WASHINGTON, D. C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement today following the recent announcement by United Airlines to significantly reduce flight capacity and its workforce at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport:

“United Airlines’ decision to reduce mainly regional flight service out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and eliminate 470 jobs in Cleveland is very disappointing.  As United Airlines President and CEO Jeff Smisek noted in a letter to Cleveland based employees, ‘No city has been more supportive of its hub carrier, and no group of employees has been more dedicated to providing great service.’  He also indicated the Cleveland hub has been unprofitable for more than a decade.  I hope the company will live up to its stated intention of providing displaced employees with transfer options and outplacement assistance  to ease the impact these job losses will have,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Northeast Ohio was impacted severely by the Great Recession but the economy has been slowly improving as evidenced recently by the first increase in passenger volume at Hopkins since 2007.  As the local economy continues to improve, I urge United to reevaluate market conditions and consider restoring service needed for our residents and business community to prosper. In the meantime, I am encouraged United will continue to offer Cleveland air travelers non-stop flights to many major destinations. I look forward to a continued relationship with United and will lend any assistance I can to state, county and city officials to find other air carriers to fill the void created by United’s cutbacks at Hopkins.”

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