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http://altoonablaircountyairport.com/ - Altoona-Blair County Airport

EAS Docket

Essential Air Service at Altoona, Pennsylvania

Notice of Chautauqua Airlines of its intent to terminate all of its scheduled services at Altonna, Pennsylvania (AOO) on or about May 1, 2002

Counsel:  Shaw Pittman, Robert Cohn, 202.663.8060

By this order the Department is (a) prohibiting Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. from terminating its unsubsidized services at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania; (b) requiring the carrier to maintain service between the communities and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for an initial 30-day period following the end of the notice period; and (c) requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing replacement service at one or both communities.

By:  Read Van de Water

There is no scheduled commuter air carrier service to the Airport other than that proposed to be terminated by Chautauqua. The Authority suggests that the current level of three roundtrip flights between the Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) using 30 passenger Saab 340 Aircraft (one on a daily basis, one operating every day except Saturdays, and one operating every day except Sundays) is reasonable.  

The Authority requests that the Department of Transportation require Chautauqua Airlines, Inc., operating as U.S. Airways Express, to continue to provide scheduled commuter air service to the Altoona-Blair County Airport until a suitable commuter air carrier replacement is found.

By:  Evey Routch, Michael Routch

Chautauqua hereby requests that the Department immediately establish a final hold-in subsidy rate, to be effective May 1, 2002, for the continuation by Chautauqua of essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, pending selection of a replacement carrier. Chautauqua is not filing a proposal to provide replacement service and urges the Department promptly to conclude its carrier selection case to permit Chautauqua to terminate its hold-in service at the earliest opportunity.

Counsel:  Shaw Pittman, Robert Cohn, 202.663.8060, robert.cohn@shawpittman.com

By:  Colgan Air, Michael Colgan

Shuttle America Corporation hereby files proposals to provide subsidized essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Shuttle America recently emerged from bankruptcy under new ownership and management pursuant to a plan of reorganization approved and confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court of the District of Connecticut on December 7, 2001. Shuttle America is now operating under entirely new ownership and management, with vastly enhanced financial and operational resources.

Shuttle America is a regional airline operating a growing fleet of SAAB­340 aircraft. Shuttle America operates scheduled regional service as US Airways Express under a services agreement with US Airways. Shuttle America's proposed services at Altoona and Johnstown will operate as US Airways Express, and will provide seamless online connecting service to US Airways' national and international route system via the Pittsburgh hub. Shuttle America proposes to operate three daily roundtrip flights between Altoona and Pittsburgh and between Johnstown and Pittsburgh during weekdays, and a total of three roundtrips on weekends: one roundtrip flight on Saturday and two roundtrip flights on Sunday. Shuttle America proposes to use 33-seat SAAB-340 aircraft, which are currently in its fleet. This aircraft is perfectly tailored to meet the essential air service needs of Altoona and Johnstown.

Shuttle America requests annual subsidy for service at Johnstown in the amount of $571,768, and annual subsidy for service at Altoona in the amount of $674,613. The attachments contain Shuttle America's service and subsidy proposal setting forth in detail the bases for its calculations.

Counsel:  Shaw Pittman, Robert Cohn, 202.663.8060, robert.cohn@shawpittman.com

Colgan offers three possible proposals for service between Altoona and Pittsburgh and between Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Option 1 would offer 3 roundtrip flights between Altoona and Pittsburgh and between Johnstown and Pittsburgh seven days per week. Option 2 would offer 4 roundtrip flights between Altoona and Pittsburgh and between Johnstown and Pittsburgh each weekday with a total of 4 roundtrips on weekends, 2 roundtrips each day. Option 3 would offer the same number of trips as option 1, but would be operated with a single aircraft. Colgan proposes to use 19-seat Beech 1900 aircraft, however, as market growth warrants, would transition to SAAB 340 aircraft, subject to availability.

Colgan is a regional airline operating a fleet of Beech 19000 and D model aircraft and SAAB 340B aircraft. Colgan operates scheduled regional service as US Airways Express under a services agreement with US Airways. Colgan's proposed service will operate as US Airways Express and will provide seamless online connecting service to US Airways' national and international route system via the Pittsburgh hub.

