PLATTSBURGH — Three airlines are vying to serve Plattsburgh International Airport with daily commuter service.

Cape Air, the existing service provider; Colgan Air, a US Air affiliate; and Charter Air Transport, are all seeking to obtain federal Essential Air Service funding to supply commuter flights.

Cape Air began operating daily flights from Plattsburgh to Boston in January 2008 using nine-seat aircraft.

Under the Essential Air Service program, the federal government pays the airline to offer the service in order to ensure a profitable operation.

The contract for the federal funding is due for renewal, and Colgan Air and Charter Air Transport have submitted bids, along with Cape Air.

"Airlines are trying to come up with different ways to increase ridership, and I think it says a lot for this airport that they see this as a viable market," said Clinton County Legislator Robert Heins (R-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh), who chairs the county's Airport Committee.

"They've seen what Direct Air and Allegiant (charter flight providers) have done here."

The Cape Air bid is similar to the service it is providing now but would also include options to go to Lake Clear and then on to Boston.

Colgan Air will use 34-passenger airplanes and will go from Plattsburgh to Lake Clear and then on to Boston but would offer two fewer flights per week.

Charter Air Transport will feature aircraft of 19 seats and 30 seats. They are offering flights from Plattsburgh to Lake Clear on to Boston and New York City.

Legislators have until Dec. 4 to make a recommendation to the federal Department of Transportation, which will ultimately decide which airline gets the funding.

E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com