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OST-2008-0205 - EAS at North Bend/Coos Bay, OR
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Essential Air Service at North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon June 27, 2008 Re: Notice of Termination of Service of Horizon Air Horizon Air Industries, lnc. respectfully serves notice upon the Department of Transportation of the intent of Horizon Air, to discontinue scheduled non-subsidized Essential Air Service between North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon and Portland, Oregon effective October 11, 2008. Horizon Air is currently operating three nonstop flights Sunday-Friday and two nonstop flights on Saturdays to Portland, Oregon using 37 passenger Bombardier Dash-8 Q200 aircraft. Horizon offers a 4th flight during the summer months. SkyWest Airlines operating as United Express has planned 2 daily roundtrip flights to San Francisco using 30 passenger Embraer EMB-120s starting July 7, 2008. Increased fuel costs, and other operating costs plus the retirement of the Dash-8-200 from the fleet are reasons why Horizon Air is respectfully requesting the Department of Transportation to allow Horizon Air to end service. By: Horizon Air, Dan Russo, 206-431-4513
July 15, 2008 The Objector requests that the DOT, by order, prohibit the requested termination of service by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. In addition, or in the alternative, the objector requests that the DOT determine and/or affirm its prior EAS determination set forth in CAB/DOT Order 1984-12-137, which designated Portland as the hub for North Bend/Coos Bay's essential air service. Finally, the DOT should amend its Order 1984-12-137 to guarantee increased capacity with direct flights for North Bend to Portland. In its Notice of Termination, Horizon asserts that its termination of service to Portland will not reduce levels of service below the level set forth in the essential air service determination Order 1984-12-137. In that order, the Civil Aeronautics Board specifically determined that Portland, not San Francisco, would be the only hub airport designated for EAS to North Bend/Coos Bay. In addition, that Order describes the minimum level of EAS service as being twice daily round-trip flights to Portland. Therefore, Horizon's assertion that the EAS levels set forth in the 1984 Order would be maintained after its termination of service is not correct. The objector understands that Horizon Air currently serves the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in a subsidy-free basis. The objector does not oppose the payment of a subsidy to Horizon, or any other certified air carrier, in order to maintain essential air service in the form of direct flights to Portland.
July 15, 2008 The Objector requests that the DOT, by order, prohibit the requested termination of service by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. In addition, or in the alternative, the objector requests that the DOT determine and/or affirm its prior EAS determination set forth in CAB/DOT Order 1984-12-137, which designated Portland as the hub for North Bend/Coos Bay's essential air service. Finally, the DOT should amend its Order 1984-12-137 to guarantee increased capacity with direct flights for North Bend to Portland. In its Notice of Termination, Horizon asserts that its termination of service to Portland will not reduce levels of service below the level set forth in the essential air service determination Order 1984-12-137. In that order, the Civil Aeronautics Board specifically determined that Portland, not San Francisco, would be the only hub airport designated for EAS to North Bend/Coos Bay. In addition, that Order describes the minimum level of EAS service as being twice daily round-trip flights to Portland. Therefore, Horizon's assertion that the EAS levels set forth in the 1984 Order would be maintained after its termination of service is not correct. The objector understands that Horizon Air currently serves the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in a subsidy-free basis. The objector does not oppose the payment of a subsidy to Horizon, or any other certified air carrier, in order to maintain essential air service in the form of direct flights to Portland.
