Federal regulators have formally approved a proposal by Florida-based Silver Airways to take over commuter service at two regional airports, a service currently handled by Colgan Air



Colgan wants to halt its US Airways Express flights to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C, but can't do so until Silver Air takes over. Silver Airways will likely take over the service on July 1, officials said.



Silver Air must now strike a deal with United Airlines to offer flights from the Altoona-Blair County and John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County airports under the United Express banner.



6 News first broke the story in March that Colgan Air wanted out of Johnstown and Altoona and that Silver Airways was the only airline that wanted in. Documents obtained by 6 News show the new carrier will continue to fly 18 flights a week, three round-trip each weekday.



Silver Airways will get $3 million tax dollars a year to help pay for the 3,000 flights it will fly each year out of the two airports.



Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said, "With air service comes an increase in economic development that will lead to more jobs ultimately. I think smaller communities in our commonwealth should have the opportunities for air service."



In a recent conversation with 6 News, Silver Airways officials did not guarantee that all current airport employees would keep their jobs but said they would be given preference during hiring.