New York Airport Looks to Regain Air Service

Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport in New York is seeking to regain scheduled commercial flights through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program after a seven-year pause in scheduled operations. The airport, located in southwestern New York state, has submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation requesting reinstatement of EAS subsidies, with service potentially beginning as early as next month.

The airport states that it has maintained its FAA Part 139 certification, which is required to support scheduled service, despite lacking commercial service since 2018.

Service Proposal

The proposal calls for scheduled air service from Jamestown to Washington Dulles, including two daily round trips Monday through Saturday on Southern Airways Express.

Chautauqua County has identified Southern Airways Express as a strong candidate airline partner for the EAS contract. Southern Airways currently operates over 20 daily departures from Washington Dulles and maintains interline agreements with United. It also previously served the airport until 2018.

Southern Airways Express’ parking spot at F4 in Chicago (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

The current lack of local air service creates significant challenges for the region, including reduced business competitiveness, limited tourism accessibility, and healthcare access difficulties, said Brian Bates, interim manager of airports for Chautauqua County.

Federal Support Request

In its formal request to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Chautauqua County has asked for reinstatement of the community’s EAS subsidies to restore scheduled air service to Washington Dulles International Airport.

The county is also exploring opportunities for federal and state marketing assistance, public-private partnerships, and regulatory support to expedite the service restart. Based on the proposal’s operational analysis, annual compensation required would range from approximately $3.6 million to $4 million, depending on the service frequency.

“The reinstatement of commercial air service at JHW would represent a transformative economic development opportunity for Chautauqua County and the broader Southern Tier of New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania,” Bates added in the proposal.

In 2019, the DOT rejected the community’s proposal to be reinstated in the EAS program, citing “an underwhelming performance record of commercial air carriers.” The agency also noted Jamestown’s proximity to Erie, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York.

Jamestown’s bid to renew subsidized service comes as the Trump administration looks to reduce EAS spending.

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Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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