Published May 08, 2008 10:15 pm - Company officials have also not ruled out flights between Albany and Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake.
Cape Air works toward JetBlue code share for Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake
President cites JetBlue combo tickets; Albany flights a possibility
By DAN HEATH
Staff Writer
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.