PLATTSBURGH — Fewer than two years into operation, Plattsburgh International Airport is poised for a major expansion.

"We have been very successful so far, and as a result of that, we are now experiencing some growing pains," Clinton County Legislature Chairman Jimmy Langley (R-Area 7, Peru) said.

"But it's a nice pain to have."

The county received approval this week from the Federal Aviation Administration for a feasibility study to determine how much and what kind of growth is needed at the terminal.

MORE SPACE
The county already is in the process of expanding the airport parking area.

The terminal expansion will most likely allow for another jetway in the upstairs portion of the airport, so two large aircraft can be loaded and unloaded at the same time.

"We only have seats for about 75 people upstairs, and we need room for about 300 people," Langley said.

"And we definitely need more counter space up front."

Other elements, such as food service, will also be considered in the expansion.

Langley said the design phase of the expansion will probably be done this year, with construction starting in early 2010.

FEDERAL FUNDING
The project would be funded by federal dollars that the county is eligible for based on the number of enplanements.

Last year, the airport saw nearly 44,000 enplanements, a far cry from the 2,000 per year at the former Clinton County Airport on Route 3.

Flights are projected to continue to increase by as many as 20,000 more enplanements per year, Langley said.

"Starting next month, we will go to 16 flights a week. We are way ahead of where we thought we would be at this point."

POPULAR
The airport opened in the summer of 2007 on the flight line of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Cape Air, a small commuter airline with service to Boston, was signed on as an Essential Air Service provider. That airline operates shuttles to Boston on nine-seat aircraft.

Allegiant Air also stepped in, offering direct flights to several Florida sites on 150-passenger jets.

Direct Air and Tours offers direct flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C., on large jets.

The southbound jet service has proven to be a big hit with many Canadian travelers from nearby Quebec.

The county had to not only expand the parking area but also the baggage claim area to accommodate the large crowds.

EYES ON NYC
Langley said the county is also talking with another airline about establishing commuter service to the New York City area.

"We want to keep the Boston connection, but it would be nice to have service to the south as well, so people can connect and go west from there."

Airport Committee Chairman Robert Heins (R-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) said the rapid growth of the airport has been staggering.

"The old airport terminal was 10,000 square feet, and when we built this new one at 33,000 square feet people thought we were crazy because nobody was going to fly out of there.

"This (expansion) just shows people that the Montreal-market model works very well, and we can make it even better."


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