Rockefeller says Yeager will remain strong despite losing airline

Sen. Jay Rockefeller issued a prepared statement today aboutIndependence Air. There is no doubt that our bringing IndependenceAir to Yeager Airport was a boon for consumers in the Kanawha Valleyand all over West Virginia, Rockefeller said. Independence enjoyedgreat success in our state because it attracted so many newcustomers, but the huge spike in fuel prices this summer was just toomuch for a low-cost operation to handle. The truth is that longbefore Independence Air arrived, Yeager Airport was a strong andthriving airport, and I have every confidence that it will continueto be strong after Independence, he said. In the coming weeks andmonths, I will work with airport officials as we work to attract newcarriers and service operations because I know how important it isfor West Virginia travelers to have access to the best service at thelowest prices.