PLATTSBURGH -- Federal officials have chosen Cape Air as the next Essential Air Service provider for the region.

The decision was little surprise, as Cape Air was the only airline to bid for the service at Plattsburgh International Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear.

Officials hope that flights can begin in two to three weeks.

"They've been up here a few times, and I'm sure they will work things out quickly to begin service," Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo said Wednesday.

Cape Air will replace Big Sky Airlines, out of Montana. Big Sky pulled out of the region on Jan. 7, citing poor weather and high fuel costs. Passengers had been unhappy with the airline's frequently canceled or delayed flights.

An emergency request for proposals was put out by the federal Department of Transportation to seek a new Essential Air Service provider.

Under the program, airlines are subsidized to serve remote areas. Big Sky's deal was for more than $2 million per year.

Cape Air has ties with Jet Blue and Continental Airlines and plans to offer three non-stop flights daily from Plattsburgh and Lake Clear to Boston, where passengers can get to connecting flights.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) said Cape Air's connection with Jet Blue is critical.

"I'll be working hard to ensure that Jet Blue enacts a code share with Cape Air that will give North Country flyers access to low-cost air routes from Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake to destinations around the country," Schumer said.

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com