SYRACUSE — The president of Southwest Airlines — who is also a native of Vestal, near Binghamton — says adding service in Syracuse gives its customers “access to all that Upstate New York has to offer.” “For hometown travelers, we’re giving an option to choose our game-changing value, flexibility, and hospitality,” Tom Nealon, president of […]
SYRACUSE — The president of Southwest Airlines — who is also a native of Vestal, near Binghamton — says adding service in Syracuse gives its customers “access to all that Upstate New York has to offer.”
“For hometown travelers, we’re giving an option to choose our game-changing value, flexibility, and hospitality,” Tom Nealon, president of Southwest Airlines, said.
His comment was part of a news release that the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) issued June 10, announcing that Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has agreed to provide air service at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) beginning Nov. 14.
Southwest will begin offering three flights a day between Syracuse and Baltimore-Washington International Airport. From there, Southwest passengers can connect directly to 68 other cities. Weekly flights directly to Orlando will also be available, which “introduces even more competition on that route,” per a separate announcement about the service from CenterState CEO.
The flights to Orlando will start Nov. 20, SRAA said.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines as they launch their first ever daily service here at SYR,” Jason Terreri, executive director of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, said. “This is such a win for our community [which has] been telling us for years that they want Southwest at SYR. With this new nonstop service, our community will have access to more than 40 destinations within the Southwest network. This announcement is the culmination of a multi-year effort by the airport and the Central New York Community to bring some ‘LUV’ to the region and I look forward to our partnership.”
The move will “expand and enhance” its presence in upstate New York, the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said June 10. The Democrat in late May had spoken with Gary Kelly, CEO of Southwest Airlines, to pitch Syracuse as a venue where Southwest should offer service, per his office.
Southwest Airlines — described as the world’s largest low-cost carrier — is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.