Blountville, TN-The Tri-Cities Airport Commission continues to get questions about the future of local air service as a result of statements released by the Business Travel Coalition, based in Pennsylvania.

"We are confident that TCRA will continue to provide air service to the region," says Patrick Wilson, executive director. "TCRA has had commercial air service since 1935. We don't see that changing in the future. People can book tickets from TRI with confidence that the airlines will continue to serve this market."

A recent news release from the Business Travel Coalition listing Tri-Cities Regional Airport among 100 airports at risk of losing air service was alarming, but somewhat misleading, according to Melissa Thomas, director of marketing and air service development at TCRA. This report, on top of announcements of flights and staff reductions from air carriers across the nation, may have the public questioning the stability of air service at TRI.

The BTC report, in particular, has worried some residents, but it is important to note that this trade group made broad statements to draw attention to the need for action and policy without providing specific data and analysis for individual airports.

"It is true that the airlines are suffering from the rapid increase in the cost of fuel and are reducing flights across the country. In that regard, most airports in the country will ‘lose some service.' Losing some service does not mean losing all service," says Thomas. "At TRI, we expect an approximate 11 percent reduction in the number seats available per week when the peak summer travel season ends in September, but otherwise, our service appears to be stable."

"Even with the airlines making schedule changes to overcome the record cost of fuel, passengers who can book their travel at least 14 days in advance can find some attractive fares and good travel options," says Thomas.

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