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OST-1995-361
Essential Air Service at Ely, Nevada
Order 97-12-29 | OST-97-2827 | OST-1995-361
Issued December 22, 1997 | Served December 29, 1997
Order Tentatively Reselecting Carrier, Establishing Subsidy Rates, and Requesting Carrier Proposals
By this order, the Department is tentatively reselecting Alpine Aviation, Inc., d/bra Alpine Air, to provide increased subsidized essential air service at Moab, Utah, and Ely, Nevada, for a new two-year period; providing for objections and competing proposals from other interested carriers; and setting a new final subsidy rate for its provision of essential air service at Moab and Ely from January 1, 1998, until the new higher service level is implemented.
By: Charles Hunnicutt
February 11, 1998
Alpine Air
Re: Additional Information | ELY-RNO-SLC Schedule
We currently have a joint-rate agreement with Delta Airlines, as well as others who serve the Salt Lake City hub. Additionally, we currently offer senior citizen discounts, pre-paid ticket discounts and frequent flier miles. The community has been most receptive to our efforts to fly to/from Reno, and hopefully with this new proposal, the community will receive this vital service link.
By: Eugene Mallette
Scenic Airlines
Re: Scenic Airlines, Inc. Proposals for Moab, Utah and Ely, Nevada
This is to notify you of Scenic Airlines interest in providing essential air services to the communities of Moab, Utah and Ely Nevada. We would greatly appreciate your consideration to extend the filing deadline for an additional two weeks. This would allow us the time necessary to complete our proposal.
By: Eric Langness
Re: Scenic Proposal | Calculation of Subsidy Requirement
We plan to operate the service under a code share agreement with Delta Airlines.
By: Eric Christiansen
Re: White Pine County Board of County Commissioners - Letter in Support
The White Pine County Commission is extremely pleased to learn of the proposal for Ely's Essential Air Service Subsidy submitted by Scenic Airlines. The proposal has several features we find very attractive for White Pine County. It would provide Ely with direct air service to both Reno and Las Vegas. This will answer a critical transportation need for our residents, local government, state and federal agencies, and ourbusiness community. The 19 passenger plane will provide more reliable, comfortable travel.Skywest and Scenic Air both have fine reputations and we have had a very strong workingrelationship with Skywest in the past.
By: Carol McKenzie
February 24, 1998
Notification of Amended Proposal Service List
Order 98-7-1 | OST-97-2827 | OST-95-361
Issued July 1, 1998 | Served July 8, 1998
By this order, the Department is (a) tentatively selecting Redtail Aviation, Inc., to provide subsidized essential air service at Moab, Utah, and selecting Scenic Airlines, Inc., to provide subsidized essential air service at Ely, Nevada, beginning with their inauguration of service through September 30, 2000, and (b) tentatively setting the annual subsidy rate of $595,373 for Redtail's service at Moab, and setting the annual subsidy rate of $1,087,340 for Scenic's service at Ely.
By: Charles Hunnicutt
| Order 99-6-13 OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 OST-97-2827 |
June 14, 1999 | Order | EAS Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada / Page, Arizona / Moab, Utah |
Order 99-6-13, confirms that Sunrise Airlines, Inc., has the essential air service obligations to serve Ely, Nevada, as the successor-in-interest to Scenic Airlines and to serve Moab, Utah, as the succesor-in- interest to Redtail Aviation. This order also amends the two-year rate terms for Sunrise to provide essential air service at Moab and Ely established for Redtail and Scenic in Order 98-7-1, issued July 1, 1998 and also authorizing an adjustment to Alpine Aviation's subsidy rate for its essential air service to Ely.
By: Bradley Mims
| OST-97-2827 OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 |
June 23, 1999 | Re: Alpine Air | EAS - Moab and Ely, Utah |
Imagine my concern when / received a copy yesterday of an Order served June 16, 1999, affecting the EAS Routes at Moab, Ely and Page. That Order extends the term of the service contract and payment of the subsidy rate through June 1, 2001. The thinking of the Department apparently is that since Sunrise Airlines and its predecessors, because of their own ineptitude, were unable to commence operations on the contract start date, they should be allowed to complete a full two (21 years of service commencing June 15, 1999, and ending June 30, 2001. Meanwhile, during the period from July 1, 1998, through the present, Alpine Air has continued to provide the quality service that Sunrise Airlines was either unwilling or unable to provide. We had been warning you and the Department of these problems since last year, but you apparently have chosen to ignore them.
Counsel: Max Hansen, 406-683-4301
| OST-97-2827 OST-95-361 |
Dated June 23, 1999 Docketed July 14, 1999 |
Petition of Reconsideration | EAS at Moab, Utah |
Counsel: Max Hanson, 408.683.4301
| Order 99-10-5 OST-95-361 OST-97-2827 |
October 6, 1999 | Order Denying Petition For Reconsideration | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Utah |
Order 99-10-5 is denying the petition of Alpine Aviation, Inc., for reconsideration of Order 99-6-13, issued June 14, 1999.
By: Bradley Mims
| Order 00-11-4 OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 OST-97-2706 OST-97-2827 |
Issued November 7, 2000 Served November 7, 2000 |
Emergency Order Requesting Proposals | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: Randall Bennett
| Order
00-11-4 OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 OST-97-2706 OST-97-2827 |
November 20, 2000 | EAS Proposal of Casino Airlines | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
| Appendixes: EAS Proposal |
Casino Airlines, Inc. is an air carrier, which was originally formed to operate scheduled services from Dallas, Texas to Shreveport, Louisiana. In late 1999, Casino Airlines, Inc. was contracted by, and subsequently purchased by, Pacific Skyway, Inc., a Public Tour Operator, of Santa Maria, California. Consistent with the request in the Emergency Order, Casino Airlines, Inc. is proposing a 2 airplane "system" approach to all 4 communities. It is not interested in an alternative selecting it for I or 2 or 3 of the 4 points involved, simply dictated by the issue of economics of placing- new or recently refurbished B-1900D aircraft into service.
Casino Airlines, David Baskett, 805.925.1160
| OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 OST-97-2706 OST-97-2827 |
December 11, 2000 | White Pine County Letters in Support of Casino Airlines Proposal | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: White Pine County, Cheryl Noriega
| OST-95-361 OST-97-2694 OST-97-2706 OST-97-2827 |
December 14, 2000 | Proposals of the City of Page, AZ | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: City of Page, Richard Jentzsch
| Order 01-1-20 OST-95-361 |
Issued January 29, 2001 Served February 1, 2001 |
Order Requesting Proposal | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
| Attachments: Historical Traffic, Map, Service List |
By: Randall Bennett
| OST-95-361 | February 5, 2001 | City of Moab in Support of Interim Air Service to its Community | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: City of Moab, Karla Hancock
| OST-95-361 | March 7, 2001 | Proposal of Scenic Airlines to Provide Service Between Las Vegas and Ely | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: Scenic Airlines, Norm Freeman
| OST-95-361 | May 30, 2001 | Preliminary Proposal Submitted by Salmon Air | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada, Moab, Vernal and Cedar City, Utah and Page, Arizona |
By: Salmon Air, Stan DeLong
| OST-95-361 | July 6, 20001 | Community Response of the White Pine County Board of County Commissioners | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada |
By: White Pine County Board of County Commissioners, Cheryl Noriega
| OST-95-361 | July 6, 20001 | Community Response of the City of Ely Nevada | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada |
By: City of Ely Nevada, Robert Miller
| OST-95-361 | July 24, 20001 | Results of City Council Meeting of the City of Ely Nevada | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada |
At a special City Council meeting held on July 18, 2001, the Ely City Council voted to wave the requirements for two round trip flights per day of air service.
