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Push Intensifies To Make MacArthur Airport JetBlue's New Northeast Destination

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A push to make Long Island's MacArthur Airport the new Northeast destination for JetBlue Airways seems to have plenty of support among the area's frequent fliers.

"I think it's a plus to the community, it's going to create some jobs, definitely some revenue for Long Island, and it's a shorter distance than going to Kennedy and LaGuardia," Brian DiPaolo said.

WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports: Schumer Feeling Confident

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"I think it's a great idea, we travel a lot and it's so much closer and we'll have more destinations to go to," a Patchogue resident said.

Sen. Charles Schumer is among those joining the effort to bring JetBlue to Long Island. Schumer told Newsday he thinks the Ronkonkoma airport has a "real shot" at getting picked.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports: Luring JetBlue To Long Island

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JetBlue currently flies out of John F. Kenney International, LaGuarida, Newark, White Plains, Stewart International, Greater Rochester International, Syracuse Hancock International, and Buffalo Niagara International airports.

There are hopes JetBlue would choose MacArthur to complete its regional strategy in New York.

Two million people a year fly in and out of MacArthur and the airport has been looking to increase that number.

Two other out-of-state airports are also said to be in the running. JetBlue's Northeast expansion plan is set for 2013.

Do you think MacArthur Airport has a shot? Let us know below...

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