Congressman Jack Quinn

September 29, 2000   (Buffalo, New York) In an effort to preserve improvements recently made in air service, Congressman Jack Quinn (NY-30) invited Robert Johnson, President of DC Air, to Buffalo to report on the benefits of DC Air servicing the Buffalo–D.C. market. 
The invite list for the meeting includes Congressman John LaFalce, County Executive Joel Giambra, Mayor Anthony Masiello, NFTA Chairman Luiz F. Kahl, a number of NFTA officials and local businessmen.

If the United Airlines/US Airways merger is approved, DC Air will be established and will acquire US Air’s flights between Buffalo and Washington, D.C. In order to protect the progress made in Western New York in providing safe, efficient, and affordable air service, Quinn asked Johnson to speak to pertinent elected and community leaders on his proposed plans for the area.

“We have done so much in the past few years to bring safe, reliable, low-cost airfare to the Buffalo area. With the expansion of the airport, we have attracted new low-cost airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest and Vanguard. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has done a tremendous job in improving the accessibility of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in an effort to increase competition and lower air fares,” Quinn said. “The community needs to hear what benefits this merger brings to the Western New York market.”

“I want to explore all of the options available to us to ensure that the NFTA is in position to ensure that our airport will continue to offer first rate service at the lowest possible cost to Washington, D.C. I welcome the opportunity to speak with Mr. Johnson on how best we might accomplish that goal,” Luiz F. Kahl, Chairman of the NFTA, said.

“Since the opening of the new Buffalo Niagara International Airport, repeated additions to the airport’s mix of air carriers has brought improved service with more competitive rates,” stated Mayor Anthony M. Masiello. “I applaud Congressman Quinn and the NFTA for continuing the effort to strengthen local air service by initiating this dialogue with DC Air. The airport’s sustained enplanement growth cannot be lost on any air carrier considering establishing service in Buffalo.”

“My main concern is the level of service to Buffalo travelers. We have raised this level to new heights and I refuse to see it decline,” Quinn said. Regardless of who provides the Buffalo-Washington, D.C. flights, we will work to assure the same if not improved levels remain.”

"Reliable service and affordable flights are important to the economic success and quality of life here in Western New York. I am pleased Congressman Quinn has taken an active approach to discussing the needs of our regions air service with D.C. Air President Robert Johnson and NFTA Chairman Luiz Kahl. Airfares in the Buffalo area must remain competitive," said County Executive Joel A. Giambra.

The Justice Department will make the final decision on the proposed merger.