By: City of Ely Nevada, Robert Miller
| Order 01-7-14 OST-95-361 |
Issued July 24, 20001 Served July 24, 2001 |
Order Selecting Carrier and Setting Final Rate | Terminate Service at Ely, Nevada |
| Attachments: Map, Subsidy Calculation, EAS to be Provided |
By this order the Department is selecting Scenic Airlines to provide essential air service at Ely, Nevada, for a two-year period at an annual subsidy of $976,533.
On November 3, 2000, Sunrise Airlines shut down leaving Ely, Nevada, Page, Arizona, and Moab and Vernal, Utah, with no scheduled air service. By Order 2000-11-4, issued November 7, 2000, the Department requested proposals on an emergency basis from carriers interested in providing replacement essential air service at those communities.
In response to that request, we received service proposals from five carriers. Sunrise and Casino Airlines submitted proposals for service to all four communities; Great Lakes Aviation submitted proposals for Vernal, Page and Moab; Arrow West submitted a proposal for Moab only; and Classic Aviation submitted a proposal for Page only. However, because neither carrier with proposals for Ely--Sunrise or Casino-was then operating, nor had the requisite operating authority from the Department to provide the service, we decided to separate the Ely proceeding from the others and re-advertise for proposals for that community.
By: Susan McDermott
Order 03-11-3
OST-95-361
Issued November 5, 2003 | Served November 12, 2003
With respect to service proposals at Ely, we note that Order 2001-7-14 selected Scenic to provide only 6 round trips a week between Ely and Las Vegas. Ely's civic parties advised us at that time that they preferred this service to more frequent (two round trips a day) service to Salt Lake City with eight-seat aircraft. We encourage proposals that meet the needs of the community in an efficient manner. Carriers are also welcome to propose more than one service option, if they choose, and they need not limit themselves in any way if they envision other, potentially more attractive service possibilities -- different hubs or smaller aircraft, for example -- with subsidy requirements that remain competitive.
By: Michael Reynolds
December 12, 2003
By: Arizona Express, Dan Hall
December 16, 2003
Proposal Mesa Airlnes on Behalf of Air Midwest to Provide Essential Air Service
This proposal includes one option for the community and DOT to consider. The proposal is for 6 round trip flights per week to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Mesa expects to offer these flights under an America West Express code and brand. This code would allow travelers to connect to the multitude of flights offered by America West by purchasing one ticket. We have found that offering flights under this code share arrangement allows the passenger to pay less for air travel when they would otherwise purchase multiple tickets on differing carriers in order to reach a final destination. We are asking for an annual subsidy of $799,421 to operate this schedule. Our revenue forecast includes an increase in passengers and a modest fare to entice the traveling populace who are not currently utilizing air service from ELY. Mesa would be willing to initiate service to McCarran as soon as an accepted TSA security plan is in place at ELY. All of the flights in this proposal will be operated by Beech 1900D aircraft. The Beech 1900D is a pressurized turboprop aircraft with 19 seats and a standup cabin. Currently Air Midwest operates the largest fleet of Beech 1900's in the world.
By: Mesa, Scott Lyon, 602-685-4368
December 16, 2003
Proposal of Mountain Bird d/b/a Salmon Air
By: Mountain Bird
December 11, 2003
Scenic Airlines is proud to have served Ely over the last two years. Although we started service from Ely to Las Vegas only a few short weeks after 9/11, we were able to maintain reliable scheduled service during this difficult period and have seen an increase in enplanements from the pre-9/11 levels. We expect to see these enplanements continue to increase due to our low fares, service, complimentary transfers and marketing efforts. Scenic intends to build marketing programs to Ely, as we have done in Merced, which is a unique ability of our company vs. other airlines. Our markets are recovering and there will be opportunity to do more of this to Ely over the next two years. Additionally, one of the major mines in Ely was purchased last week by a Canadian company that intends to re-open the mine with 400 employees (1000 more people to Ely including families) in June, 2004. With the Scenic product kept in tact, offering flights to the right location in the right way for the right fare, we will be able to best maximize this market to further reduce the subsidy two years from now even further.
A substantial reason for this increase in passenger traffic has been Scenic's ability to provide low airfares to the community. The average one-way fare has been kept at $59, encouraging more people to travel to and connect from Las Vegas. We have done our best to provide excellent service and have many repeat customers. We are pleased that we are able to reduce the subsidy request for continued service to Ely by over $275,000 per year.
By: Mary Schneider, 702-638-3200
December 18, 2003
Letter from EAS Division to White Pine County Commission
We received proposals from four carriers: the incumbent, Scenic Airlines; Air Midwest; Arizona Express; and Mountain Bird, Inc., d/b/a Salmon Air. Since you should have received copies from all four carriers, we will only briefly summarize them below. Scenic submitted one option, as did Air Midwest, and Salmon Air. Arizona Express submitted two options. Scenic proposes to continue service with its Twin Otter, Air Midwest would use a B-1900D, Salmon would use an 8-passenger, twin engine, piston aircraft, and Arizona Express does not indicate what kind of aircraft it would use.
By: Dennis DeVany
Order 03-12-27
OST-95-361
Issued and Served December 31, 2003
Order 2001‑7‑14, July 24, 2001, selected Eagle Canyon Airlines, Inc., d/b/a Scenic Airlines, to provide essential air service to Ely, Nevada, for $976,533 annually for the two‑year period that just ended on November 30. By Order 2003‑11‑3, November 5, 2003, we requested proposals for replacement service for a new two‑year period. We are obligated to continue to pay compensation to Scenic during the carrier‑selection proceeding.
On December 12, the carrier proposed a rate of $698,078 for six nonstop round trips per week with 19‑seat Twin Otter equipment for the prospective two‑year period that reflects the same level of service as it is currently providing. We have decided to compensate Scenic at that rate until further Department action, i.e., until we conclude the long‑term selection proceeding and select a replacement carrier, either Scenic or another operator. The proposed rate is at a level significantly below the rate that expired on November 30 and is reasonable. We will continue to process the carrier selection proceeding.
By: Karan Bhatia
January 14, 2004
Re: Support of Scenic Airlines
At our regular meeting of the White Pine County Board of Commissionen held Wednesday, January 14, 2004, the Board voted to support Scenic Airlines in their bid for the Essential. Air Service contract for Ely, Nevada.
By: White Pine County Board of County Commissioners, Paul Johnson
Order 04-02-19
OST-95-361
February 19, 2004
After careful consideration of the carriers’ proposals and the community’s views, we have decided to reselect Scenic at its proposed subsidy rate. Scenic has developed the market-traffic is up significantly, and subsidy is down substantially from the prior rate, a significant accomplishment, especially in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. As the Mayor indicates, Ely has had reliable service for the first time in several years, given the demise of previous service providers. Given the community support for Scenic and the fact that the proposals of Salmon Air and Air Midwest require higher subsidy levels, the decision is between Scenic and Arizona Express. Arizona Express is the only carrier to request less subsidy than Scenic, and the difference in subsidy, though significant ($698,078 vs. $568,002), is not dispositive, in view of the checkered history of service at this community, and the disruption that would be caused by yet another carrier transition. In addition, we have concerns with Arizona Express’s proposal. Under our new streamlined carrier-selection procedures, a premium is placed on carriers submitting best and final offers. There are sets of information they may choose to submit in order to be fully descriptive, and other sets that are required.
