PIA - A History: Events of 1999 (includes Video Slide Show)
AccessAir's plans to offer Peoria nonstop and direct flights to multiple major destinations thrilled those of us who remembered (or learned of) the good old days of the 1970s. And for a time in 1999, service levels and available (and projected) service began to resemble those days. Yet, this fantastic revival was cut short by all too familiar circumstances. The Greater Peoria Regional Airport saw a lot of change and drama in 1999, so this post will only cover that year. Let us first look at happenings by individual airlines. ACCESSAIR After its April 18, 1997 public announcement of plans to serve Peoria, this carrier consumed nearly two years to start operations. Difficulty obtaining slots at New York-LaGuardia Airport prompted consideration of Newark International Airport (also slot-controlled) on a temporary basis. Then in late 1998, the carrier entered into a deal with Northwest Airlines to lease two unused slots until April 4. After final regulatory approval, the ca...