By:  Colgan Air, Michael Colgan

By:  Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation

By:  Altoona/Blair Coutny Airport Authority, Joseph Merrilli

By:  Blair Couty Board of Commissioners, John Ebersole

On January 31, 2002, Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. (Chautauqua), filed a 90-day notice of its intent to suspend its unsubsidized service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, effective May 1, 2002. By Order 2002-4-6, April 5, 2002, the Department prohibited Chautauqua from suspending service at the communities for an initial 30-day period, through May 31, 2002, and requested proposals, with subsidy if necessary, from carriers interested in providing replacement service. Colgan Air and Shuttle America have submitted subsidy proposals. However, since this case will not be completed before the end of the current hold-in period, and as required by 49 U.S.C. 41734, we must continue to hold Chautauqua in for an additional 30-day period.

By:  Randall Bennett

On January 31, 2002, Chautauqua Airlines filed 90-day notices to suspend its subsidy-free EAS at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Order 2002-4-6, April 5, 2002, required Chautauqua to continue providing EAS to these communities, consisting of at least three nonstop round trips per day to Pittsburgh. Because Chautauqua is in the process of converting to an all-jet fleet, it is not interested in submitting a long-term proposal to continue to serve these communities. Nevertheless, Chautauqua is entitled to be compensated until replacement service is secured.

The rates we have agreed to are based on Chautauqua's system average unit costs for direct operating expenses for its Saab 340 fleet and its system indirect expenses for calendar year 2001, with an adjustment for higher insurance costs, and they appear reasonable. We will continue to process the long-term proposals submitted by Colgan Air and Shuttle America.

By:  Read Van de Water

By:  Randall Bennett

By:  Randall Bennett

By:  Randall Bennett

By:  Classic Travel, Donna Wilt

By:  Forever Broadcasting, Scott Cohagan

Colgan Air and Shuttle America have submitted subsidy proposals in this case. However, since this case will not be completed before the end of the current hold-in period, and as required by 49 U.S.C. 41734, we must continue to hold Chautauqua in for an additional 30-day period.

By:  Randall Bennett

By Order 2002-6-5, issued June 14, 2002, the Department set short-term final subsidy rates for Chautauqua's hold-in service at Altoona and Johnstown, effective May 1, 2002, until further Department action. By Order 2002-9-22, September 26, 2002, the Department selected Colgan Air to provide essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown for a two-year period. The carrier expects to begin on or about December 1, 2002. Until that time, as required by 49 U.S.C. 41734, we must continue to hold Chautauqua in for an additional 30-day period.

By:  Read C. Van de Water

I believe that Colgan Air offers the best overall package to the residents and visitors of Blair County. My reasoning is Shuttle America has recently emerged from bankruptcy, and in the post September 11th era, in which many airlines have either declared are on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. Since USAir has already declared bankruptcy and that is the airline we work with in this Shuttle Service, I feel Colgan which seems to be on better financial footing than Shuttle America would better serve our needs.

By: Gerald Harrington

By Order 2002-6-5, issued June 14, 2002, the Department set short-term final subsidy rates for Chautauqua's hold-in service at Altoona and Johnstown, effective May 1, 2002, until further Department action. By Order 2002-9-22, September 6, 2002, the Department selected Colgan Air to provide subsidized essential air see vice at Altoona and Johnstown for a two-year period. The carrier expects to begin on or about December 1, 2002- Until that time, as required by 49 U. .C. 41734, we must continue to hold Chautauqua in. for at additional 30-day period.

By: Randall Bennett

Order 04-12-05
OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

Issued December 3, 2004 | Served December 8, 2004

Order Requesting Proposals

By this order, the Department is requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for a new two-year period, with or without subsidy.

Historical traffic for Altoona and Johnstown is detailed in Appendix B. During the year ended March 31, 2004, the most recent 12-month period for which traffic data are available for both communities, Altoona averaged 18.4 enplanements a day, and Johnstown averaged 29.7 enplanements a day. During 2000, the last calendar year not affected by the terrorist attacks, Altoona averaged 49.3 enplanements per day, and Johnstown averaged 58.1 enplanements a day.

By: Karan Bhatia

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

January 6, 2005

Re: Proposal of Colgan Air

Colgan is a regional airline operating Beech 1900 and Saab 340 aircraft as US Airways Express under agreement with US Airways. The services currently offered by Colgan allow seamless connection to US Airways' domestic and international route system via Pittsburgh's Greater Pittsburgh International hub. As the incumbent carrier, Colgan continues to work closely with the community, fostering excellent relationships, working to improve ridership, and surpassing community air service needs, while providing a superior level of passenger service.

