Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew responded to the announcement by Spirit Airlines that they will be closing their crew base in Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in South Jersey. While it is important to emphasize that daily operations at the airport will remain unaffected with no changes in the flight schedule, the crew base that houses 157 members of the airline's flight crew will be closing, resulting in the loss of those jobs here in South Jersey. In response, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to the CEO of Spirit Airlines to request a meeting to urge them to reconsider this decision and to discuss alternative solutions.

"The Atlantic City International Airport is a pillar of our South Jersey community, and to see 157 jobs lost because of the decision by Spirit Airlines is not something I am willing to stand by and watch happen," Congressman Van Drew said. " As Vice Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand the vital role these jobs play in our economic stability and local prosperity. I will be working with Spirit Airlines to explore all possible avenues to reverse this announcement. While there are no sure outcomes, I guarantee I will do everything in my power to keep these jobs here in South Jersey."

Background:

• A crew base serves as the designated location where members of the flight crew begin and end their day.
• Spirit Airlines has had a crew base in South Jersey for over 30 years and ACY crew base currently houses 157 pilots and flight attendants.
• Spirit Airlines claims this decision comes following a decrease in daily departures at the airport.