Continental pulls out of South Bend airport
By ERIN PIROUTEK
Associate News Editor
Continental Express, a regional subsidiary of Continental Airlines, plans to discontinue service to South Bend on Sept. 5.
"They have been in the process of pulling out of smaller airports in the Midwest since late last year," said John Schalliol, executive director of South Bend Regional Airport. Continental Airlines, which has served South Bend since 1996, had the best on-time performance of any major U.S. carrier last year, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Continental cited constrained airspace at their Cleveland hub — Hopkins Airport — as the reason for withdrawing from South Bend.
"They have only one runway. That's causing congestion, operational issues and delays," said Julie Gardner, spokesperson for Continental Express.
South Bend airport authorities disagree, citing financial issues rather than congestion as the major factor.
"It really goes back to the same reasons that American Eagle pulled out," said Schalliol.
Continental is slowly acquiring regional jets, according to Schalliol. As they shift focus, Continental will retire more and more of the smaller turbo-prop aircraft that they are currently operating. He noted that the regional jets are more efficient to operate, therefore, more profitable for the airline.
Gardner confirmed that Continental plans to move to an all-jet fleet by 2004, however, she denied this had an effect on South Bend service.
"People are concerned, they see two airlines in the last few months pull out," said Schalliol.
He said, however, that these aren't the only changes to the airport. American Trans Air Chicago Express has begun to fly into South Bend.
"The numbers have been a pleasant surprise to Chicago Express," said Schalliol. Early in March they will increase service from four flights per day to six per day.
Other airlines are also considering coming to South Bend.
"We are talking with two carriers right now," said Schalliol. He declined to name the two airlines, but said they could be flying into South Bend before the end of the year.
Both the Gardner and Schalliol remain hopeful that Continental will someday return to South Bend. Possibilities include service to Continental hubs in Newark and Houston.
"I don't even have a guess as to how long that will be in the future," said Schalliol.
All News Stories for Tuesday, February 27, 2001
