Through Big Sky, Delta will be able to offer the same fares it gives passengers who fly from Burlington, he said. Because of that pricing and the vast increase in connection possibilities, "this should become an attractive option for both business and personal flying," Douglas said.

Big Sky started service from Ogdensburg, Massena and Watertown in April, deLeeuw said.

The number of passengers from Watertown has doubled compared to the previous carrier, Mesa Airlines, which offered U.S. Air Express connections, he said.

The airline had some issues with delays at those airports as it started to offer service, which have since been resolved, deLeeuw said.

"We had some startup issues, including getting used to working with the Delta system. We came up, met with the community leaders and got it fixed."

He doesn't see any similar issues as service starts up in Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake.

Clinton County Legislature Chairman Jimmy Langley said Big Sky is a integral piece to the county's plan to expand air-service options.

"Big Sky, operating as Delta Connection, coupled with a simplified and equalized fare structure, will without a doubt significantly enhance passenger service out of Plattsburgh, a dynamic this community eagerly awaits," he said.

"This is more great news for Plattsburgh International Airport."

The schedule announcement follows the news that Allegiant Air will begin service between Plattsburgh and Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 16.

The county is still awaiting word on Myrtle Beach International Airport's efforts to secure a $625,000 grant that would allow Myrtle Beach Direct to offer flights to that airport from Plattsburgh, Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago.

dheath@pressrepublican.com