Ready for takeoff
Port Authority takes overStewart International Airport
By KATHY KAHN

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last week added Stewart International Airport to its roster.

The Port Authority took over the airport after paying $78.5 million on the remaining 93 years of the 99-year lease that National Express Group bought in 1999 for $35 million.

While Port Authority officials have remained mum on the exact role Stewart International will play in its lineup -- LaGuardia, Newark, JFK International and Teterboro -- its entry will no doubt bring relief to the notorious backlogs and overcrowded airspace the three major airports are experiencing.

“We see its incredible potential and as we move forward and develop the airport we expect to have a lot of success in bringing in bringing new carriers in … we’re in a very good position to do that, since we talk to them every day,” said Marc Lavorgna, Port Authority spokesman.

Stewart fever was already starting to build when the announcement that JetBlue and Air Tran were coming in and would be offering direct flights to Florida every day. Within months, Stewart’s dismal passenger numbers tripled.

“Passenger service in September was 56,016,” said Carol Smith, customer care manager. “In September 2006 it was 22,160 ; we’ve seen a 161 percent jump in use.”

John D’Ambrosio, Orange County Chamber of Commerce president, said: “The numbers of people using the airport now speak for themselves. We have every confidence that Stewart will create jobs and build a better economy for the entire region, not just Orange County,” where the 2,400-acre airport is based.

Marsha Gordon, president of The Business Council of Westchester, agreed.

The Port Authority has “the leadership to make transportation happen for the entire region…a great track record, and they will provide the leadership necessary to make Stewart a major economic asset. They’ll provide the expertise needed at the airport and provide another choice for the people of Westchester.”

Steven Bull, president of Danbury, Connecticut’s chamber said he was ecstatic about the takeover.

“The Port Authority running Stewart is going to be a tremendous amenity for area business and passenger travel. Right now, we rely on Bradley International in Windsor Locks, Westchester County Aiport in White Plains or points farther south,” he said. “It will help us attract business and at the same time will be attractive to businesses already established here.”

One common denominator shared by the mid-Hudson counties and their neighbors in northern Connecticut is their proximity to Stewart; most are within a one hour drive, making Stewart an attractive alternative.

Lavorgna says the connector road linking the new Drury Lane exit off Interstates 87/84 will make getting in and out of the airport that much easier. Tentatively named International Boulevard, the connector road, along with Drury Lane, is expected to be completed and ready “before the Christmas holidays.” Stewart’s current entrance on Route 207 will become a “back door” to the airport once the Drury Lane main entrance is opened.

 

 

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