Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand welcomed
the announcement from Southwest Airlines today that the carrier will
expand service to and from New York LaGuardia Airport. Senator
Gillibrand released the following statement praising the news:
“This
is great news for New York City. Southwest Airlines is making a smart
investment. I am hopeful that other carriers will follow their lead.
“We
cannot turn this economy around if we do not provide businesses in
every corner of New York with adequate access to air travel. Expanding
service and ensuring affordable prices is critical to getting our
economy growing again.”
“By expanding air travel, building high
speed rail, and fixing traditional infrastructure like roads, bridges,
and sewer systems, we will create jobs and ensure a growing economy for
the long term.”
Beginning in June, the airline will offer a
total of eight daily nonstop departures – five daily nonstop flights
between Chicago Midway and LaGuardia and three daily nonstop departures
between Baltimore/Washington and LaGuardia.
Southwest Airlines will also offer direct or connecting service to
more than 45 destinations from New York City, in addition to the eight
daily nonstop flights.
Expanding air service and investing in infrastructure is a key part
of Senator Gillibrand’s strategy to fix the economy. She is a strong
supporter of President Obama’s economic plan, which will create or save
215,000 New York jobs and ensure long term economic growth through
investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, health care technology
and education.