U is relinquishing several unused gates at SYR, though they are somehow trying to play hardball on giving up any counter space. SYR would be a good opportunity for AirTran. Hancock Int''l. is IMHO the best airport in the best loction in the state.
US did the same with their counter space in TOL when they went down to just Express last year. However, the port was able to wrestle some of it away for FL when they were here.
I would have to think that if AAI wants to fly into SYR, the airport (whomever controls it) will find space for them. Smaller airports like SYR won't turn away new service based on lack of facilities... They will make it work. If AAI can find a way into facility constrained airports like BOS, LGA, PHL, MDW (very constrained during construction), etc, they can certainly find room at SYR.