GARY | Gary/Chicago International Airport Director Chris Curry visited Atlanta recently in an effort to enhance the city's chances of attracting two new carriers.

Curry reported on his visit during Thursday's airport authority board meeting, which was also saw discussion about hiring a marketing director who would focus on recruiting business.

Curry expressed confidence that Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways, both of which use Atlanta as a hub, eventually would fly out of Gary.

"Delta is in South Bend, Midway and O'Hare," Curry said of the nation's third-largest airline.

"Why not Gary? Neither one is ready to make a move now, but we're making a bid that we'd have their service."

Gary Airport has had an up and down last 12 months in its effort to expand service. Last year, amid much fanfare, SkyValue USA began flying to and from Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and St. Petersburg.

Initially, the plan was to fly from December through April. Early success spurred SkyValue to decide to fly year-round, but that plan foundered and the airline withdrew from Gary.

Board members Ross Amundson, Harold Foster, and Marion Johnson said increasing passenger demand for flights and longer delays should spur airlines to use Gary Airport and expressed frustration that the airport has no passenger airlines.

Members praised Curry for talking to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport general manager Ben DeCosta about how to lure Delta and AirTran, but said a marketing director also would benefit Gary Airport.

"Having an individual that is focused and targeted (on airline recruitment) is paramount," Foster said, after detailing Curry's daily responsibilities.

The airport had a marketing director, Denise Williams. Curry reported that he hoped to hire a replacement in 2008, but stressed there were budgetary concerns. Williams was paid by the cities of Chicago and Gary, but it was unclear if such funding still was available.

Foster suggested the Regional Development Authority could help the airport pay a new marketing director's salary, while Amundson said he would like the board to formulate a marketing plan before hiring a director.

Johnson, board chairman, agreed to appoint a marketing committee that would include Amundson and Foster.