Text of Senator Charles Schumer's Letter to Leo F. Mullin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Delta Air Lines Inc.

Dear Mr. Mullin:

I write today to strongly urge Delta Air Lines to implement air service via Comair from the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in New York to Cincinnati, Ohio. I have reviewed the proposal put forth on this matter by the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, and believe they have made a compelling case regarding the desirability and viability of this air route.

I believe that Comair service from Elmira-Corning to Cincinnati would be a tremendous success. Additional service, and access to a new hub offering numerous connections, can be a spark that will help ignite the Southern Tier's stalled economic engine while also providing Delta with a new market and potential for strong profit.

Reliable, accessible and affordable air service is key to renewing the economic vitality of our upstate communities. As evidenced by the tremendous success of Jet Blue, New York State is a strong market for air travel, and the Southern Tier is no exception. The demand for service is great in the region. The Elmira-Corning Regional has displayed strong numbers in terms of passengers and number of flights arriving and departing. Large corporations such as Corning Inc., Hardinge, Alstrom and others are in close proximity and would certainly utilize local convenient business travel opportunities.

I frequently hear from my Southern Tier constituents about the difficulty and frustration both business and pleasure travelers face in attempting to obtain flights. The Elmira-Corning Regional Airport is unnecessarily losing potential customers as they elect to travel an hour or more for reliable service. I realize that first-rate airports are necessary to both attract new carriers and to allow those carriers to remain competitive. Therefore I have assisted Elmira-Corning's pursuit of Federal Aviation Administration grants to perform necessary repairs and upgrades.

During my tenure as Senator I have been committed to improving the quality and availability of air service in upstate New York. I worked hard to bring Jet Blue to Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester and Southwest to Albany. Both carriers are experiencing great success in their new markets.

I offer any assistance I can provide to bring Delta service via Comair to the Elmira Area. If you have any questions please contact my office. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senate