The SYR Airport’s New Plan to Boost Competition The SYR Airport's New Plan to Boost Competition

Louise Rath: After months of planning a new initiative at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport is ready for takeoff.

Todd Merrill: But if it’s if it works, I would say that it’s good.

Louise: The S-Y-R airport is set to welcome a new Aircraft Rescue and firefighting team this summer.

Jason Terreri: They train for aircraft emergencies different aircraft types, but they also do provide EMS and first responder service across the airport.

Louise: The city of Syracuse Fire Department has provided these airport fire services since the early 2000s. But when the 174th National Guard decided to create its own fire department, Jason Terreri knew it was time for a change.

Jason: It just makes sense that they provide the primary out here. Because why would why have a duplication of resources.

Louise: The National Guard attack wing is stationed at the Hancock field Air National Guard Base, which is just a few wingspans away from the Syracuse airport.

Jason: We pay the city of Syracuse, between three and a half and $4 million a year for fire service, that costs will go away with the guard providing it because they’re already out here.

Louise: So what does this mean for people like you and me, who aren’t exactly in the cockpit of this operation? Well, the S-Y-R airport could be bringing Central New Yorkers lower airfare and new airlines to send passengers to New Destinations.

Jason: So what that will actually do is reduce the cost of operations for the airlines here at the airport. Ultimately, that can help roll into lower airfares at the airport because it’s it’s cheaper for the airlines to do business here.

Louise: Some S-Y-R passengers say their nearest airport is too small, so they choose to fly out of Syracuse. Even then any passenger was excited to hear what the airport is doing to bring them lower airfares.

David Martinkovic: It would be positive for the city of Syracuse. And again, if you get more airlines in here more competition. Hopefully, that would end up with better prices right.

Louise: Even out of state travelers like Todd Merrill echoed the same hope for these positive changes in the terminal.

Todd: I mean, more airlines means more runways, which means more noise. So there’s going to be a lot of interest by the local community.

Louise: And as the airport looks towards smoother skies, Central New York passengers can look forward to the final descent of these efforts to safely get them to their final destination. Louise Rath N-C-C news