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Pittsburgh Airport Activity Expected to Benefit Valley
PITTSBURGH -- Kent G. George, executive director of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, called February an "exciting month for Pittsburgh International Airport" as he spoke to members of Youngstown-area media yesterday to discuss the future of the airport and its benefits for eastern Ohio residents.Two airlines, he said, will embark on what are expected to be successful ventures. "On Thursday, Southwest Airlines will announce the destinations the airline will serve went it launches service here in May. On Feb. 25, Hooter's Air will launch service here with its first flight to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The airlines see a viable market and an outstanding airport at Pittsburgh International Airport. This presents expanded choices and lower fares for air travelers from the Youngstown-Warren region."The Airport Authority, he said, has established a course to concentrate on developing western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia as a stronger Origination and Destination market. "Traditionally when Southwest Airlines begins air service in a city, fare prices decline," George commented. "We think that will most definitely occur in Pittsburgh as well. Lower fares and more new airlines add to the choices for consumers. In fact, many choices were added to the market prior to Southwest's announcement."Low-cost carriers AirTran Airways and America West have been operating at Pittsburgh International Airport for several years while USA3000 launched service there in December 2003 and Independence Air began offering low-fare flights to Washington Dulles International Airport in August 2004, George said.The influx of carriers will help drive down the cost of fares among all carriers," George noted, citing recent research by the Airport Authority that showed lower fares to 11 of the airport's top markets compared to those offered at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. "We anticipate growth in airline choices for the region and, with it, reduced fares for our customers," he said. "We look forward to serving residents not only of southwestern Pennsylvania, but those of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia as well.""