Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Syracuse's Hancock Airport Lands Safely With Regional Authority

Scott Willis
/
WAER News

It's finally official.  Nearly 6 years of work culminated Monday in the transfer of day-to-day operations of Syracuse's Hancock Airport from the City of Syracuse to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.  

Hancock was the last major airport in the state to make the switch.  Mayor Stephanie Miner says it will allow the airport to realize its full potential.  

Miner says the authority will have more flexibility to offer the best services and attract low-cost airlines without the burden of the city's debt limit and bonding authorization.   Authority Board Chair Bill Fisher credits Miner for pushing forward despite challenges and obstacles.  

airport_bill_for_web.mp3
Airport Authority Board Chair Bill Fisher gives kudos to Mayor Miner for making the airport's viability a priority.

Credit Scott Willis / WAER News
/
WAER News

Until Monday, Hancock Airport had been operated by the city since 1946.  Fisher says travelers will likely notice no difference in airport operations.   He says the same 110 workers will keep the place running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   And the authority will manage the business affairs of the airport, including working to bring lower fares, new airlines, and more destinations.  

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.