In the 1980's, major United States airlines forged links with commuter carriers to expand their service to smaller cities.
Over 40 air taxi and commuter carriers serve the airport.
Regional or "commuter" carriers grew to fill the gaps left by major airlines.
The Regional Airline Association, trade group of the commuter carriers, appeared more amenable to new rules than in the past.
In addition, the DL&W was rapidly becoming a commuter carrier at its east end.
Only 59 were delivered, used mostly by corporations and some regional commuter carriers.
A second commuter carrier, Express Airlines I, had also resisted an order to resume service.
It had a passenger exchange and ticketing arrangement with Braniff through two commuter carriers.
So would commuter carriers whose customers need on-time service to make connections.
He was laid off by two struggling regional airlines that eventually went out of business, and later flew short hops for a commuter carrier.