Essential Air Service at Mayaguez and Ponce, Puerto Rico

Order 2007-2-4
OST-2004-19622 - EAS at Mayaguez, PR
OST-1999-6592 - EAS at Ponce, PR

Issued February 1, 2007 | Served February 6, 2007

Order Requesting Proposals

By this order, the Department is requesting proposals from carriers interested in providing essential air service at Mayaguez and Ponce, Puerto Rico, for a new two-year period, with or without subsidy, beginning May 1, 2007.

Specifically for Mayaguez and Ponce, we request proposals for service consisting of five nonstop round trips a week during the 8-month peak season, and three nonstop round trips a week during the 4-month off-peak season to San Juan with 8 or 9-seat aircraft, Normally, we would expect proposals consisting of service with two-pilot, twin-engine aircraft with at least 15 passenger seats. However, Cape Air has provided a higher level of frequency with smaller aircraft for a number of years, which both communities have supported. If carriers propose larger aircraft, e.g., 19-seaters, we would be inclined to authorize subsidy for two round trips a day, six days a week, year-round. We encourage proposals that meet these requirements in an efficient manner. Carriers are also welcome to propose more than one option, if they choose; they need not limit themselves to those requirements if they envision other, potentially more attractive service possibilities with subsidy requirements that remain competitive.

By: Todd Homan