Cargo up but scheduled passenger service is down

NEW WINDSOR – Growing cargo operations at Stewart Airport is just as important as developing passenger service, the president of the state’s Empire State Development Corporation said.

Kenneth Adams said the state is working hand in hand with airport operator the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the efforts to develop the facility, which he said is a major economic development asset for the Hudson Valley.

“Transportation infrastructure is the foundation of that and the airport, if you think about that, commercial cargo flights are just as important, just like the Thruway, Tappan Zee Bridge, other major infrastructure projects; you have to have a rock solid infrastructure for economic growth,” he said.

The airport continues to push for more airline service, but has had no success in attracting more and, in fact, has lost service with Delta dropping Atlanta flights and Jet Blue ending one seasonal daily Florida flight.