Aug. 19--Is a new airline bound for Stewart Airport? Airport officials have been hinting this week that they'll announce a new carrier soon.
Of course, they won't name names just yet.
On Wednesday, airport boss Charles Seliga told the Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce to expect a new airline by year's end, maybe sooner. It would likely be discount, with Florida service.
Yesterday, airport spokeswoman Tanya Vanasse confirmed the airport was in advanced talks with a couple of carriers.
"But we're really not going to say much more," she said.
Landing one would be a splash of good news after a rough month for the airport.
Delta is pulling out at the end of August and newest carrier Pan Am Clipper Connection is suspending service Sept. 6.
Meanwhile Northwest Airlines and Independence Air are flirting with bankruptcy filings.
One bright spot has been US Airways, which is adding a seventh flight to Philadelphia in October.
But a new airline would be most welcome.
One possibility is JetBlue. The profitable discounter is taking possession of eight new regional jets this fall, and it's expected to announce where it will put them in early September.
Seliga has met with the airline several times in the past year and JetBlue has said its looking at Stewart.
Another possibility is Allegiant Air. The Las Vegas-based discounter was negotiating Florida service with Stewart in March, before Pan Am came in, and it has been adding service to Orlando from other cities.
Vanasse said the airport's still talking with Allegiant. But it's talking with lots of airlines.
So who's it going to be? And when?
"You just never know in this business," she said.
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