By: Karan Bhatia
Issued November 29, 2005 | Served December 2, 2005
Order Requesting Proposals - Bookmarked
By this order, the Department is requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service at Ely, Nevada, for a new two-year period, with or without subsidy, beginning March 1, 2006.
Proposals should provide sufficient capacity to accommodate historical levels of traffic. Specifically for Ely, we request proposals for service consisting of six nonstop round trips a week with two-pilot, twin-engine aircraft with at least 15 passenger seats. We encourage proposals that meet those requirements in an efficient manner. Carriers are also welcome to propose more than one service option, if they choose; they need not limit themselves to those requirements if they envision other, potentially more attractive service possibilities -different hubs, for example - with subsidy requirements that remain competitive.
Scenic Airlines inaugurated service to Ely in October 2001 in response to our selection, after a service hiatus of several months. Prior to that, Ely had been served by Sunrise Airlines until the carrier ceased all operations due to difficulties with its aircraft lease agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2004, Ely generated a total of 3,395 O&D passengers, an average of 5.4 enplanements per day, which was virtually identical to 2003, when it generated 3,332 passengers, or a daily average of 5.3 enplanements.
By: Todd Homan
January 3, 2006
All operations proposed would utilize our modem fleet of Raytheon/Beechcraft B-1900D airliners. These aircraft offer a very comfortable 19-seat, pressurized cabin with two turboprop engines. Mesa has a long history of offering Essential Air Service throughout the country, from New Mexico to New York. We intend to operate this service under our Codeshare agreement with America West, allowing for convenient connections in Las Vegas.
| Option # | Hub(s) | Service | Annual Subsidy |
| 1 | LAS | 1 RT: Ely to Las Vegas Sunday thru Friday |
$744,120 |
It is Mesa’s opinion that the current service that Ely enjoys to North Las Vegas Airport does not actually meet the intent of the Essential Air Service program. The Essential Air Service program was established to retain a minimum level of service from communities to Medium or Large Hub Airports following the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. North Las Vegas airport is, according to 2003 DOT numbers, not even ranked as a small hub airport and is classified as a non-hub airport with only 226,722 annual enplanements. Las Vegas McCarran International, however, is a Large Hub airport with a total of 17,097,738 enplanements in 2003. The number of air carrier departures in 2004 for North Las Vegas was 32,719 compared to 242,840 operations at McCarran International, with the vast majority of the North Las Vegas traffic being sightseeing flights, instead of true commercial airline flights to destinations around the country. The only way that passengers can currently connect to any flights in the National Airspace System is via a shuttle bus or taxi to Las Vegas International, which certainly discourages the connecting ability of Ely passengers.
By: Mesa, Mickey Bowman
January 3, 2006
Our proposal offers 6 roundtrip flights per week between Ely and North Las Vegas and 6 roundtrip flights per week between Ely and Elko, Nevada for a period of 2 years for a total subsidy requirement of $784,463 per year. Flight service will be operated in a Beechcraft 1900, a pressurized turboprop aircraft with 19 seats.
Our expiring renewal originally included 6 round trip flights per week between Ely and Las Vegas. In June 2005, Scenic expanded our service to include 6 round trip flights per week from Ely to Elko, with the support of the DOT and the community of Ely. This expansion also included a change in aircraft from a non-pressurized Twin Otter to a pressurized Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. For this proposal request, Scenic did consider proposals for air service to Las Vegas with only 6 round trip flights per week, similar to prior period renewals, for both a Beechcraft1900 and Twin Otter, however, these options required more subsidy.
Incorporating Elko as an additional destination in our current proposal allows Scenic to include the revenue generated between Elko and Las Vegas. Seats that have thus far been empty due to average loads from Ely passengers to Las Vegas are being filled by Elko customers traveling to Las Vegas. Expanding our Ely service to include Elko assists our long-term objective to develop any subsidized market in which we operate to a point of being self-sufficient.
By: Scenic, Chad Dixon
January 17, 2006
Letter to Mayor George Chachas Requesting Comments
As you may know, by Order 2005-11-19, issued November 29, 2005, the Department solicited proposals from all air carriers interested in providing essential air service at Ely in anticipation of the end of Scenic’s current contract on February 28, 2006. In response to that order, we received two proposals, one from the incumbent, Scenic Airlines, Inc., and the other from Mesa Air Group, Inc., d/b/a Air Midwest.
Scenic proposes to continue to provide six nonstop round trips a week between Ely and North Las Vegas Airport, with upline service to Elko, with 19-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft at an annual subsidy rate of $784,463. Air Midwest, operating under a code-share agreement with America West, proposes to provide six round trips a week between Ely and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, with 19-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft at an annual subsidy rate of $744,120.
My purpose in writing to you at this time is to request any final comments you might have on the carriers’ subsidy proposals before we submit a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary on the carrier selection issue.
We request that you review this information as expeditiously as possible and submit any comments you may have on the carrier selection case as soon as possible, but in any case no later than February 3, 2006.
By: Dennis DeVany
February 23, 2006
White Pine Chamber of Commerce Supporting Scenic Airlines
Scenic Airlines is a very strong supporter of White Pine County. Scenic Airlines has provided a quality of service that has been lacking for many years with previous providers, Scenic has the type of service that is required in many rural areas. We have people driving through who have car trouble, accidents, and just general problems all year long. Scenic has come to the rescue of many of those people by being there to help get those travelers on their way to their destinations. Scenic has gone beyond the “call of duty” to see that the traveler is comfortable, luggage handled carefully, and that the traveler(s) is happy. This takes a special kind of Airline as well as Manager here locally to handle any situation that comes up. Scenic Airlines and Kevin Dahlhaus are the right combinations for our area.
By: Evie Pinneo, 775-289-8877, elycc@whitepinechamber.com
March 1, 2006
Ely-White Pine County Airport in Support of Scenic Airlines
Please accept Scenic Airlines for the carrier for service between Ely and Las Vegas.
Their support to the community has been enormous. Their ability to provide dependable and affordable transportation for this community has enabled services to grow that were not available previously. The community has appreciated having a dependable air carrier and thanks you for helping by providing the EAS subsidy.
By: Ely Airport Manager, Dan Callaghan
February 23, 2006
William Bee Ririe Hospital in Support of Scenic Airlines
The purpose of this letter is to encourage the Office of Aviation to renew the flight contract for Essential Air Service with Scenic Airlines.
I am concerned that Mesa Airlines, if selected as the essential air service carrier for Ely, Nevada will reduce or discontinue services to and from Reno or Las Vegas.
By: Robert Morasko
March 7, 2006
White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board in Support of Scenic Airlines
At the meeting of March 7, 2006 the White Pine Tourism & Recreation Board approved the resolution to support Scenic Airline’s continuous service to White Pine County along with their present routes.
