PLATTSBURGH -- Cape Air has started daily flights to Boston from two local airports.

The airline started service at Plattsburgh International Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport Tuesday.

Cape Air offers three non-stop flights a day each way between Plattsburgh and Boston. Flights depart Plattsburgh at 6:35 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. They arrive in Plattsburgh at 10:29 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 5:05 p.m.

The airline also offers three non-stop flights daily each way between Saranac Lake and Boston. Flights depart Saranac Lake at 6:25 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. They arrive at 10:24 a.m., 2:34 p.m. and 6:44 p.m.

Cape Air is based in Hyannis, Mass. Information on the company Web site indicates Cape Air operates a fleet of more than 50 eight-seat Cessna 402 aircraft. The company carried more than 850,000 passengers last year, which makes it the "largest independent regional airline in the United States," according to the site.

The airline has a partnership with Jet Blue Airways, which serves 20 destinations from Logan International Airport. Travelers can also make connections with hundreds of flights on other airlines there.

Cape Air was the sole bidder to become the Essential Air Service provider after Big Sky Airlines announced it would discontinue that service effective Jan. 7.

Big Sky cited poor weather and high fuel costs as the reason it was pulling out of the two airports. The airline had been plagued with numerous complaints about delayed or canceled flights.

Cape Air is holding an informal reception at Plattsburgh International Airport at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, to inform people about the company and what the new air service means for the community.

Allegiant Air and Myrtle Beach Direct Air and Tours are also operating flights from Plattsburgh International Airport.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com