ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University Vice President Tommy Bruce has issued the following statement on the proposal by Northwest Airlines to bring new air service to Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport:

"Cornell University welcomes this opportunity to bring another air carrier to Tompkins County, expanding travel options for the region. We see the proposed deal as a boon to the entire community. More transportation options will beget more transportation options. Cornell will do its part in helping make sure this initiative is a success."

Bruce points out that the university has been an active partner in the Tompkins County Air Service Task Force for a number of years, and Cornell Associate Vice President Richard McDaniel serves on the Task Force Negotiations Sub-Committee. That group has coordinated contact and negotiations with Northwest Airlines and other carriers during the past six months.

Cornell also has supported, with assistance from Ithaca College, the extensive work of Park Leadership Fellow Charles Hamilton in this effort, Bruce said. Hamilton is an Ithaca resident and 2004 graduate of Cornell's Johnson Graduate School of Management, and he has been working full time as a staff person for the Air Service Task Force since this past May. He has provided market analysis and business development support, and he has led contact with Northwest Airlines."