Business is booming at Hanscom Field, Massport officials reported today. Passenger numbers for the first six months of the year show Shuttle America carried more than 64,000 travelers from Hanscom with only 3,000 operations. These numbers are expected to climb further if Shuttle America receives approval to add service between Hanscom and New York City's LaGuardia Airport. If approved by the FAA, Shuttle America could begin service to New York as early as September.

Shuttle America has proven that there is a demand for commercial service at Hanscom, said Massport CEO and Executive Director Virginia Buckingham. "Massport is committed to providing alternatives to Logan Airport -- with Worcester Regional Airport and Hanscom, travelers have more choices than ever."

Shuttle America inaugurated service in late September and quickly expanded to meet the demand at Hanscom. Shuttle America carried more than 23,000 passengers in just a few months during 1999 and the company is projecting that more than 100,000 travelers will fly Shuttle America from Hanscom in 2000. The regional airline now offers 11 daily flights to Buffalo, Trenton and Greensboro.

Shuttle America applied for and received permission from the Department of Transportation to start service between Hanscom and LaGuardia airport in New York City. The application is currently pending FAA approval. USAirways Express has also petitioned to start service between Hanscom and New York. Boston to New York is the largest market at Logan Airport.

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