July 14, 2008 Re: Objection to Termination of Service Having been to the North Bend airport several times per year during the last few years, it is very difficult for us to believe that Horizon is not making money. The flights are full, and getting on one is not necessarily a given. With the success of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, their flights have been closer to capacity than ever before, and they didn't seem to need government subsidies to run them before Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Now they say they are losing money? We think it is sour grapes, and if that is the case, why didn't they come up with the idea of running flights through North Bend to San Francisco themselves? One of their excuses was they lose money when there are no connecting flights. That would have remedied that excuse. If they want us to use their connecting flights, then maybe they should have more flights around the United States, not less. We urge you to not grant Horizon's termination of air service between North Bend and Portland, Oregon. By: Dennis and Nora Thomason
July 17, 2008 Re: Objection of Coos County Airport District As it is now operated, Horizon Air’s service from North Bend to Portland is heavily used. In 2007, nearly 38,000 passengers – or more than 100 per day – enplaned at the airport. Many of those passengers were members of the local business community who were taking advantage of the same-day, round-trip service to Portland, the state’s most important business center. In fact, despite North Bend’s location on the distant southwestern Oregon coast, the region is intricately and entirely linked to the state economy through Portland. Cutting off North Bend’s air service to Portland, therefore, will only serve to economically isolate the region. Furthermore, driving to Portland, which is nearly 220 miles away from North Bend, is not feasible for many customers, and the next closest airport is still more than 110 miles away, in Eugene. Allowing suspension of the Portland service would deprive essential air service to the citizens and businesses of North Bend. The District believes that adequate air carrier service is critical to the economic health of the airport and to North Bend and the surrounding communities. Counsel: K&L Gates, Jonathan Blank, 202-778-9000
July 18, 2008 Re: Objection of South Coast Development Council to Termination of Service The Objector requests that the DOT, by order, prohibit the requested termination of service by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. In addition, or in the alternative, the objector requests that the DOT determine and/or affirm its prior EAS determination set forth in CAB/DOT Order 1984-12-137, which designated Portland as the hub for North Bend/Coos Bay's essential air service. Finally, the DOT should amend its Order 1984-12-137 to guarantee increased capacity with direct flights for North Bend to Portland. In its Notice of Termination, Horizon asserts that its termination of service to Portland will not reduce levels of service below the level set forth in the essential air service determination Order 1984-12-137. In that order, the Civil Aeronautics Board specifically determined that Portland, not San Francisco, would be the only hub airport designated for EAS to North Bend/Coos Bay. In addition, that Order describes the minimum level of EAS service as being twice daily round-trip flights to Portland. Therefore, Horizon's assertion that the EAS levels set forth in the 1984 Order would be maintained after its termination of service is not correct. The objector understands that Horizon Air currently serves the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in a subsidy-free basis. The objector does not oppose the payment of a subsidy to Horizon, or any other certified air carrier, in order to maintain essential air service in the form of direct flights to Portland.
July 24, 2008 Re: Objection of Debra Groom to Termination of Service I represent the medical director of the blood bank at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon. Our hospital facilitates the triaging of blood transfusion products for all 5 hospitals on the south Oregon coast from Reedsport to Gold Beach. All blood products are supplied by the American Red Cross in Portland. The supply of blood products requires more than 2 flights a day because of the limited expiration date of certain products (platelets), the need to supply special types of products to a subset of patients (oncology, presence of antibodies, etc.), and the need for emergent resupply due to events that require large amounts of products such as trauma. We also need this service to send patient blood samples to Portland for special testing (antibody workup) so that apropriate and safe blood products can be selected. Portland is at least 8 hours round trip by vehicle from Coos Bay - we do not have the time to wait when caring for these critically ill patients. In addition, there have been times when the mountain passes are closed due to weather which would place us in a crisis mode. By: Debra Groom, M.D.
