Essential Air Service at Merced, California

Order 2005-11-20
OST-1998-3251

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 Merced, California, for a new two-year period, with or without subsidy.

With specific respect to Merced, we expect proposals consisting of service, at a minimum, with two-pilot, twin-engine aircraft with at least 15 passenger seats, and offering 12 to 14 round trips a week to Las Vegas. Such service is generally consistent with what the community currently receives, and fully satisfies its essential air service requirements. 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 Merced on November 1,2001, in response to our selection and was selected for another two-year award from April 1,2004 through March 31, 2006. During the 12-month period ended October 2005, Merced averaged nearly 46 passengers per day (23 inbound and 23 outbound). We note that traffic levels have steadily increased since Scenic started serving the route.

By: Todd Homan