Colgan presents five proposed service options with 18 non‑stop or one‑stop trips each week on B 1900 aircraft intended to enhance air service. Although the service proposals utilize Beech 1900 aircraft, Colgan currently operates a Saab 340 aircraft in Johnstown, and will continue to do so as long as the market supports this service.

By: Michael Colgan

http://www.colganair.com/

January 12, 2005

Re: Letter from Aviation Analysis to the Honorable Thomas Martin, Mayor of Altoona, PA

Colgan has advised the Department that it has prepared its cost estimates for all five options based on operating expenses of the Beech 1900D aircraft. However, it currently operates a larger Saab 340 aircraft at Johnstown and would continue to operate that aircraft at the community as long as it was supported by the market. If selected under either Option 4 or Option 5, where one aircraft would be shared by both Altoona and Johnstown, Colgan has advised us that it would likewise operate the Saab aircraft as long as it was supported by the market.

Please note that the estimated average passenger fare shown in a carrier's proposal does not necessarily reflect the average local fare that passengers would actually pay, but rather reflects that portion of the total ticket price, e.g., the Altoona-Pittsburgh portion of an Altoona-(Pittsburgh)-Chicago fare, that would go to the essential air service carrier. Also, the fares shown are net of certain charges such as Federal excise or ticket taxes and Passenger Facility Charges. Of course, Colgan has the discretion to charge fares it deems appropriate, and the passenger fares presented in its proposal have been developed for subsidy rate computation purposes only. Based on the cost elements incorporated in Colgan' s computation summaries, the carrier would have to realize passenger fares comparable to the averages shown in its proposal in order to achieve break-even or profitable operations without subsidy.

By: Office of Aviation Analysis, Dennis DeVany

January 12, 2005

Re: Letter from Aviation Analysis to the Honorable Donato Zucco, Mayor of Johnstown, PA

By: Office of Aviation Analysis, Dennis DeVany

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

January 18, 2005

Re: Comments of Louis and Terri Schenfeld

By: Louis and Terri Schenfeld

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

January 25, 2005

Re: Comments of The Laurel Highlands Health Sciences Library Consortium

By: Heather Brice

Order 05-02-05
OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

Issued and Served February 7, 2005

Order Establishing Interim Rate | Word

Colgan Air, Inc., d/b/a USAirways Express, is now providing essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. By Order 2002-9-23, issued September 26, 2002, the Department established a combined subsidy rate of $847,576 for the carrier’s service at these communities for a two-year period ending November 30, 2004. We have requested proposals from all interested carriers for service for a new two-year period, and Colgan is the only carrier to submit a proposal. However, the selection process has not yet been completed and we must establish an interim rate for Colgan’s service in order for the carrier to continue to be compensated beginning December 1, until this process is completed.

Colgan’s proposal contains five service options, including one (Option 1) that proposes continuing its current service at both communities: three round trips each weekday and three each weekend period routed either AOO-PIT-JST-PIT-AOO or JST-PIT-AOO-PIT-JST. For this service, the carrier requests an annual subsidy of $1,454,387 for service with 19-seat Beech 1900 aircraft. By this order, we will set this proposed rate as an interim rate for Colgan’s service at Altoona and Johnstown, to be effective December 1, 2004, until further notice, pending the completion of the carrier selection case. As an interim subsidy rate, it is subject to retroactive adjustment to December 1, 2004, and the final rate may be higher, lower or the same as the interim rate we are setting here.

By: Randall Bennett

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

February 10, 2005

Re: Comments of Charles Pillar, Blair County Airport Authority Manager

I am the Airport Manager for the Aitoona-Blair County Airport. Due to the current sitution of UsAirways and Pittsburgh International Airport, I beleive that option 2 or 3 submitted by Colgan Air best suites the needs of the patrons of the airport. The number of connections from lAD are much greater that PIT.

By: Charles Pillar

February 10, 2005

Re: Comments of Charles Pillar, Blair County Airport Authority Manager

Colgan Air has performed as outlined in their original proposal of 2002. They have supported the airport and community as a whole. I beleive that providing EAS service to the Dulles International Airport will continue the trend that they have started for this region.

By: Charles Pillar

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

February 11, 2005

Re: Comments of William Minter

By: William Minter

February 14, 2005

Re: Comments of Lanny Ross

By: Lanny Ross

OST-02-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-02-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

March 14, 2005

Re: Comments of The City of Altoona

In my opinion, our citizens and residents would make the most use of the 18 non‑stop round trips each week from Altoona to the Washington Dulles Airport.

