CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Starting early next year, travelers between Buffalo and Albany can turn a 300-mile drive into a hour-long flight. 

Direct flights will begin out of Buffalo Niagara International Airport on February 1, offered by OneJet airlines. Flights will be offered twice daily in each direction. 

It's an announcement that comes after months of discussion between the airline and the communities that would benefit the most, including elected officials and businesses.

"This allows us to attract businesses from other parts of the country. It's part of an overall economic development strategy. This is going to help our local economy in ways that we can't even quantify today,” said New York State Lt. Governor, Kathy Hochul.

Flights, starting at $149, will go onsale through OneJet's website January 9.