US Air considers adding Buffalo route

COLONIE -- US Airways is considering a request from U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer to offer flights between Albany and Buffalo, the airline said Thursday. Schumer made the request during a meeting Wednesday with US Airways CEO Doug Parker.

"We are always interested in looking at a route if we can operate it profitably," said airline spokesman Morgan Durrant.

Commutair, flying as Continental Connection, will end service on the route by July 7. US Airways Express affiliate Colgan Air last flew the route in March 2005.

Schumer, citing figures from Buffalo airport officials, said the route between New York's capital and its largest upstate city has yielded 70 cents of profit for each ticket dollar. The Buffalo-JFK route, by comparison, yields 28 cents.

"We're certainly interested in having them take over the route," Albany International Airport spokesman Doug Myers said.

Nothing has been finalized, he said, but airport officials are confident there will be no interruption in service to Buffalo.

It's not clear what size aircraft US Air or another airline might use on the route. Commutair had flown 19-seat planes.

If service is interrupted, passengers could find themselves spending more time in the air.

By ERIC ANDERSON, Deputy business editor
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