By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – U.S. Senator Jim Talent, R-Mo., says St. Louis leaders should look at the positive aspects of Lambert Airport as they prepare for expected cutbacks from American Airlines.
Lambert could lose its hub designation as American eliminates flights and staff nationwide. Talent says Lambert could attract smaller carriers, or even another hub.
"We have to as a region do what other regions have done, which is to focus on our strengths, to think outside the box, and to take situations that are problems and treat them as challenges that we can overcome and move ahead on," Talent said.
Lambert is in the midst of a $2.6 billion expansion. Some travel experts say a new runway and refurbished terminal could be viable, even without a major carrier's hub.