Big Flats- At a press conference and ribbon cutting today Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and Ann Crook, Elmira Corning Regional Airport’s Director of Aviation, welcomed United Airlines inaugural flight in from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

“We are pleased be able to be the first, and only airport, in the Southern Tier to offer nonstop service to Chicago and equally pleased to have United Airlines join the ELM family,” said Tom Santulli. “Chicago’s O’Hare airport is one of the country’s largest hubs offering connections to more than 160 destinations in United’s global route network.”

“The Elmira Corning Regional Airport continues to support economic growth in our region,” said Ann Crook. “United’s service to Chicago will open up 35 new one stop connections from ELM for our business and leisure travelers.”

The twice daily, non-stop United Express service from ORD to ELM will be operated by ExpressJet using 50-seat regional jet aircraft. Tickets are available for purchase now at www.united.com.

Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange said that the new flight was welcomed news for the area. “Having a two nonstop flights a day to Chicago will be a great addition to the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport. This will be a big boost for expanded economic development in our area and possibly draw more businesses to our region,” Strange said.

This service would not be possible without the assistance of our partners; Chemung County, Steuben County, Chemung County IDA, Southern Tier Economic Growth, Steuben County IDA, Chemung County Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers Development Foundation.

For more information on the Elmira Corning Regional Airport visit www.ecairport.com.