Local Airline Uncertainty
Over mid-semester break, St. Lawrence University students attempting to return home or take a break from campus encountered significant disruptions due to the unexpected cancellation of flights by Boutique Air, a small airline serving Massena, New York and Boston, Massachusetts. Operating under the Essential Air Service program, Boutique Air is a critical component of the region’s transportation infrastructure, providing affordable and reliable flights to one of the only nearby major airports. Unfortunately, as snowstorms grounded flights and the airline faces potential shifts in ownership, many students found themselves stranded in Boston, unable to return to campus until Tuesday.
Boutique Air has become widely favored by SLU students who need to travel between the small North Country campus and major hubs like Boston. With few other direct flight options in the upstate New York area, Boutique Air has been an essential lifeline for the university community, particularly during busy holidays and break periods.
However, on Sunday evening, after the snowstorm had passed, many students were caught off guard when they learned that their flights back to Massena were canceled. Students who had planned to return to campus that day scrambled for alternative travel options and, in some cases, faced an extra night or two in Boston, with delays extending into Tuesday. This cancellation only compounded the tension surrounding the airline, which is already grappling with uncertainty about its future and the broader challenges facing U.S. aviation.
An email from Shawn Simpson, the CEO of Boutique Air, offers insight into the ongoing struggles the airline faces. Simpson noted that the EAS contract allowing Boutique Air to operate is currently up for bid, placing the company under pressure from competitors such as Cape Air and Contour, who are looking to take over the routes. Cape Air, known for its slower, unpressurized aircraft, and Contour, which has proposed flights to Philadelphia, both represent service changes that could have substantial effects on the quality and availability of air travel for residents and students in the region.
In his email, Simpson highlighted the airline’s impressive track record, boasting a 99.7 per cent performance rate over the last two years, with cancellations primarily resulting from weather conditions. As a regular user of Boutique Air, I can attest to Simpson’s claims. The airline provides excellent service, and I typically arrive at the airport just 30 minutes before my flight, which is almost always on time.
Simpson urged customers to support Boutique Air’s ongoing operation by submitting comments to the United States Department of Transportation during the review of the EAS contract. While this message has resonated with many students who depend on the airline for their travel needs, it also highlights the formidable challenges a small airline faces in a fiercely competitive market.
While the weather played a role in the disruption over the weekend, the news of potential changes to the airline’s operations raises serious concerns for both students and residents of the North Country. Many students and professors at SLU rely on Boutique Air not just for long weekends but also for essential travel to conferences, connecting flights and family visits. For students who don’t have easy access to other forms of transportation, the loss of reliable and affordable air service would be a significant blow.
The question of ownership and potential change in operations is also causing uncertainty. Cape Air’s proposal for a slower, unpressurized aircraft and Contour’s offer to fly to Philadelphia instead of Boston are viewed with mixed feelings by the community. Many students are concerned that these changes would result in longer travel times, reduced convenience and possibly increased costs. Additionally, students who have become accustomed to the direct, quick flights between Massena and Boston could face further inconveniences, making air travel less accessible.
The essential role of Boutique Air for upstate New York’s residents cannot be overstated. The airline is more than just a transportation option for SLU students—it is a crucial part of the region’s infrastructure. The North Country is a rural area with limited access to major transportation hubs. For many people, air travel is the only practical way to reach larger cities or access critical services. The loss of a reliable, affordable airline would further isolate upstate New York communities and hinder economic growth, healthcare access and educational opportunities.
As the airline’s future hangs in the balance, local leaders and SLU students are urged to take action. Supporting Boutique Air through public comments to the DOT could ensure that this vital service remains in place for the North Country. Students, many of whom have relied on the airline for their travel needs for years, must speak up to ensure they have continued access to affordable and reliable transportation.
In the meantime, students affected by the recent flight cancellations are left with the frustrating reality of navigating limited alternatives. While some were able to make it back to campus after an extended delay, others had to bear the added costs of last-minute transportation. This disruption serves as a reminder of just how vital Boutique Air is to the SLU community and the region at large. Whether through continued government support or a change in ownership, it is clear that this airline’s future is crucial to upstate New York’s residents and students.
For now, students are left waiting to see what will happen next. Will Boutique Air continue to operate, or will it be replaced by a competitor with less favorable offerings? Regardless of the outcome, the airline’s challenges have underscored how deeply integrated it is in the lives of those who rely on its service to stay connected. For many, a return to normalcy can’t come soon enough.