Gary Chicago International Airport is getting commercial air service!! (Orland: credit, buy)

[suburban_boy]

Gary Chicago International Airport is getting commercial air service for the first time in more than three years with discount carrier Allegiant Travel Co. providing flights from Gary to Orlando, Fla. Service will start in February, Allegiant said. The Las Vegas-based leisure carrier said it will offer flights twice a week from Gary with tickets priced as low as $140 round trip.~Chicago Tribune
http://http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-13/business/chi-allegiant-to-offer-florida-flights-from-garychicago-airport-20111213_1_allegiant-travel-las-vegas-based-leisure-carrier-chicago-airport (broken link)

Do you think that if Gary-Chicago Airport got more commercial airliners, it will help boost the economy in Gary, In and/or the rest of NWI? And could it serve as Chicago's third airport?

I think so. What do you think?

[msamhunter]

GYY is better suited for Cargo being by all three ports. In theory it could be the third airport handling traffic from NWI and maybe some of the south suburbs, but it would take major buy in since the airport is in a strictly industrial area. People that have actually flown into and out of the airport over the various years all tend to love it. Quick and painless compared to O'Hare and even midway and depending on where you're going, quicker to your final destination upon arrival.

[Broadrippleguy]

This is where Freeman Wilson really shows her brain.
If Gary is ever going to rebound using this airport is a GREAT start and i am glad to see Freeman is all over this project to get it done.
Now we just need to spread the economic impact to the rest of Gary and take down the abandoned buildings.
Have to say its only been what 1 month since she was sworn in and progress in a good direction is being made
Gary might of just elected the best and most critical mayor its needed in a long time.

[Drover]

It'll take a lot more to overcome Gary's dysfunction than a few commercial flights to/from GYY but it sure couldn't hurt. In any case it would be nice to have a third semi-full-service airport serving the Chicago area as congestion relief for the other two.

[rrah]

This announcement was made in December, prior to the new mayor taking office. She cannot take any credit for this and appears to be leaving out some key stakeholders:

Gary airport officials out of loop on mayor's bill

Several years ago this airport had more commercial service that did not survive. I know a few people that flew out of the airport and enjoyed the convenience it provided. The problem was not enough people in Illinois saw it as an option or even knew it was an option and some if it was the because the airlines that used it are now defunct.

[msamhunter]

Yes, been news for a bit. All of the airlines for the most part went out of business. Illinois residents really had no need to use GYY since they've always gone to vacation destinations such as Vegas, Orlando, etc. If there was a carrier(s) actually willing to take on more business destinations and properly advertised, it could draw south suburban commuters due to proximity, convenience and price. Again though, it is in an industrial area so once you get there, you're stuck in the event of weather with no options for food outside a vending machine. They would have to develop the land but a huge swath of land over there is protected wetlands and the industrial areas would more than likely have to be cleaned up.

[Bluefox]

Originally Posted by msamhunter

Yes, been news for a bit. All of the airlines for the most part went out of business. Illinois residents really had no need to use GYY since they've always gone to vacation destinations such as Vegas, Orlando, etc. If there was a carrier(s) actually willing to take on more business destinations and properly advertised, it could draw south suburban commuters due to proximity, convenience and price. Again though, it is in an industrial area so once you get there, you're stuck in the event of weather with no options for food outside a vending machine. They would have to develop the land but a huge swath of land over there is protected wetlands and the industrial areas would more than likely have to be cleaned up.

You bring up some really good points. Either way, I don't think it's going to be an "overnight" kinda thing for Gary. While there is reason to be a little skeptical, I think it's a step in the right direction. If people will use the airport, I think food and lodging will follow. Again, not overnight, but if there is demand, businesses will come. That may mean cleaning up and re-zoning, but Gary will cross that bridge if (and that's a big if) it gets there.

[Drover]

How's the runway expansion project moving along?

[Broadrippleguy]

Originally Posted by Drover

How's the runway expansion project moving along?

Good question let me check.

http://www.garychicagoairport.com/develop_RunExp.asp

Perfect timeline here for what the progress will be.

[knighthood82]

I don't think it will turn around the city of Gary at all but I'd fly out of there next time I go to Florida.