US Airways gives up on Hanscom

Wednesday, June 06, 2001 - 11:48 AM ET

(WBZ) U.S. Airways is giving a major victory to opponents of more air
traffic at Hanscom Field in Bedford: The airline has decided to abandon
plans for daily trips to Philadelphia and New York because of outrage from
opponents in the community.

Last month, hundreds of angry protesters jammed Bedford Town Hall for a
meeting with executives from several airlines, including U.S. Airways.

Anna Winter, head of the opposition group Save Our Heritage, said she was
surprised U.S. Airways responded to their concerns so quickly.

"U.S. Airways is a large company, and we didn't believe at first that they
would be easily educated as far as how sensitive this area was
environmentally and historically," she told WBZ NewsRadio. "We are
absolutely delighted and we support their sensitivity."

The move by U.S. Air, which cited "community concerns as the reason for the
decision, could be viewed as a setback to Massport, which has been trying to
increase air traffic at regional airports, including Hanscom Field.

Massport spokesman Jose Jueves told WBZ NewsRadio his agency is now focusing
on bringing more service to Worcester Airport, which is better suited for
increased traffic.

"The airlines are going to make their decisions based on whether or not they
can make money operating out of any facility," he said. "Whether it's
Hanscom Field or Denver International Airport, they're looking at their
bottom line."

Boston Airport Journal editor Bob Weiss said U.S. Air's decision was a small
surprise, given Hanscom's attractive location.

"The airlines want some relief at Logan," he said. "And this airfield right
along [Route] 128 is really a very good operation for companies that are
located out there."

WBZ Newsroom

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