Company's Jet Charters Debut Despite Resistance

TETERBORO, N.J. -- Despite efforts by New Jersey lawmakers to halt Indigo's public charter service at Teterboro Airport here, the company launched the service last week with regional jet aircraft.

New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey and Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ.) sought to block the service, maintaining that Indigo's charter operation amounted to scheduled service.

Scheduled commercial airline service is not permitted at Teterboro, an airport favored by corporate aircraft operators that is located less than 10 miles from Manhattan.

Indigo CEO Peter Pappas has maintained that the weekday charters to Chicago's Midway do not constitute scheduled service.

Indigo operates up to four flights a day between Teterboro and Midway, but Pappas noted that the demands of customers dictate flight frequency and departure times.