Thank you for pointing out that historical number. I'm relatively new to the area and wasn't aware that at one time they were boarding over 70,000 passengers per year. That's reassuring. If they had over 70,000 annual boardings at one time (obviously pre-9/11) the market could easily support 100,000 boardings based on business and population growth coupled with some good marketing. 100,000 boardings per year would generate a load factor of better than 90% on 3 DL and 3 AA 50 passenger flights per day. 90% or better load factor with the higher fares that small markets command plus the value of the hub connections sounds like this would work. I would love to be able to fly AA.

I still as a personal preference don't like government giving money to subsidize businesses of any form - banks, auto manufacturers, or stadium hot dog vendors