CLEVELAND (AP) - Cleveland officials say the loss of the money-losing United Airlines hub at Hopkins airport could increase competition.
Mayor Frank Jackson outlined the city’s response Monday to the move by United and called it disappointing.
He directed a task force to highlight the city-owned airport’s role in the regional economy and work to expand airline service.
Airport director Ricky Smith says the end of the United hub could mean more competition because a dominant, price-cutting airline can deter other carriers from expanding.
Without mentioning which airlines, Smith says several have expressed an interest in expanding at Hopkins as United trims back.
United will cut 60 percent of its departures when it drops its Cleveland hub. The decision announced during the weekend will cost 470 jobs.
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