By: John Lampros
Issued April 6, 2006 | Served April 11, 2006
Order Selecting Carrier and Establishing Subsidy Rates | Word
In response to our request, we received proposals from Scenic and Mesa Air Group, Inc., d/b/a Air Midwest. Scenic proposed to provide six nonstop round trips a week to Elko and six nonstop round trips a week to North Las Vegas Airport, with 19-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft at the annual subsidy rate of $784,463. Air Midwest, operating under a code-share agreement with America West, proposed to provide six nonstop round trips a week to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, with 19-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft at the annual subsidy rate of $744,120. We must note that Air Midwest’s proposal was made contingent upon its being selected to provide EAS at Merced, California. By Order 2006-3-28, March 28, 2006, the Department selected Scenic to provide EAS at Merced, thereby eliminating Air Midwest’s Ely bid from consideration.
By this order, the Department is selecting Scenic Airlines, Inc. to provide essential air service at Ely, Nevada, consisting of six nonstop round trips a week to Elko and six nonstop round trips a week to North Las Vegas Airport, for a new two-year term through February 29, 2008, at the annual subsidy rate of $784,463.
By: Michael Reynolds
May 16, 2006
Ninety-Day Essential Air Service Notice of Scenic Airlines to Terminate Service
Scenic Airlines gives notice of its intent to terminate all service at Ely, Nevada on August 15, 2006.
Scenic currently provides six round-trip flights per week with 19-passenger Beech 1900 aircraft on a North Las Vegas Airport to ELY to Elko, Nevada routing. The service operates on the following schedule:
Daily except Saturday Dep VGT 1400
Dep ELY 1530Arr ELY 1520
Arr EKO 1605Daily except Sunday Dep EKO 0915
Dep ELY 1000Arr ELY 0945
Arr VGT 1115
No other scheduled air service is provided at ELY.
Counsel: Garofalo Goerlich, Aaron Goerlich, 202-776-3974, agoerlich@ggh-airlaw.com
Order 2006-6-10
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
Issued June 8, 2006 | Served June 13, 2006
Order Prohibiting Termination of Service and Requesting Proposals - Bookmarked
By this order, the Department is (a) prohibiting Scenic Airlines from terminating its subsidized service at Merced and Visalia, California, and Ely, Nevada. at the end of its 90-day notice period, and (b) requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service at the communities, with or without subsidy.
Because Scenic's termination of service at Merced, Visalia, and Ely would leave the communities without any scheduled air service, we must prohibit the carrier from terminating such service at the end of its 90-say notice period, and require it to maintain service at the communities, for an initial 30-day period, consisting of 14 round trips per week from Merced to North Las Vegas; 10 nonstop round trips per week from Visalia to North Las Vegas; and 6 nonstop round trips a week from Ely to both North Las Vegas and Elko. Furthermore, we will require Scenic to maintain service at all three communities for successive 30-day periods until we have completed processing the carrier replacement case and the new carrier has actually started service.
With specific respect to Merced and Visalia, we expect proposals consisting of service with 15-scat or larger aircraft offering two nonstop round trips each weekday (12 to 14 weekly round trips) to San Francisco. Los Angeles, Las Vegas McCarran, or another suitable huh. For Visalia, based on the latest traffic data, subsidy levels cannot exceed $896,200 per year because of the S200 subsidy per passenger cap. The Department is prohibited from paying subsidy for essential air service at any community in the 48 contiguous states where such subsidy amounts to more than $200 per passenger, unless that community is located more than 210 miles from the nearest large- or medium-hub airport. Visalia is located less than 210 miles from several large- and medium-huh airports (Los Angeles, 187 miles; San Jose, 95 miles; and Burbank, 171 miles), so the $200 cap will apply.
At Ely, we expect proposals consisting of service with 15-seat or larger aircraft offering one nonstop round trip each weekday and weekend to Reno, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas McCarran, or other suitable hub. If aircraft smaller than 15-seat aircraft are proposed, a minimum of two round trip flights to a suitable huh should he offered. Such service is generally consistent with what the communities currently receive. We encourage proposals that meet those requirements in an efficient manner. Carriers are also welcome to propose more than one service option, if they choose; they need not limit themselves to those requirements if they envision other, potentially more attractive service possibilities -- different hubs, for example -- with subsidy requirements that remain competitive.
By: Michael Reynolds
July 6, 2006
Re: Scenic Airlines Schedule Change
Please be informed that we will be making a departure time change to our service at Ely, Nevada as follows:
Current Schedule: Mon - Sat, EKO-ELY-VGT, departs 9:15am.
Changed Schedule: Mon - Sat, EKO-ELY-VGT, departs 7:00am.Current Schedule: Mon - Sat, VGT-ELY-EKO, departs 2:00pm.
Changed Schedule: Mon - Sat, VGT-ELY-EKO, departs 6:00pm.
The effective date of this change if July 19, 2006. We have informed both airport managers of the change.
There are no changes to the total number of round-trips per week, or to the days of the week that we are operating. We are hoping that this change may improve the passenger loads on each flight for connecting passengers to McCarran International Airport while Scenic awaits a replacement carrier.
By: Scenic Airlines, Mary Schneider
OST-1998-3521 - Merced
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia
OST-1995-361 - Ely
July 13, 2006
All operations proposed would utilize our modern fleet of Raytheon/Beechcraft B-1900D airliners. These aircraft offer a very comfortable 19-seat, pressurized cabin with two turboprop engines. Mesa has a long history of offering Essential Air Service throughout the country, from New Mexico to New York. The service will operate as America West Express/US Airways Express allowing for convenient connections in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Option Community Hub Service Total Subsidy Request 1 Merced
VisaliaLAS
LAS23 RT per week to LAS (4 RTs M,W,Th,F: 3 RTs T,Sun: 1 RT: Sat)
23 RT per week to LAS (4 RTs M,W,Th,F: 3 RTs T,Sun: 1 RT: Sat)$1,599,207 2 Merced
VisaliaLAS
LAS13 RTs per week to LAS
12 RTs per week to LAS$1,666,666 3 Merced
VisaliaLAS
LAS18 RTs per week to LAS
18 RTs per week to LAS$1,624,965 4 Ely SLC 6 RTs per week to SLC (no flights on Sat) $647,709
By: Mesa Air Group, Mickey Bowman
April 20, 2006
Proposals of Big Sky Airlines | Word
Big Sky has one combined operational proposal. All flights will be operated with modern 19 passenger Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, offering a stand-up cabin.
Big Sky's schedule provides flights at times that make it convenient to travel. Big Sky proposes to offer 14 weekly non-stop round trip flights in the Merced-Las Vegas market, 11 weekly non-stop round-trip flights in the Visalia-Las Vegas market and 6 non-stop round-trip flights in the Ely-Las Vegas market. If successful in winning this bid, Big Sky intends to add a daily unsubsidized non-stop flight from Ely to Elko, Nevada with continuing through plane service to Boise, Idaho.
Big Sky offers code-share service with its partners, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, America West Airlines, which became a much larger US Airways, after the completion of its merger, and Northwest Airlines.
Flight # Cities Leave Arrive Frequency 10 Merced-Las Vegas 6:45am 8:15am Daily 20 Las Vegas-Merced 9:00am 10:00am Daily 30 Merced-Las Vegas 11:00am 12:30pm Daily 40 Las Vegas-Merced 8:00pm 9:30pm Daily 50 Visalia-Las Vegas 7:00am 8:30am X7 60 Las Vegas-Visalia 2:00pm 3:30pm X67 70 Visalia-Las Vegas 4:00pm 5:30pm X67 80 Las Vegas-Visalia 8:30pm 10:00pm X6 70 Ely-Las Vegas 12:15pm 1:30pm X7 90 Las Vegas-Ely 9:00am 10:20am X7
By: Big Sky, Fred deLeeuw, 406-247-3912, fred.deleeuw@bigskyair.com
July 13, 2006
Proposals of Great Lakes Aviation
This contains the response of Great Lakes Aviation to Order Requesting Proposals 2006-6-10, served June 13, 2006.
