November 19, 2008

Southwest buys LaGuardia slots for NYC service in '09

Southwest Airlines has purchased 14 slots at LaGuardia Airport and could start service into New York City as early as next year, the Associated Press reports.

Company officials told AP it paid $7.5 million for the slots belong to bankrupt ATA Airlines. If regulators approve the deal, it would give Southwest seven takeoffs and seven landings per day.

USA Today’s Today in the Sky blog notes that destinations have not been named but predicts “Chicago Midway and Florida to be among the most talked-about candidates.” Online Travel Review also sets odds for service to Baltimore and Providence.

“It is our intent, with the successful conclusion of the transaction, to make plans to initiate service from LaGuardia,” Southwest’s Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement confirming the AP story. “Even in this volatile environment, we have said we must monitor the competitive landscape and take advantage of prudent market opportunities.”

Southwest currently has no New York City service, but does fly into Long Island MacArthur Airport, a solid 40-some miles from LaGuardia and JFK.

Image source: Southwest Airlines.

Earlier: Bankrupt ATA Airlines abruptly discontinues all service
Southwest to begin service to New York next month - via ATA

November 19, 2008 12:27 PM in Arrivology

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