By: Thos Martin, Mayor

Order 2005-4-9
OST-2002-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-2002-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

Issued and Served April 8, 2005

Order Selecting Carrier and Setting Subsidy Rate

After a careful review of all of the proposals, as well as all of the community comments submitted, we have decided to select Colgan Air to provide EAS at Altoona and Johnstown for a two‑year period in accordance with its Option 3. We will establish a combined subsidy rate of $1,358,551 per year for service consisting of 18 nonstop round trips each week from Altoona to Washington (Dulles), and 18 nonstop round trips each week from Johnstown to Pittsburgh, with 19‑seat Beech 1900D aircraft. We find that the subsidy amount requested is reasonable for the service to be provided.

By: Karan Bhatia

OST-2002-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-2002-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

January 18, 2006

Recommendation of Colgan Air for Bradford Regional Airport

As you may be aware. Colgan Air commenced scheduled service between the Altoona-Blair County Airport and Dulles International Airport in July 2005. This was in addition to the service that Colgan currently had in place between the Altoona-Blair County Airport and Pittsburgh International. With the start-up of the Dulles service, it didn't take long to see positive results.

With the local business community supporting the destination addition, the declining enplanement numbers quickly stabilized then began a steady upward trend. Load factors increased as well ranging from 15-20%.

I would fully support the efforts that I have experienced from Colgan Air, that they would provide the Bradford Regional Airport with the best available options to the Dulles International Airport.

By: Altoona/Blair County Airport Authority, Charles Pillar

Order 2006-12-10
OST-2002-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-2002-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

Issued December 13, 2006 | Served December 18, 2006

Order Requesting Proposals

By this order, the Department is requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for the two-year period beginning June 1, 2007, with or without subsidy.

With specific respect to Altoona, we expect proposals consisting of three round trips per service day (18 round trips a week) to Washington, DC, with two-pilot, twin-engine, pressurized aircraft having a capacity of at least 15 passenger seats. With respect to Johnstown, we expect proposals consisting of three round trips per service day (18 round trips a week) to Pittsburgh, with two-pilot, twin-engine, pressurized aircraft having a capacity of 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.

By: Todd Homan

OST-2002-11446 - EAS at Altoona, PA
OST-2002-11451 - EAS at Johnstown, PA

January 17, 2007

Proposal of Colgan Air

Our proposal uses two aircraft with one aircraft flying 18 flights per week between Altoona and Washington Dulles and the other flying 18 flights per week between Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Both services would be flown under the USAirways Express brand connecting to United's USAirways coded flights in Washington Duties and to the USAirways network in Pittsburgh arid would require an annual subsidy of $2,363,462. We are bidding all services as Beech-1900D aircraft; however, we plan to continue operating a Saab-340 aircraft on the Johnstown to Pittsburgh market for no additional subsidy as long as it remains economically viable. We also plan to continue operating a 4th Saab-340 flight routed PIT-AOO-JST-PIT at no additional subsidy, thereby giving Johnstown a 4 flight pattern to Pittsburgh while giving Altoona 1 daily flight to Pittsburgh in addition to their subsidized Washington Dulles service. This additional flight will continue as long as it remains economically viable.

From Altoona, PA:

• Subsidized - 3 non-stop flights each weekday and 3 non-stop flights each weekend to Washington Dulles operated with Beech-1900D aircraft.
• Unsubsidized - 1 shared flight daily to Pittsburgh operated with Saab-340 aircraft.

From Johnstown, PA:

• Subsidized - 3 non-stop flights each weekday, 3 non-stop flights each weekend to Pittsburgh operated with Beech-1900D aircraft.
• Unsubsidized - Upgrade of subsidized Johnstown-Pittsburgh service to Saab-340 aircraft and the addition of 1 shared flight daily to Pittsburgh with Saab-340 aircraft.

By: Colgan Air, Michael Colgan, 703-331-3101

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

January 23, 2007

Requests for Community Comments of:

• Altoona-Blair County Airport Manager
• Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Manager
• Mayor of Altoona
• Mayor of Johnstown

As you know, Colgan Air, Inc. is Altoona' s current EAS provider, and their contract expires May 30, 2007. In anticipation of that, we issued Order 2006-12-10, December 13, 2006, which solicited proposals from carriers interested in providing subsidized service at Altoona, as well as at Johnstown, for a new, two-year period, beginning June 1. In response to our request, we received a single proposal from Colgan. Even though there is only, one option for consideration, we want to give you an opportunity to submit any comments on the record before we submit a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.