The Great Lakes proposals contemplate conveniently timed connecting services with our Code Share partners United and Frontier at the Las Vegas-McCarran Airport.
These proposals contemplate the use of pressurized 19 seat Beech 1900D's in each case.
Proposal # Service Point Hub Served Round Trips Equipment Subsidy Requirement Passengers Forecast Subsidy per Passenger 1 Merced Las Vegas 2 1900D $757,907 15,776 $48.04 2 Visalia Las Vegas 2 1900D $872,582 10,000 $87.26 3 Ely Las Vegas 1 1900D $908,560 2,600 $349.45 4 Ely Las Vegas 2 1900D $1,176,936 5,200 $226.33
By: Great Lakes, Michael Matthews, 307-432-7030, mmatthews@greatlakesav.com
OST-1998-3521 - Merced
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia
OST-1995-361 - Ely
July 17, 2006
DOT Letter Requesting Comments of:
I would like to update you on the essential air service situation at Merced and give you an opportunity to submit any comments if you wish. As you know, by Order 2006-6-10, June 13, 2006, the Department solicited proposals from all interested air carriers to provide service at Merced, as well as at Visalia, California, and Ely, Nevada. In response to that order, we received proposals from three carriers: Mesa Air Group, Inc. d/b/a Air Midwest, Big Sky Airlines, and Great Lakes Aviation.
My purpose in writing to you at this time is to request any final comments you might have on the carriers’ service and subsidy proposals before we submit a recommendation on the carrier-selection issue to the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.
We request that you review each proposal and service option and submit any comments you may have before we submit a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary. We ask that you submit any comments you may have as soon as possible, but in any case no later than August 7, 2006.
By: Dennis DeVany
July 31, 2006
William Bee Ririe Hospital in Support of Big Sky Airlines
I am writing on behalf of William Bee Ririe Hospital to express our support to have Big Sky Airlines provide one nonstop round trip to Las Vegas, Sunday through Friday (6 round trips per week).
William Bee Ririe Hospital is concerned that the other carries will not provide timely and daily round trip service six days per week between Ely and Las Vegas. Currently, William Bee Ririe Hospital relies on daily flights from Scenic Airlines to transport medical technicians, emergency room physicians, and visiting specialist physicians via Scenic Airlines to and from Las Vegas. Any disruption in commercial flights from Las Vegas would SEVERELY affect our ability to provide emergency and specialty services to patients in White Pine County.
By: Robert Morasko
August 1, 2006
Support of White Pine Chamber of Commerce for Big Sky Airlines
I have been contacted by Big Sky Airlines ONLY. Mr. Fred L. DeLeeuw, President, called and visited with me over the telephone. He is very interested in becoming a part of our community as well as joining the Chamber of Commerce.
Not a single person from Great Lakes nor Mesa Airlines has called or come into the Chamber Office. This disappoints me greatly. I would think that if they had an interest at all in our community and/or the EAS, they would have at least called or made some kind of attempt to get in touch with someone on my Board/Committee or me in the very least.
Mesa will do us no good just flying to Salt Lake City, Utah. We need the in-state flights desperately And, obviously, Great Lakes doesn't really care much either.
I believe that a company who comes to Ely and wants to mix and mingle with the people has a real interest. Those who do not come in and meet us should not even be considered.
Therefore, I would like to recommend (through my Executive Committee) that Big Sky Airlines be the one considered for our Essential Air Service Contract.
By: Evie Pinneo
August 7, 2006
City of Elko in Support of Big Sky Airlines
I am writing in support of the recent proposals submitted by Big Sky Transportation Company and Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd. to provide "essential air service" between the communities of Las Vegas and Ely, Nevada. Although different in their proposed route structure, both airlines have committed to maintaining a vital intrastate transportation link within the Stare of Nevada.
Due to the increased air service from Elko, Nevada to Boise, Idaho, the City of Elko prefers The Big Sky Transportation Company proposal. However, since Big Sky's proposal was identified as an inseparable "package," the City's second choice would be the Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd. proposal.
By: Curtis Calder
August 7, 2006
City of Ely in Support of Big Sky Airlines
I have reviewed the different proposals submitted for essential air service for (Ely) White Pine County, Nevada and I am endorsing Big Sky Airlines.
Big Sky Airlines is offering a flight from Ely to Elko in addition to what is being offered for the service to and from Las Vegas, Nevada. The Elko connection would allow Ely residents the ability to go east to Salt Lake City, Utah, or west lo Reno, which is much needed.
By: Mayor George Chachas
August 7, 2006
Ely Aviation in Support of Big Sky Airlines
I have reviewed each proposal and have concluded that Big Sky has by far presented the most viable and economic proposal for Ely. The addition of Boise, ID shows they have understanding of rural communities and the ability to manage risk by creating other possible avenues for revenue. With Boise through Elko routing they will almost guarantee full seat capacity because of the local government offices now having direct air service to Boise's Western Region BLM and Fire headquarters in addition to Boise having a direct flight connection to Las Vegas. All of this will enhance Ely's exposure and marketability there-by reducing the need for reliance on Essential Air Service and can result in lower financial dependence. Their reputation and long service record will be an asset to any community.
The Great Lakes proposal would have received greater support if they had included Elko as part of the bid
By: James Adams
August 7, 2006
Nevada DOT Comments Regarding EAS Service at Ely
Traditionally, My, Nevada has been an Essential Air Service point that has been served by commuter airlines, most recently Scenic Airlines, as part of an eastern Nevada network that also included Elko. At this time, Scenic Airlines is planning to vacate the market, a new carrier is being solicited, and proposals have been received from Mesa, Great Lakes, and Big Sky Airlines.
We support continued air service to eastern Nevada, as Ely is more than 300 driving miles from the Reno Airport and 240 miles from the Salt Lake City or Las Vegas air carrier airports. Adequate air service is crucial, as it tends to decrease isolation and provide alternatives to driving in rural places, which is the goal of the Essential Air Service Program. While we recognize that the current proposals Lire solely for the Ely Essential Air Service point and do not directly involve the Elko Airport, we also realize that Elko is being served by the current EAS carrier, Scenic Airlines, as part of the route network that includes Ely. We encourage the selection of a carrier for Ely that would be willing to mitigate the pending loss of service to Elko when Scenic Airlines pulls out of this market, especially the route between Reno and Elko.
By: Kent Cooper
August 7, 2006
White Pine County Airport Advisory Board in Support of Big Sky Airlines
The Airport Advisory Board of White Pine County, Ely, NV has recommended Big Sky Airlines to the County Commission to replace Scenic Airlines as the Air Carrier of preference to serve our community.
We are also asking you to disregard Big Sky Airlines " All or None" condition of the bid and award this as a separate contract if possible.
The community in general feels the bid from Mesa Air Group would be a downgrade of service and that the bid from Great Lakes Airlines will not offer the area a chance to grow with the rapid economic development happening to Ely and the surrounding area.
