By DAN HEATH
Staff Writer
May 09, 2008 05:08 am
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PLATTSBURGH -- Cape Air continues to work with JetBlue Airways to offer code-share tickets and remains open to the idea of flights between Albany and Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake.
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Code-share tickets would allow a single ticket from Plattsburgh to be used on the initial Cape Air flight and also on a continuation from Logan International Airport in Boston on Jet Blue.
Speaking at an informal reception at Plattsburgh International Airport, Cape Air Founder and President Dan Wolf said the relationship with JetBlue is a work in progress. He said that work is slowed by the many factors adversely affecting the airline industry, including fuel prices, acquisitions and mergers and reauthorization of service by the Federal Aviation Administration.
"We are dealing with a partner with all of those things on their plate," Wolf said.
If they get a code-share agreement, he said, Cape Air passengers will still be able to make JetBlue connections at Logan International Airport without having to re-clear security.
Cape Air Vice President of Planning Andrew Bonney said JetBlue has agreed to offer code sharing at some point. The principle hurdle at this point appears to be linking the two companies' information-technology systems, he said.
Bonney said passengers in Plattsburgh will still be able to check their bags through their final destination.
A code-share agreement is in place for other Cape Air destinations, such as Rutland, Vt., and Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown in Massachusetts, Bonney said.
ALBANY FLIGHTS
Wolf did not rule out the possibility Cape Air could offer flights between Albany and Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake. Bonney said the Department of Transportation decides Essential Air Service routes and picked Boston for Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake.
That doesn't rule out non-subsidized service to Albany in the future, he said.
A Cape Air maintenance hub in Albany could make it financially feasible, but such service would require a detailed financial study because it wouldn't receive Essential Air Service subsidies.
Cape Air has a contract to provide Essential Air Service between Albany and Watertown, Ogdensburg and Massena, to start by Sept. 16.
Wolf said it would be great if the airline could offer service to both Boston and Albany. That would require a cooperative effort between North Country officials and Cape Air, he said.
Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo said he wanted to make it clear the county wanted the service to Boston. Later, he said that while Albany is important for business travelers, the national and international connections available in Boston were behind that request.
HAPPY WITH SERVICE
Clinton County Legislator Robert Heins, chair of the County Airport Committee, said Cape Air's service has been outstanding.
"We are happy to see a reliable, trustworthy airline in this community," he said, referring to the difficulties experienced by Big Sky Airlines, which pulled out of the region in early January.
Heins said Cape Air's relationship with JetBlue, combined with JetBlue's relationship with Lufthansa, allows travelers easy connections worldwide.
"We wanted to go to a hub that's truly an international hub," he said.
Cape Air started offering three non-stop flights each way between Logan International Airport and both Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake on Feb. 12.
GOOD NUMBERS
Bonney said Cape Air had 288 passengers between Boston and Plattsburgh for the partial month of February, 725 in March and 676 in April.
The airline had 165 passengers between Boston and Saranac Lake in February, 515 in March and 494 in April.
Wolf said the company model was built on a 40-percent load factor for its flights and is operating from Plattsburgh at about a 42-percent load factor after only three months.
Internationally, Cape Air had 650,000-plus passengers on more than 120,000 flights last year. That is expected to grow to between 750,000 and 800,000 passengers this year.
Cape Air operates a fleet of 53 Cessna 402 aircraft, nine seaters that many who have flown said provide a wonderful, scenic experience. Planes are kept overnight at both Plattsburgh International Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport to ensure dependable morning flights.
Wolf said fuel costs account for 15 percent of the airline's expenses, compared to 40 percent for major carriers. The reduced costs are a combination of shorter flights and the aircraft used, he said.
Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said Cape Air is a welcome addition to the continuing quest to offer more connectivity between Plattsburgh and rest of the world. Their reliability and service can only help future marketing efforts at the fledgling airport, he said.
"Every time someone boards a flight and has a good experience, they are our ambassador. We didn't have that with Big Sky. That was a miss. This is a hit."
Zurlo said the relationship with Cape Air has started off wonderfully.
"As Chairman Heins said, it's a professional operation. They are very easy to work with. It's truly been a breath of fresh air to have them in town."
dheath@pressrepublican.com
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Photos
Cape Air founder and President Dan Wolf and 10 members of the Cape Air team were at Plattsburgh International Airport Thursday. Wolf said the airline is nearing a code-share arrangement with JetBlue for flights from Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake. He also said flights from the region to Albany remain a possibility.