July 24, 2008 Email Message - Objection to Termination of Service Residents here are stranded by the removal of Horizon Air flights between North Bend and Portland, OR. We rely, I for one being disabled, on timely medical assistance in Portland 170 air miles away at a cost of approximately $200, not 410 miles to San Francisco at a cost of approximately $425. Roads between here and Eugene/Portland are impassable at times in winter, etc. due to storms, snow and mudslides. The World, our local newspaper states today "Even though the official response period ended on July 17, late responses could still be considered, since the DOT has not made its final determination." This then constitutes my formal submitted of rebuttal to Horizon Air's request to remove service from North Bend to Portland and if allowable, also encompasses the attached filing and psychology from the City of North Bend, OR. By: Julia Ladden, 541-269-2300
July 21, 2008 Re: City of Bandon Opposed to Termination of Service On behalf of the City of Bandon and all those in our county who depend so heavily on Horizon Air, I request that the DOT, by order, prohibit the requested termination of service by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. In addition, or in the alternative, I request that the DOT determine and/or affirm its prior EAS determination set forth in CAB/DOT Order 1984-12-137, which designated Portland as the hub for North Bend/Coos Bay's essential air service. Finally, the DOT should amend its Order 1984-12-137 to guarantee increased capacity with direct flights for North Bend to Portland. By: City of Bandon Mayor Mary Schamehorn
July 30, 2008 Re: Comments of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Inc. was dismayed to learn that Horizon Air plans to discontinue all flights out of Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, located in North Bend, Oregon to Portland International Airport located in Portland, Oregon. Coos-Curry Electric hopes that Horizon Air has explored all possibilities such as sharing the cost of terminal employees with Sky West to keep the North Bend airport flights to Portland. By: Roger Meader
August 4, 2008 Continued air transportation is critical to the economic future of this area. At present I am working with two large businesses that have a strong desire to locate in this region. One is set to make a 50 to 75 million dollar investment and the other is committed to making a 100 million dollar investment. Without the current air transportation the second one will fail for sure and the first one is in doubt because of this announcement. This community and region has worked very hard to first retain and then enhance traffic volume on Horizon Air. Many large strides have been made in this direction and the payoff is just starting. The need for continued air service is critical.
August 4, 2008 Please consider this among late responses. I am an 83 year old grandma with family in the Portland to Seattle area. Visiting via Horizon is convenient, for I can get a taxi in North Bend and they can meet me at the other end. Not only that, we have made trips to help one another in times of physical need, the latest being in November to January when I had a disatded shoulder. I have absolutely no family nor any business interests south of North Bend. Therefore I am adding my request to those of many bodies more august than myself. I deeply appreciate their work on behalf of southwest Oregon. Please do not deprive me or my family of decent transportation. By: Jean McNamer
July 30, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Freeman Marine Equipment In view of the impact that cancellation of flights between North Bend and Portland would have on the people and economy of Coos and Curry Counties, Freeman Marine strongly encourages the DOT to take every measure necessary to ensure these commercial flights continue. By: Bo Shindler
July 31, 2008 Re: Support Letter of James and Alyce Cawdrey We would like to add our names to those who are opposed to the cancellation of flights out of North Bend, Oregon by Horizon Airlines. By: James and Alyce Cawdrey
July 30, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Margaret Wiggin I am not fond of long driving trips and feel that flying is much safer; therefore, I ask you to find a way to continue service from North Bend/Coos Bay to Portland. By: Margaret Wiggin, 541-888-6175
July 30, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Lois Bowen Please do what you can to help this area get funding to keep our air service to Portland This is particularly important to me as my grandson has a brain tumor and being able to Get to Portland quickly is often crucial. By: Lois Bowen
July 30, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Violet Carriker The lack of these Fights by 'HORIZON AIR' can jeopardize both health and business within the whole surrounding community. This short notice is both difficult for those needing transportation as well as speedy needs of Bay Area hospital and surrounding hospitals and others. By: Violet Carriker
August 8, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Leonard Luttrell I request your assistance in obtaining new or continuing the current air service from Portland, OR to North Bend, OR. Our present carrier is Horizon Air and they have notified us they are discontinuing service to North Bend Airport. By: Leonard Luttrell
July 30, 2008 Re: Letter of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort We understand the motivation for Horizon's business decision to move to a fleet of all 76-seat aircraft but the fallout of this decision is catastrophic for North Bend. We urgently request that all appropriate steps be taken to continue Horizon Air service between North Bend and Portland or that other steps be taken to find a suitable replacement. By: Hank Hikcox