By: James Adams
August 4, 2006
White Pine County Board of Commissioners in Support of Big Sky Airlines
The Board agreed with the recommendations of the White Pine County Air Port Advisory Board and voted to ask that your office accept the proposal from Big Sky Airlines.
The Board felt that Big Sky's proposal would provide the best options for the Ely Airport to continue the level of service we currently have and would additionally provide access to a main airline hub, Boise, Idaho, which would greatly enhance our opportunity to expand our air service.
By: Donna Bath
August 7, 2006
White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board in Support of Big Sky Airlines
On behalf of the White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board of Ely, Nevada, we would like to express our support of the Big Sky Airlines proposal to provide essential air service to our community. Based on a review of all carrier proposals, we feel Big Sky's proposal provides the best service options for our community.
By: Edwin Spear
August 22, 2006
Scenic Airlines Letter Confirming Telephone Conversation
This letter confirms and follows up our telephone conversations of August 11, 2006.
Three to four months ago, Scenic reached a business decision to withdraw from scheduled-service operations and refocus its resources on its historical aerial sightseeing operations. As a result, on May 16, 2006 Scenic filed and served, in accordance with the Department's rules, 90-day notices of intent to terminate service at the three small communities noted above. In conjunction with its termination of scheduled service, Scenic will cease operation of Beech 1900 aircraft.
Scenic recognizes that the Department’s selection of replacement carrier(s) for Ely, Merced and Visalia EAS should be completed in the near future. Nevertheless, Scenic is concerned that the crew-resignation problem may soon make it impossible for Scenic to continue providing the full complement of B-1900 service called for by its EAS schedule. In that event, given the comparative stage lengths of Scenic’s EAS routes and other factors, the most sensible solution would be for Scenic to operate the Ely route with DHC-6 Twin Otter equipment from Scenic’s existing fleet.
Based on our conversations of August 11th, it is Scenic’s understanding that the VGT-Ely-Elko and Elko-Ely-VGT Twin Otter service described above would be viewed by the Department as substantially equivalent to B-1900 service over the same route. It is Scenic’s further understanding that subsidy for such service would be paid to Scenic by the Department at the rate established by Order 2006-4-9 for B-1900 service, provided that no subsidy would be paid for any Ely-Elko or Elko-Ely sectors canceled as described above. If these understandings do not parallel the Department’s understanding, please let me know.
Counsel: Garofalo Goerlich, Aaron Goerlich, 202-776-3970
Order 2006-8-29
OST-1998-3521 - Merced
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia
OST-1995-361 - Ely
Issued August 30, 2006 | Served September 5, 2006
By this order, we are selecting Mesa Air Group Inc. d/b/a Air Midwest to provide subsidized essential air service at Merced and Visalia, California, and Ely, Nevada, for two years, beginning when the carrier inaugurates service. Merced and Visalia will receive 23 weekly round trips to Las Vegas, operated on a Las Vegas - Merced - Visalia - Las Vegas or Las Vegas - Visalia - Merced - Las Vegas routing at an annual subsidy rate of $1,599.207. Ely will receive 6 nonstop round trips each week to Salt Lake City at an annual subsidy rate of $647,709. Air Midwest will operate as America West Express/US Airways Express and serve each community with 19-passenger Beech 1900-D aircraft.
By: Michael Reynolds
Order 2006-9-3
OST-1998-3521 - Merced
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia
OST-1995-361 - Ely
Issue September 5, 2006 | Served September 8, 2006
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Scenic Airlines, Inc. at Ely, Nevada, and Merced and Visalia, California, for an additional 30 days, through October 16, 2006.
Since October 14th is a Saturday, this hold-in period will end on Monday, October 16th.
By: Todd Homan
September 5, 2006
Re: Scenic Airlines Change in Service
As mentioned in our letter of August 22nd to the U.S. Department of Transportation in which you were copied, Scenic Airlines has suffered a substantial number of resignations among its Beech 1900 crews. Additionally, on Sunday, September 3rd, we had a major engine failure on one of our three Beech 1900 aircraft which will now be down for service for up to 8 weeks.
Unfortunately, this puts us in a position where we must implement the contingency plan that we wrote to you about previously. I have proposed to the Department of Transportation that Scenic begins service in a Twin Otter aircraft to Ely starting as soon as possible, eliminating the Elko-Ely segment, and operating Ely-Las Vegas only. In order to keep the most convenient travel times for Ely passengers, we would operate VGT-ELY at approximately 6:00pm and ELY-VGT at approximately 6:00am.
By: Scenic, Mark Slack
OST-1998-3521 - Merced
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia
OST-1995-361 - Ely
September 7, 2006
Re: Scenic Airlines Schedule and Aircraft Changes
This schedule allows us to perform maintenance on the Beech aircraft on Saturdays, and allows us to maintain the Yosemite tour business to Merced on the same schedule as is currently marketed. As flights are booked full, we will be willing to add additional segments, particularly on Fridays and Sundays, to accommodate the passengers wishing to travel over the weekend.
As we discussed, it is still unknown how long the engine maintenance will take on our Beech 1900C aircraft. Until the repair is made, we will only have two Beech 1900D aircraft to operate, and then only until their lease expires on October 3rd.
By: Mark Slack
September 14, 2006
Re: White Pine County Board of Commissioners Request to Include Flight to Las Vegas
At their regular meeting held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006, the White Pine County Board of Commissioners voted to request that the proposal for essential air service for White Pine County, Nevada, be allowed to be modified to include a flight from Ely to Las Vegas. The Board requests that the flight be out-going in the morning and return to Ely in the evening.
September 14, 2006
Re: White Pine County Board of Commissioners Support of Scenic Airlines
At their regular meeting held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006, the White Pine County Board of Commissioners voted to support Scenic Airlines’ request to begin service in a Twin Otter aircraft to and from Ely and Las Vegas, Nevada.
By: Donna Bath
September 15, 2006
Request of Air Midwest to Alter Pattern of Service
Air Midwest, Inc. respectfully requests the Department of Transportation of its intent to alter the subsidized pattern of service for Ely, Nevada set forth in Order 2006-8-29 between Ely and Salt Lake City, Utah. In that order the DOT selected Air Midwest to operate one non-stop round trip to Salt Lake City six times per week. Immediately after receiving notification of its selection as the service provider, Air Midwest was contacted by representatives of the Ely community who expressed their desire to maintain local service to Las Vegas, Nevada. These representatives argued that there was a substantial amount of local traffic demand between Ely and Las Vegas owing to business and political links.
Upon hearing the community concerns, concerns that were echoed by members of the Nevada Congressional delegation as well, we began to research possible alternative service patterns that would meet the community's needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We now believe that such an alternative is attainable at the predetermined subsidy level. Accordingly Air Midwest would like to alter the approved service pattern to allow for one-stop service from Ely to Las Vegas over Cedar City, Utah.
Air Midwest is willing to make this change at no increase in the subsidy level set forth in Order 2006-8-29. Air Midwest does request, however, that it reserve the right to change the service back to the pattern outlined in Order 2006-8-29 should the new service not generate the passengers needed to cover any subsequent costs.
Upon the Department's approval, Air Midwest plans to implement this revised schedule concurrent with it inauguration of service on or about November 12, 2006.