We request that you review the proposal and submit any comments you may have as soon as possible, but in no case later than February 12. We will carefully consider your comments before we submit a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary for a decision.

By: Dennis DeVany

OST-2002-11446

February 7, 2007

Re: Altoona-Blair County Airport Support for Colgan Air

The Blair County Airport has utilized Colgan over the past four years as its carrier providing service to the Pittsburgh International and the Washington Dulles International airports.

With the reliable service provided by Colgan in the past, the Altoona-Blair County Airport looks forward to another two year term with Colgan as the EAS carrier.

With the recent purchase of Colgan Air, Inc. by Pinnacle Air, we believe that this will only enhance the service that we have grown accustomed to at the Altoona-Blair County Airport. It is for this reason that we fully support the proposal submitted by Colgan Air, Inc.

By: Airport Manager, Charles Pillar, 814-793-2027

Order 2007-2-17
OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

Issued and Served February 16, 2007

Order Selecting Carrier and Establishing Subsidy Rate

By this order, the Department is selecting Colgan Air, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express, to continue providing essential air service at Altoona consisting of 18 weekly nonstop round trips to Washington Dulles and at Johnstown consisting of 18 weekly nonstop round trips to Pittsburgh. The combined annual subsidy is $2,364,462 based on service with 19-seat Beech 1900D turboprop aircraft for the two-year period beginning June 1, 2007, and all service would be operated as US Airways Express.

This case is very straightforward: Colgan is the only applicant, it submitted only one option, and the communities are fully supportive.

By: Andrew Steinberg

February 2, 2007

City of Altoona in Support of Colgan Air

At this time we would like to go on record supporting the selection of Colgan Air. We would also like to recommend that Colgan Air work in cooperation with the airport management on any scheduling changes which would be appropriate.

By: City Manager, Joseph Weakland

February 7, 2007

Altoon/Blair County Airport Authority in Support of Colgan Air

With the reliable service provided by Colgan in the past, the Altoona-Blair County Airport looks forward to another two year term with Colgan as the EAS carrier.

With the recent purchase of Colgan Air, Inc. by Pinnacle Air, we believe that this will only enhance the service that we have grown accustomed to at the Altoona-Blair County Airport. It is for this reason that we fully support the proposal submitted by Colgan Air, Inc.

By: Airport Manager, Charles Pillar

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

January 8, 2008

Proposal of Colgan Air to Modify Existing Subsidized EAS Requirements

By Order 2007-2-17 the Department selected Colgan Air, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express to provide essential air services at Altoona consisting of 18 weekly nonstop round trips to Washington Dulles, and at Johnstown consisting of 18 weekly nonstop round trips to Pittsburgh. The combined annual subsidy is $2,364,462 based on service with 19-seat Beech 1900D turboprop aircraft for the two-year period beginning June 1, 2007, and all service would be operated as US Airways Express.

Colgan proposes to upgrade the equipment type from a 19-seat Beech 1900 aircraft to a cabin class 30/33/34-seat SAAB 340 aircraft. Colgan also proposes increasing the number of roundtrips from 18 weekly to 23 weekly and also proposes changing the service pattern along with a change in Code Share partner.

In order to ensure well-timed flights for both communities connecting to United's banks at the Washington Dulles hub Colgan Air requests the following change in service pattern. Each community will receive 23 weekly roundtrips consisting of a mixture of one stop and non-stop flights to Washington Dulles utilizing a 30/33/34 passenger seat Saab 340 aircraft.

Although each community will now have some one-stop service as well as some non-stop service Colgan Air believes that with the upgrade from a 19-seat Beech 1900 to a 30/33/34-seat Saab 340. and the addition of the United Express brand to the United Washington Dulles Hub along with an additional roundtrip each weekday to both communities, this new service proposal will not have a negative impact on the traveling public and the communities of Altoona and Johnstown, PA.

Colgan will also begin operating this service under the United Express brand, Colgan Air d/b/a United Express. Colgan plans to transition this service on February 4, 2008. We further propose that the annual compensation rate $ 2,364,462 remains the same.

By: Colgan Air, George Casey, 703-656-2520

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

January 14, 2008

Re: Altoona-Blair County Airport in Support of Colgan Air

With the change to United Express and cabin class aircraft operating into the airline's Washington Dulles hub, we believe that this will enhance the connecting opportunities for our travelers. It is for this reason that we fully support the proposal submitted by Colgan Air.

By: Airport Manager, Charles Pillar, 814-793-3872

January 14, 2008

Re: Johnstown-Bambria County Airport Authority in Support of Colgan Air

The proposed change of Express Carriers from US Airways to United on February 4, 2008, addresses our concerns and will enhance the service for this community. With the change to United Express and cabin class aircraft operating into the airlines Washington Dulles Hub, we believe that this will enhance the connecting opportunities for our travelers. It is for this reasons that we fully support the proposal submitted by Colgan Air, Inc.

By: Airport Manager, Terry Summerson

Order 2008-1-9
OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

Issued January 15, 2008 | Served January 18, 2008

Order Approving Alternate Service Patterns and Revising Subsidy Payouts

On January 11, 2008, Colgan submitted a proposal to change Johnston's hub from Pittsburgh to Dulles, and to operate 23 round trips a week at each community, consisting of a mix of nonstop flights and one-stop flights via the other community, in lieu of the 18 nonstop round trips a week at each community authorized by Order 2007-2-17. Colgan proposes to operate the modified service patterns with no change in the previously authorized subsidies, and anticipates implementing the modified patterns on February 4.

We approve the alternate service patterns for Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, proposed by Colgan Air, Inc. We set the final rates of compensation for Colgan Air, Inc., for the provision of essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania from the date on which Colgan implements the proposed service patterns through May 31, 2009.

Altoona $606.19
Johnstown $407.73

By: Todd Homan

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

March 28, 2008

Ninety-Day Notice of Intent of Colgan Air to Terminate Service

Colgan Air, Inc. gives notice ofits intent to terminate service at Altoona/Johnstown, PA ninety days from the date ofthis notice. Colgan Air plans to cease service at Altoona/Johnstown, PA effective June 28, 2008.

Colgan presently operates 23 non-stop round trips weekly between Altoona/Johnstown, PA and Washington Dulles. The current service order calls for service with a 19 passenger Beech 1900 aircraft. Colgan currently operates a 34 passenger Saab 340B aircraft on this service.

Colgan Air has determined that it cannot continue to operate this service economically, without an increase in subsidy due to the unprecedented increases in fuel costs.

By: Colgan, George Casey

Order 2008-4-13
OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

Issued and Served April 7, 2008

Order Prohibiting Termination of Service and Requesting Proposals | Word

By this order, the Department is (a) prohibiting Colgan Air, Inc. d/b/a United Express from terminating its subsidized service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for 30 days beyond the end of its 90-day notice period, and (b) requesting long-term proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service, with or without subsidy, by May 2, 2008.

Because Colgan’s proposed termination of service would leave Altoona and Johnstown without any scheduled air service, we must prohibit the carrier from terminating such service at the end of its 90-say notice period and request proposals for replacement service. We will also require it to maintain service at the communities for an initial 30-day period after the original 90-day notice period consistent with the current contract. Furthermore, we will require Colgan to continue to maintain service at the communities for successive 30-day periods until we have completed processing the carrier replacement case and the new carrier has actually started service.

With respect to Altoona and Johnstown, we expect proposals consisting of three round trips on weekdays and weekends with 15-seat or larger aircraft to Washington Dulles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, or another suitable hub where connections to the national air transportation system can be made. Carriers interested in filing proposals, with or without subsidy requests, should file them no later than May 2, 2008.

By Order 2007-2-17, February 16, 2007, the Department selected Colgan Air, Inc. d/b/a US Airways Express, to provide EAS with subsidy support at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, through May 31, 2009, at a combined annual subsidy rate of $2,364,462. Under that order, Colgan was selected to provide Altoona with three nonstop round trips each weekday and weekend to Washington Dulles and Johnstown with three nonstop round trips each weekday and weekend to Pittsburgh, all with Beech 1900 aircraft. However, Colgan planned to operate the three Johnstown-Pittsburgh round trips with 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft and to provide a fourth daily round trip, routed Pittsburgh-Altoona-Johnstown-Pittsburgh, with Saab 340 aircraft as long as it remained economically viable to do so. Under Order 2008-1-9, January 15, 2008, with full support of the communities, the Department approved Colgan’s request to move Johnstown’s service from Pittsburgh to Washington Dulles International Airport and to operate the service as United Express. The approved service pattern called for 23 nonstop or onestop round trips each week for both Altoona and Johnstown to Washington Dulles, with Saab 340 aircraft, a larger aircraft than Colgan is required to use to serve the communities. On March 28, 2008, Colgan filed a 90-day notice with the Department of its intent to terminate its subsidized service at Altoona and Johnstown effective June 28, 2008. Colgan said it “has determined that it cannot continue to operate this service economically, without an increase in subsidy due to the unprecedented increase in fuel costs.”

