Policy Committee lands at regional airport for hearing

Lawmakers tour Pittsburgh International Airport, hear from leadership and experts about industry and what can be done to sustain it

PITTSBURGH, March 9 – Pa. House lawmakers joined the House Democratic Policy Committee and host Rep. Nick Pisciottano for a tour and roundtable discussion about the Pittsburgh airport.

“Pittsburgh International employs the region, brings commerce, and serves as a hub for people to access everything our region has to offer,” said Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. “I am excited that my colleagues were able to tour the airport to see this important asset. It’s events like these that give us an opportunity to showcase how well positioned we are to lead in Pennsylvania.” 

Members of the state House went on a tour of the facility before speaking with executives from the Allegheny County Airport Authority, modern airport terminal professionals, and cutting-edge airline technology providers.

Lawmakers got a first-hand perspective from those operating in the airline industry that is well on its way back to pre-pandemic commerce and activity. Pittsburgh International Airport had more than 6.5 million international and domestic travelers fly through in 2021, a number they expect to increase in 2022 as global commerce reopens.

“Erie has a regional airport that we are proud to say fuels our local economy and employs hundreds,” said Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee. “I believe we have a lot to learn from Pittsburgh International and this was an eye-opening tour for me – I’ll be bringing these perspectives back to Erie and Harrisburg to ensure our airways are open for commerce.” 

Information about this hearing and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee.