Newsradio 1020 KDKA Editorial: Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport isn't as busy as it used to be.
For decades it was the hub for Allegheny Airlines –
As it morphed into USAirways.
There was so much traffic –
That a new terminal was opened in 1992.
But twelve years later –
Airlines adjusted to an ever-changing marketplace
And USAirways closed its hub-
The airport began to resemble a ghost town –
And sections were walled off.
Since then –
Allegheny County officials have worked to attract new airlines –
And more flights.
It hasn't been easy –
But their efforts are paying off.
The latest example?
Southwest Airlines begins non-stop service to Los Angeles in August.
It's only one flight a day –
But it's another step in the right direction.
Pittsburgh International handled more than 8-million passengers last year.
Although it's a far cry from the nearly 21-million passengers –
Who passed through the airport in 1997 –
It shows growth.
It also shows that county and airport officials are on the right track.
More flights and more non-stop destinations are great for our region.
All we can say is – Keep up the good work!