By: Michael Reynolds

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

May 2, 2008

Proposals of Colgan Air

Colgan Air, Inc. respectfully submits a proposal to continue providing subsidized service between the communities of Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Washington Dulles International Airport. This proposal uses Saab 340 aircraft and would require a combined annual subsidy of $2,788,845.

The proposed service options for the northeastern Pennsylvania communities are as follows: Altoona 18 round-trips per week operated as a combination of one-stop and nonstop service to Washington-Dulles; Johnstown 18 round-trips each week operated as a combination of one-stop and non-stop service to Washington-Dulles.

By: Colgan, George Casey, 703-331-3101

May 2, 2008

Proposals of Gulfstream International Airlines | Word

Gulfstream intends to operate these flights under its existing codeshare agreement with Continental Airlines to its hub in Cleveland, Ohio. Gulfstream believes that the strength of the Continental hub at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will have a positive effect on ridership. In compliance with Public Law 100-223, Gulfstream proposes to operate these flights using Beech 1900D turboprops that are pressurized and accommodate 19 passengers to the, FAA defined, medium-sized hub at Cleveland, OH. Two service patterns are offered.

The proposed service pattern (Option 1) features 48 weekly frequencies between Altoona, Johnstown and Cleveland, Ohio. This service constitutes four weekday roundtrips operating on a CLE-AOO-JST-CLE or CLE-JST-AOO-CLE routing. The schedule, as we currently envision it, would provide Altoona with one outbound non-stop flight along with three one-stop outbound departures each weekday. Weekday inbound service would consist of two non-stop and two one-stop flights. Johnstown would receive three non-stop outbound departures along with a single one-stop departure. Weekday inbound service would consist of two non-stop and two one-stop flights. Weekend service for each community would consist of one nonstop and one one-stop flight in each direction on both Saturday and Sunday.

The second service pattern (Option 2) features 36 weekly frequencies between Altoona, Johnstown and Cleveland, Ohio. This service is made up of three weekday roundtrips operating on a CLE-AOO-JST-CLE or CLE-JST-AOO-CLE routing. The schedule, as we currently envision it, would provide Altoona with one outbound non-stop flight along with two one-stop outbound departures each weekday. Inbound service would consist of one non-stop and two one-stop flights. Johnstown would receive two non-stop outbound departures along with a single one-stop departure. Weekday inbound service would consist of two nonstop and one one-stop flights. Weekend service for Altoona would feature a single one-stop roundtrip on Saturday and two one-stop outbound trips with one non-stop and one one-stop inbound trip on Sunday. Weekend service for Johnstown would feature a single non-stop roundtrip on Saturday with two non-stop outbound trips and one non-stop and one one-stop inbound trip on Sunday.

By: Gulfstream, Mickey Bowman

OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

May 9, 2008

Request for Community Comments of:

• Altoona-Blair County Airport Manager
• Altoona Mayor
• Airport Manager - John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport
• Johnstown Mayor

My purpose in writing to you at this time is to request any final comments you might have on the caixiers' 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 June 3, 2008.

Colgan's proposal would offer service to Altoona and Johnstown from Washington Dulles International Airport utilizing Saab 340 aircraft, operating as United Express. Altoona and Johnstown would each receive three weekday and three weekend round trips operated as a combination of one-stop and nonstop service to Washington Dulles, similar to the cunent service pattern, for a combined annual subsidy of $2,788,845.

Gulfstream has proposed two options, both of which would be provided to Cleveland utilizing Beech 1900 aircraft. Option I would offer four weekday round trips and reduced weekend service operating on a Cleveland-Altoona-Johnstown-Cleveland or Cleveland-Johnstown-Altoona-Cleveland routing, for a combined annual subsidy of $3,172,860. Option 2 would offer three weekday round trips and reduced weekend service operating on a Cleveland - Altoona - Johnstown - Cleveland or Cleveland - Johnstown - Altoona - Cleveland routing, for a combined annual subsidy of 52.636,707. Gulfstream's service would be operated in conjunction with its existing codeshare asreement with Continental Airlines.