By: Mesa, Mickey Bowman
Issued September 21, 2006 | Served September 26, 2006
Order Approving Alternate Service Pattern
At the request of the community, Air Midwest requested that it be allowed to switch Ely's hub from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas with one-stop service via Cedar City, Utah. The community stated there was a substantial amount of local traffic demand between Ely and Las Vegas because of business and political links. Air Midwest will serve Las Vegas McCarran International Airport on a one-stop basis over Cedar City. Scenic served North Las Vegas Airport. Air Midwest intends to begin service at Ely on or about November 12, 2006.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2006-10-2
OST-1995-361 - EAS at Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - EAS at Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - EAS at Visalia, CA
Issued October 2, 2006 | Served October 5, 2006
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Scenic Airlines. Inc. at Ely, Nevada, and Merced and Visalia, California, for an additional 30 days. through November 15, 2006.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2006-11-4
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
Issued November 2, 2006 | Served November 7, 2006
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, we require Scenic Airlines to maintain its current level of essential air service at Ely, Nevada, and Merced and Visalia, California. as described in Appendix D of Order 2006-6-10, for an additional 30 days, through December 15, 2006, or until Air Midwest actually begins service, whichever occurs first.
By: Todd Homan
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
November 22, 2006
Exception to Normal Payout Procedures for Subsidized Carriers Under an Alternative Service Pattern
On September 27, 2006, Scenic Airlines implemented an alternate service pattern at Merced and Visalia, California, due to equipment shortages. Air Midwest was award two-year contract to serve Merced and Visalia (as well as Ely, Nevada) after Scenic Airlines filed notice to leave all three markets to revert to an all-charter company. Due to Scenic's decision to cease scheduled service, one aircraft was due to return to the lessor during the first week of October. One of their other aircraft had damaged sustained to an engine. In order to serve both Merced and Visalia with one aircraft, Scenic began operating the flights on a North Las Vegas - Merced - Visalia - North Las Vegas or North Las Vegas - Visalia - Merced - North Las Vegas routing in order to preserve the required frequencies. This met Merced's minimum level of service and gave Visalia 4 more weekly frequencies than was authorized under Order 2005-4-25.
We ask that you pay Scenic for the applicable flights from September 27, 2006, through November 18, 2006, at the rate of $428.07 per flight.
By: Dennis DeVany
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
May 21, 2007
Notice of Air Midwest to Terminate Essential Air Service
Air Midwest, Inc. respectfully serves notice upon the Department of Transportation, in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 323.3 and 14 C.ER. 323.4, of its intent to discontinue scheduled subsidized Essential Air Service between Ely, Nevada as well as Merced and Visalia, California and Las Vegas, Nevada effective August 19, 2007.
At present, Air Midwest is the sole provider of certificated scheduled air service at Ely, Nevada as well as Merced and Visalia, California. Air Midwest is hereby providing public notice of its intent to terminate scheduled air service with the expiration of the 90-day notice as required. Any objections to this Notice to Terminate Service must be filed within twenty days from the date of this filing, in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 323.10.
By: Mesa, Tom Bacon, 602-685-4352
Order 2007-6-13
OST-1996-1901 - Alamogordo/Holloman, AFB, NM
OST-2007-28305 - Roswell, NM
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued and Served June 18, 2007
Order Prohibiting Suspensions of Service and Requesting Proposals
By this order, the Department is prohibiting Air Midwest, Inc., from suspending service and requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing replacement essential air service at all of the above-captioned communities. All of these communities are guaranteed EAS, and all but Roswell are currently receiving subsidized EAS pursuant to Department orders.
Air Midwest's proposed termination of service at these communities would leave them without any scheduled air service, and, thus, the Department must prohibit the carrier from terminating such service at the end of its 90-day notice period, and require it to maintain service at the communities for an initial 30-day period, through September 19, 2007, consisting of the service patterns outlined above. Furthermore, we will require Air Midwest to continue to maintain service at all of these communities for successive 30-day periods until we have completed processing the carrier-replacement case and the new carrier(s) has actually started service.
We note that Air Midwest currently receives EAS subsidy at seven of these communities. In this situation, the current subsidy rates will remain in effect for 180 days after the notice was filed if replacement service has not started by then. See 49 U.S.C. 41734 (d) and (e), At Roswell, Air Midwest will be eligible for subsidy on the 91st day after the filing, i.e., August 21, 2007.
Carriers interested in filing proposals at any or all of the communities, with or without subsidy, should file them no later than July 19, 2007. We expect proposals that provide comparable service levels to those that are currently provided, as described earlier. We encourage proposals that meet those requirements in an efficient manner. Carriers are also welcome to propose more than one service option, if they choose; they need not limit themselves to the current service pattern if they envision other, potentially more attractive service possibilities - different hubs, or seasonal service - with subsidy requirements that remain competitive. Carriers are free to submit more than one option, and options may be submitted for individual cities on a stand-alone basis, or alternatively as packages of two or more cities. However, carriers must make clear whether an option is proposed on a stand-alone or package basis.
By: Michael Reynolds
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
July 19, 2007
Proposals of Great Lakes Aviation
Great Lakes will utilize its codeshare relationships with United Air Lines and Frontier Airlines as is practical.
By: Great Lakes, Michael Matthews, 307-432-7000
July 19, 2007
Mesa Air Group, Inc d/b/a Air Midwest is pleased to submit one proposals to provide Essential Air Service at Merced & Visalia, California; Ely, Nevada; and Cedar City, Moab & Vernal Utah. Mesa has also enclosed a single "Hold-In" subsidy calculation that can be used to calculate subsidy rates for hold-ins only.
It is important to note that the hold-in has service from Moab & Vernal to Salt Lake City. Due to operational constraints by our codeshare partner, we are unable to provide long-term service to Salt Lake City. This necessitates the hub for Option #1 for Moab & Vernal being changed to Phoenix. This actually benefits our passengers by allowing for nearly fifty-times more online connecting options on US Airways.
Also due to operational constraints, Ely & Cedar City are unable to be separated for any "hold-in" periods, as we are unable to serve Ely without stopping in Cedar City for passengers to clear security. Option #1 is an all inclusive bid, and can not be separated or pro-rated in any form. Mesa also reserves the right to serve one up-line destination from Moab to Phoenix in Option #1 as well as serving 1-stop service for Vernal. The stop will be another Mesa market such as Farmington, Moab or any other potential future markets.
All operations proposed would utilize our modem fleet of Raytheon/Beechcraft B1900D airliners.
By: Mesa, Jeffrey Hartz
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
July 30, 2007
DOT Request for Community Comments of:
By Order 2007-6-13 the Department requested proposals from air carriers interested in providing essential air service at: Roswell and Alamogordo/Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico; Cedar City, Moab and Vernal, Utah; Ely, Nevada; and Merced and Visalia, California. The order was issued following 90-day notice as filed with the Department by Air Midwest, which indicated their intent to suspend service at the eight communities listed above. Subsequent to Order 2007-6-13, the Department issued a notice separating the New Mexico communities from this carrier-selection proceeding. In response to our request and subsequent notice regarding the New Mexico communities, we received proposals from the following air carriers: Air Midwest, Great Lakes, Salmon Air, SkyWest, and Vision Airlines.
My purpose in writing you at this time is to request any final comments you might have on the carriers’ service and subsidy proposals before we submit a recommendation on the carrier selection issue to the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs for decision. We request that you review this information and submit any comments you may have by August 27.
