Newsradio 1020 KDKA Editorial: Pittsburgh International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport isn't as busy as it used to be.

For decades it was the hub for Allegheny Airlines –
As it morphed into USAirways.

There was so much traffic –
That a new terminal was opened in 1992.

But twelve years later –
Airlines adjusted to an ever-changing marketplace
And USAirways closed its hub-
The airport began to resemble a ghost town –
And sections were walled off.

Since then –
Allegheny County officials have worked to attract new airlines –
And more flights.

It hasn't been easy –
But their efforts are paying off.

The latest example?
Southwest Airlines begins non-stop service to Los Angeles in August.

It's only one flight a day –
But it's another step in the right direction.

Pittsburgh International handled more than 8-million passengers last year.

Although it's a far cry from the nearly 21-million passengers –
Who passed through the airport in 1997 –
It shows growth.

It also shows that county and airport officials are on the right track.

More flights and more non-stop destinations are great for our region.

All we can say is – Keep up the good work!