News

Big Sky Airlines lands new contract for air routes

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Montana’s Essential Air Service routes to Big Sky Airlines for another two years.

Montana has eight EAS points: Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Lewistown, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point, plus seasonal service to West Yellowstone.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040210/localnews/387326.html

"Big Sky’s long history of service to Montana, together with its proposed fair structure, code-sharing agreements, and connecting hub in Billings make it the ideal carrier to serve Montana’s rural passengers," said U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., in announcing the decision Monday.

Big Sky’s bid was supported by the mayors of all seven cities, Gov. Judy Martz and the governor’s Essential Air Service task force.

The department selected Big Sky over a competing bid from Mesa Air on behalf of its subsidiary, Air Midwest Inc.

The renewed contract will guarantee Big Sky more than $5.7 million per year through February, 2006, at no cost to local governments.

John Rabenberg, chairman of the task force, said he was very pleased with the Department of Transportation’s decision.

"The competition was from down South, and we appreciate Big Sky because they are familiar with us and have communication with local companies," Rabenberg said. "The Department of Transportation did the exact right thing."

In a letter sent to the Department of Transportation Jan. 15, Rabenberg also pointed out that Big Sky employs more than 200 Montanans and offers reduced fares for short-notice travel so that passengers aren’t forced to drive.

Six additional organizations backed Big Sky in a letter that called Big Sky’s proposal superior to Mesa Air Group Inc. in terms of schedule frequency, affordable fares and code-share partners.

Congress authorized the EAS program to guarantee a minimum level of air carrier service to small communities.

The Department of Transportation currently subsidizes air service to approximately 38 rural communities in the continental U.S.

Posted in:

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.