One of the Southern Airways Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX planes expected to be used if Essential Air Service is restored at the Chautauqua County Airport at Jamestown is pictured.

Chautauqua County officials are eyeing a familiar face to bring air service back to the Chautauqua County Airport at Jamestown.

County officials have submitted a new proposal to reinstate Essential Air Service at the airport, with Southern Airways Express the provider of choice. Southern Airways Express was the provider at the county airport in 2018 when the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it was terminating the county’s Essential Air Service subsidy. At the time Southern Airways was receiving about $2.1 million annually to provide flights from Jamestown to Pittsburgh, Pa. Subsidies now would be between $3,641,434 a year if a 12-flight per week option is approved while a 17-flight option would require $4,053,386 a year.

One reason the county lost its Essential Air Service designation in 2018 was the county’s inability to consistently meet the Essential Air Service program’s requirement of 10 passengers per day. Projections included in the county’s proposal indicate the county projecting 18 passengers a day

The proposal states Southern Airways has made several improvements to its operations over the past seven years, including System Operations Control (SOC) undergoing substantial expansion and upgrading, enhancing the airline’s capability to oversee all flight operations and respond effectively to operational challenges. The airline has achieved full staffing levels with comprehensive pilot resources, including the establishment of a new training center in DuBois, Pa. This facility enables pilots to train and gain experience in the challenging weather

conditions typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Southern Airways has also made substantial

investments in technology, communications resources, and fleet modernization since its earlier operations at JHW.

“Southern Airways is an entirely different company than when we exited the JHW market

many years ago, with new ownership, leadership and branding,” said Mark Cestari, Southern Airways chief commercial officer in the county’s proposal.

Chautauqua County proposes that scheduled commercial air service be restored from Jamestown (JHW), with a new destination to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), to provide direct connectivity to a major domestic and international hub. The proposed service would operate on a schedule accommodating both business and leisure travel, with two daily round trips, Monday through Saturday.

To facilitate immediate operations, the county confirms that the Jamestown airport remains fully operational under

FAA Part 139 certification. The airport’s facilities are maintained to meet all safety and operational standards, and staff are prepared to support commercial flight operations, including TSA screening, ground handling, and customer service. Should the Essential Air Service subsidy be renewed, county officials say flights could resume as soon as June 21, 2025.

“Chautauqua County has identified Southern Airways Express as a strong candidate airline partner for the EAS contract, given its current presence in the Mid-Atlantic region and its proven partnership with United Airlines at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), with the understanding that the U.S. DOT will solicit bids from eligible EAS providers as part of the process,” wrote Brian Bates, interim county airports manager, in the proposal to the federal government. “The Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport (JHW) is a perfect addition to the Southern Airways Express mid-Atlantic footprint. Having four other markets in Pennsylvania and a successful hub partnership with United Airlines at Washington/Dulles market, sets the stage for a successful partnership and route with JHW.”

A 2024 study cited in the EAS proposal identified 1,506 passengers per day each way (PDEW) traveling within the Jamestown airport’s 90-mile catchment zone, a number that includes both local residents and visitors. Of that total, 916 passengers per day live in the Jamestown airport’s defined catchment area, while the remaining 590 (39%) are visitors traveling to the region. Sixty percent of resident passengers per day live within 45 minutes of Jamestown, which Bates says demonstrates “that the majority of potential users are geographically closer to JHW than any competing airport. Despite this proximity, every one of these passengers is currently utilizing alternative airports due to the absence of commercial service at JHW.”

Those passengers are flying toward hub cities and high-frequency destinations. The top 20 origin-and-destination

markets include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Tampa, and New York City, which Bates said aligns with the connectivity offered by a hub like Washington Dulles International Airport. Bates said 58% of county airline travelers use the Buffalo and Pittsburgh airports, followed by Cleveland 21.6%) and Rochester (5.2%).

“These insights point to a viable and sustainable market for commercial service if the right hub and carrier combination can be secured under the EAS program,” Bates wrote.

Bates said in the proposal that the county has begun engaging stakeholders to support the application – with several letters of support already on file with the federal government. Strategic planning sessions are being arranged between prospective airline carriers and stakeholders, encompassing the County Legislature, regional chambers

of commerce and tourism promotion agencies. County officials are also planning a marketing effort if Essential Air Service is restored.

“The reinstatement of commercial air service at Chautauqua County – Jamestown Airport is essential for the economic vitality and accessibility of the region. With a strong population base, proven travel demand, and a ready airport facility, JHW is well-positioned to support viable commercial service under the Essential Air Service program,” Bates wrote. “Chautauqua County stands fully committed to supporting this effort and working closely with the U.S. DOT, selected air carrier(s), and community partners to ensure a successful reintroduction of air service in 2025 and beyond.”