TOWN OF MAINE (WBNG) — In this edition of “You Ask, We Answer” 12 News focuses on questions surrounding Avelo Airlines leaving the Greater Binghamton Airport.

BGM was the first airport in New York State to host Avelo flights. When Avelo decided to reallocate their planes elsewhere, they left people’s minds soaring with questions.

Commissioner of Aviation Mark Heefner said although this was a disappointment, it did not come as a surprise.

“I wouldn’t say we were shocked and I wouldn’t say we weren’t,” Heefner said. “It was one of those things that we were doing well overall as a station, our customer base was really supporting Orlando flying.”

Heefner said just last week about 150 people flew Avelo AIrlines to Orlando from BGM. Due to this support and demand, Heefner told 12 News that there will be flights to Florida shortly.

“The people of Broome county, the customer base showed unequivocally that they could support this flight,” Heefner said. “I can’t always control what an airline does, but what we can do is put people on the planes and we put a lot of people on the planes and we showed that the service is viable and that people want to fly out of Broome County.”

When it comes to community expenses, a main question floating in the air was whether or not a tax rebate would come from Avelo pulling out. Heefner said the simple answer is no.

“When you pay for a bus fare and it gets you most of the way but then breaks down, They’re not going to say ‘Oh, here, let me give you your money back,’” Heefner said.

Yet. he noted there is always money set aside for airlines.

“Whether it is a fee waiver, whether it is minimum revenue guaranteed, whether it is ground handling expenses, there is always some incentives to bring an airline in and ensure that they stay and work through their entire contract,” Heefner told 12 News.

Regarding the situation, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “We are disappointed to see Avelo Airlines leave Broome County, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to bring new flights to our community. Despite the challenges in the airline industry, we are actively working to add new flights and ensure that our residents have access to convenient and affordable air travel options.”

Avelo’s last flight from BGM will be in August.

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