August 5, 2008 Re: Objection Letter of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce The Chamber was amazed to learn of Horizon Air Industries plans to discontinue all flights out of the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, located in North Bend, effective October 11, 2008. We strongly object to that action. The proposed actions by Horizon Air will economically isolate our region. We believe a reasonable level of essential air service to the community Is not less than twice dally direct flights to Portland, regardless of any additional flights that may exist to San Francisco. We ask that the US DOT acknowledge that fact and the regional need by rejecting the proposed termination of service. By: Ken Croes
August 11, 2008 Re: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Opposition to Termination of Service We understand the motivation for Horizon's business decision to move to a fleet of all 76-seat aircraft but the fallout of this decision is catastrophic for North Bend. We urgently request that all appropriate steps be taken to continue Horizon Air service between North Bend and Portland or that other steps be taken to find a suitable replacement. By: Hank Hickox
August 12, 2008 Re: Form Letter Objection to Termination of Service I understand that Horizon Air currently serves the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in a subsidy-free basis. I encourage the payment of a subsidy to Horizon, or any other certified air carrier, and a state funding of advertising to promote both routes in order to maintain essential air service in the form of direct flights to Portland. By: Melody Gillard-Juarez
Order 2008-8-25 Issued August 25, 2008 | Served August 28, 2008 Order Allowing Suspension of Service After carefully reviewing all of the facts in this case, we have decided to allow Horizon Air to suspend service at both Klamath Falls and North Bend/Coos Bay, effective on October 11, 2008. We find that the service provided by Sky West meets the core responsibility of the EAS program to provide Klamath Falls and North Bend/Coos Bay a continuing link to the national air transportation system through a medium or large hub airport with significant numbers of connecting services. We also find that San Francisco meets our regulations to qualify as an EAS hub for both communities. As a code-share partner of United Air Lines, SkyWest offers Klamath Falls and North Bend/Coos Bay travelers seamless, on-line connecting service across United Air Lines' route system. Going forward, we urge SkyWest and the communities and state to work together to develop service patterns that are mutually beneficial. By: Michael Reynolds
August 18, 2008 Re: Comments of Big Wheel General Store ALTHOUGH SKY WEST HAS INITIATED SERVICE FROM NORTH BEND SOUTH, THIS DOES NOT FILL THE VOID THAT HORIZON WILL CREATE BY ELIMINATING SERVICE TO/FROM THE PORTLAND AREA. WE UNDERSTAND THE MOTIVATION FOR HORIZON'S DECISION TO ELIMINATE SERVICE TO THIS AREA, HOWEVER, NOT ADDRESSING THE NEED AND SEEKING A REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE A VERY NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE SOUTH COAST. WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT ALL APPROPRIATE STEPS BE TAKEN TO CONTINUE HORIZON AIR SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH BEND AND PORTLAND OR A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT SO THAT THE ECONOMIC STATE OF THE SOUTH COAST WILL CONTINUE IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION. By: Don and Marykay Whitmer
August 21, 2008 The proposed elimination of northbound flights out of North Bend airport will make a difficult life much more difficult. My husband is disabled due to a devastating stroke 10 years ago. His ability to sit for longer than 2 hours is very limited and we were able to make trips to LA by flying to Portland and then into LA reasonably comfortable. If the northbound flights are cancelled there is a diminished chance for any trips because the trip to Eugene would be too much in a car. By: Geri Procetto
August 22, 2008 Although Alaska Airlines has ceased air transportation this month on flights leaving North Bend, OR. to Portland, OR, we hopefully can depend on Horizon Airlines to continue air transportation to Portland. Coastline commuters and travelers will have a complete setback if all air transportation ceases. I hope Horizon will include air fare up and down the coast to Washington northbound and California southbound. By: Feliz Trevino
August 18, 2008 Re: Support Letter of Bandon Chamber of Commerce There is no other way to put this; loss of air service between Portland and North Bend would be catastrophic to Coos and Curry County. The Bandon Chamber of Commerce and the Bandon Economic Development Council respectfully requests that all necessary steps be taken that to find a suitable replacement. By: Julie Miller
August 26, 2008 Re: Letter of SharonLee Danielson I am writing this letter in objection to the proposed termination of flight service by Horizon Airline between Southern Oregon Regional Airport, North Bend, OR and Portland International Airport, as well as to solicit your help in the continuation of this service by Horizon or another suitable carrier. By: SharonLee Danielson
September 2, 2008 Horizon needs to continue flights to OTH. Their business decision is shortsighted and selfish. Air travel is a vital necessity for the economy, health and safety of those who live on the south coast of Oregon from Florence to Gold Beach. By: Ralph Mohr |
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