By: Dennis DeVany

May 25, 2008

Email Message - Comments of Carol Snyder in Support of Colgan Air

I am concerned about the travel at the Blair County airport. I liked it when USAir was here. But I can go to Dulles, as I am scheduled to go to Canada from Dulles in July, and will be landing at Altoona. If you get planes in here that go to Cleveland, you might as well close up the airport. Have lived in the Cove for 55 years. I think we have a great airport, and wish to keep it like it is right now. So try and keep Colgan Air here.

By: Carol Snyder

May 28, 2008

Re: Blair County Airport Authority and Cambria County Airport Authority in Support of Colgan Air

The airports believe that the partnership that has been established with Colgan Air and with the change to United Express have the best interest in mind of both the airports and the local travelers. Blair County and Cambria County Airport Authority fully supports the proposal submitted by Colgan Air to provide continued EAS in the respective markets.

By: Charles Pillar and Scott Voelker

May 30, 2008

Re: Altoona-Blair County Development Corp. in Support of Colgan Air

With due respect to the Gulfstream International proposal, I am very confident that selection of either of Gulfstream's proposals would move us in a negative direction in air service for Blair County and surrounding counties. Both options from Gulfstream propose using the Beech 1900, a 19-passenger aircraft, which in its time was an efficient aircraft. However, it is one now being deleted from service by many carriers due to its maintenance issues and nonexistent parts inventory.

My comments are made only with the intent to express "lessons learned" in a market that is finally showing progress with community support and positive numbers. Colgan Air, Inc. has an excellent safety record, coupled with dependable Cabin Class equipment, that will continue to enhance our growth for the future.

By: Martin Marasco

May 30, 2008

Pennsylvania State Senator John Eichelberger in Support of Colgan Air

The combined leadership of Altoona-Blair County Airport along with Colgan Air has played a major role in the success that our region has experienced. In my previous role as a Blair County Commissioner, I oversaw the Airport Authority for many years and had the opportunity to work with the Colgan family. We have relied heavily upon their expertise and guidance with regard to passenger satisfaction, therefore, it is my hope that full consideration will be given to their concerns about Essential Air Service.

By: John Eichelberger, 717-787-5490

Order 2008-6-10
OST-2002-11446 - Altoona
OST-2002-11451 - Johnstown

Issued June 10, 2008 | Served June 13, 2008

Order Reselecting Carrier

By this order, the Department is reselecting Colgan Air, Inc. d/b/a United Express to provide subsidized essential air service at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at a total annual subsidy rate of $2,788,845, for the period from of June 15, 2008, through June 30, 2010.

By Order 2007-2-17, February 16, 2007, the Department selected Colgan Air, Inc. d/b/a US Airways Express, to provide EAS with subsidy support at Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, through May 31, 2009, at a combined annual subsidy rate of $2,364,462. Under that order, Colgan was selected to provide Altoona with three nonstop round trips each weekday and weekend to Washington Dulles and Johnstown with three nonstop round trips each weekday and weekend to Pittsburgh, all with Beech 1900 aircraft. However, Colgan planned to operate the three Johnstown – Pittsburgh round trips with 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft and to provide a fourth daily round trip, routed Pittsburgh – Altoona – Johnstown – Pittsburgh, with Saab 340 aircraft as long as it remained economically viable to do so. Under Order 2008-1-9, January 15, 2008, with full support of the communities, the Department approved Colgan’s request to move Johnstown’s service from Pittsburgh to Washington Dulles International Airport and to operate the service as United Express. The approved service pattern called for 23 nonstop or one-stop round trips each week for both Altoona and Johnstown to Washington Dulles, with Saab 340 aircraft, a larger aircraft than Colgan is required to use to serve the communities. On March 28, 2008, Colgan filed a 90-day notice with the Department of its intent to terminate its subsidized service at Altoona and Johnstown effective June 28, 2008. Colgan said it “has determined that it cannot continue to operate this service economically, without an increase in subsidy due to the unprecedented increase in fuel costs.” In response to Colgan’s 90-day notice to terminate service, by Order 2008-4-13, April 7, 2008, the Department solicited proposals from all interested air carriers to provide service at Altoona and Johnstown.

By: Michael Reynolds

Re: City of Altoona in Support of Colgan Air

I believe that the EAS option offered by Colgan Air, Inc. is superior to that of Gulfstream International. The selection of Gulfstream International would move our air service in a negative direction.

By: City Manager Joseph Weakland

June 2, 2008

Re: Blair County Chamber of Commerce in Support of Colgan Air

On behalf of the 1018 businesses and organizations that comprise the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, it is my pleasure to support Colgan Air as it applies for continued subsidy from EAS.

By: Joseph Hurd

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