<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Airline’s departure raises air service debate

The Columbian
Published: July 18, 2011, 12:00am

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — City and business leaders in Salem aren’t giving up on bringing passenger airline service to the state’s capital city, even though SeaPort Airlines abruptly pulled out this month.

The Statesman Journal reports that the airline averaged just two passengers per flight during its 12 weeks of service from the Salem airport. The airline’s chief executive had previously said it would need to average three passengers per flight. SeaPort also dropped its passenger service to Newport.

The airline’s decision to leave Salem has fueled a debate among civic leaders. Some say passenger air service is an important economic engine that helps recruit businesses. Others say passenger service is a dream and the city should focus taxpayer money on other projects.

Loading...