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
August 15, 2007
DOT Memorandum - Granting Extension of Comments Deadline
By letter dated July 30, 2007, the Department offered the civic officials of each of the above communities the opportunity to comment on the essential air service proposals submitted by Mesa Air Group, Inc., d/b/a Air Midwest, Inc.; Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd.; Sky West Airlines; Mountain Bird, Inc., d/b/a Salmon Air; and Vision Airlines, Inc., to provide subsidized air service at the communities listed above. In that letter we indicated that the deadline for submitting comments was August 27, 2007. By phone call and an email dated August 15, a copy of which is attached, the Airport Manager of the Merced Municipal Airport requested an extension of the August 27 deadline to submit comments as the City Council of Merced will not meet before September 4 to consider their recommendation to the Department.
Therefore, in consideration of the City of Merced's request, we are hereby granting an extension of the deadline for submitting comments from all of the above communities from August 27 to September 6.
By: Dennis DeVany
August 22, 2007
White Pine County Board of County Commissioners in Support of Great Lakes Airlines
This letter is to advise you that the bard voted to select Great Lakes as their preferred carrier to sewe the citizens of White Pine County. Great Lakes representative advised the Board that their intention was to provide an early morning departure directly to Las Vegas with a direct return trip in the late afternoon/evening. The Board felt that this proposal best fits the needs of our community.
By: Chairman, Brent Eldridge, 775-289-2341
August 25, 2007
Email Message - Opposition of White Pine County Airport to Mesa Airlines
The board felt that Mesa Air Group d/b/a US Airways Express's service is far below any standard of business. The ridership has steadily decreased because of the unreliable service which has made flying to much of a risk for business and anyone with appointments, or further connections. An example of this, is this weeks performance. Monday 5 hrs late, Tuesday cancel, Wed. cancel, Thurs. 2 hrs late. Friday 30 mins late. Further more the schedule did not lend itself to benefit the community and numerous requests to change it was ignored. This airline has frustrated the community from the start, and unfortunately has lived up to their reputation.
Both airlines were invited to participate at this meeting, only Great Lakes cared enough to send someone. Mesa has never shown even a slight interest in this community and their service reflected it. This board is strongly apposed to Mesa continuing service in Ely.
By: Chairman, James Adams, elyjetcenter@yahoo.com
September 4, 2007
White Pine County Chamber of Commerce in Support of Great Lakes Airlines
The Board of Directors feel that Great Lakes Aviation will do a much better job that Mesa Air Group d/b/a US Airways Express has done since they took over the contract. Great Lakes Aviation has intentions of becoming a part of our community. We are very pleased to see this.
By: Executive Director, Evie Pinneo, 775-289-8877
Order 2007-9-1
OST-1996-1901 - Alamogordo/Holloman, AFB, NM
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued September 4, 2007 | Served September 7, 2007
Order Extending Service Obligation
We require Air Midwest, Inc., to maintain its current level of essential air service at Roswell and Alamogordo/Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Cedar City, Moab and Vernal, Utah; Ely, Nevada; and Merced and Visalia, California, for an additional 30 days, through October 19, 2007, or until suitable replacement service actually begins, whichever occurs first.
We will extend Air Midwest’s service obligation for successive 30-day periods, as necessary, until suitable replacement service actually begins.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2007-10-7
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued October 4, 2007 | Served October 10, 2007
Order Selecting Carriers and Establishing Subsidy Rates | Word
By this order, the Department is selecting SkyWest Airlines, and Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd. to provide subsidized essential air service at the above communities for the two-year period beginning when the carriers inaugurate full EAS. Specifically, we select SkyWest at Cedar City for the annual subsidy of $1,242,256 and Great Lakes at Merced, Visalia, Ely, Moab and Vernal for a combined annual subsidy of $5,670,244.
Air Midwest is eligible to be compensated for its service until Great Lakes and SkyWest take over the routes. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C 41734(d), we will continue to compensate Air Midwest at its current rates for 180 days after it filed its notices to suspend service -- November 18 in this case. If the carrier transitions occur after November 18, we will issue another order addressing the Air Midwest’s hold-in rate after that date.
This is a particularly complicated transition period, as Air Midwest is being replaced not by one carrier, as is the typical case, but by two. Before suspending service at these six communities, we expect Air Midwest to work with both SkyWest and Great Lakes to ensure a smooth transition in service. We expect all three carriers to work together on an orderly transition. Among other things, they will have to decide whether both SkyWest and Great Lakes will inaugurate service on the same day, or whether there will be a staggered transition. We expect Air Midwest to contact all passengers holding reservations for flights after the suspension date, to inform them of the change in service, and to assist them in arranging alternate transportation or to provide a refund of the ticket price, without penalty, if requested.
By: Michael Reynolds
Order 2007-10-17
OST-1996-1901 - Alamogordo/Holloman AFB, NM
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued October 15, 2007 | Served October 18, 2007
Order Extending Service Obligation
The Department has issued Orders 2007-9-29 and 2007-10-7 selecting replacement service, but the new carriers have not yet inaugurated service. Therefore, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 41734(c), we will extend Air Midwest's service obligation at the communities for an additional 30 days, or until replacement service actually begins, whichever occurs first.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2007-11-16
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued November 21, 2007 | Served November 27, 2007
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Air Midwest, Inc., at the above‑captioned communities, for an additional 30 days, through December 19, 2007.
On May 22, 2007, Air Midwest filed a 90-day notice of its intent to suspend its subsidized service at the communities as of August 20. By Order 2007-6-13, June 18, 2007, the Department prohibited the carrier from suspending service and requested proposals, with subsidy if necessary, from carriers interested in providing replacement service. As required by 49 U.S.C. 41734, we have extended Air Midwest's service obligation for additional 30-day periods.
The Department has issued Orders 2007-9-29 and 2007-10-7 selecting replacement service, but the new carriers have not yet inaugurated service. Therefore, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 41734(c), we will extend Air Midwest's service obligation at the communities for an additional 30 days, or until replacement service actually begins, whichever occurs first.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2007-12-15
OST-1996-1901 - Alamogordo/Holloman, AFB, NM
OST-2003-16395 - Cedar City, UT
OST-1997-2827 - Moab, UT
OST-1997-2706 - Vernal, UT
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued December 19, 2007 | Served December 26, 2007
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Air Midwest, Inc., at the above-captioned communities, for an additional 30 days, through January 18, 2008.
By Order 2007-6-13, June 18, 2007, the Department prohibited the carrier from suspending service and requested proposals, with subsidy if necessary, from carriers interested in providing replacement service. As required by 49 U.S.C. 41734, we have extended Air Midwest's service obligation for additional 30-day periods, the latest through December 19, 2007, by Order 2007-11-16.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2008-1-8
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued January 15, 2008 | Served January 18, 2008
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Air Midwest, Inc., at the above-captioned communities, for an additional 30 days, through February 19, 2008.
By: Todd Homan
Order 2008-2-21
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued and Served February 15, 2008
Order Extending Service Obligation
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Air Midwest, Inc., at the above-captioned communities, for an additional 30 days, through March 20, 2008.
By: Michael Reynolds
Order 2008-4-33
OST-1995-361 - Ely, NV
OST-1998-3521 - Merced, CA
OST-2004-19916 - Visalia, CA
Issued April 24, 2008 | Served April 29, 2008
Order Extending Service Obligation | Word
By this order, the Department of Transportation extends the service obligation of Air Midwest, Inc., at the above-captioned communities, for an additional 30 days, through May 21, 2008.
By: Todd Homan
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