"Commercial carriers no longer serving Florida airport"

Sunday, June 15, 2003

Commercial carriers no longer serving Naples Airport
The Associated Press


Starting Sunday, fliers could no longer book a flight into or out of Naples
Municipal Airport.

The final commercial flight landed at the facility Saturday afternoon. US
Airways Express was offering six daily flights - three inbound, three
outbound - between Tampa and Naples, but decided to end the service in what
company officials said was a cost-cutting move.

US Airways was the fifth commercial air carrier to leave the Naples airport
in the last seven years. The terminal is remaining open, mainly to
accommodate several auto-rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, National
and Dollar, all who have leased in-terminal space.

"It was nice having this option," said former U.S. Airways flight attendant
Traci Smith, who lives in Naples. Now, she'll have to drive to Southwest
Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, about 35 miles north of Naples,
to pick up visiting guests.

Naples airport officials have said the problem at their facility reflects
the slump in the overall aviation industry. The facility has also been hurt
by continued growth at the airport in Fort Myers.

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