philadelphia until Sept. 30. They are subsidized by the Alternate Essential Air Service program. OBPA officials had wanted to go back to the regular EAS program when Contour’s AEAS contract expires.
The Essential Air Service program subsidizes flights in and out of small regional airports to larger hubs. The OBPA had been under the EAS program when its former carrier, SkyWest Airlines, was in place. After SkyWest gradually reduced flights and eventually pulled out, the OBPA switched to AEAS.
Under the AEAS program, the federal Department of Transportation gives a stipend to the OBPA, which pays it out to its selected air carrier based on need.
Under the EAS program, the DOT pays the money directly to the airline. The current AEAS contract with Contour Airlines expires in the fall.
“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,” Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-NY, said in a statement. “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!”