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DOT selects SeaPort Airlines as new service provider
Salina, Kan., (March 12, 2010) - The Department of
Transportation announced its selection of SeaPort Airlines as Salina's new
essential air service provider, today.
SeaPort Airlines is slated to provide Salina with three
nonstop roundtrip flights Sunday through Friday and one outbound flight on
Saturday to Kansas City with a 9-seat Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for a
first-year subsidy of $1,489,435 and a second year of $1,493, 381.
Four air service providers responded to the DOT's request for
proposals from air carriers interested in serving Salina for a new,
two-year term. After carefully
reviewing each carrier's proposal and considering community preference, the
DOT selected SeaPort Airlines' proposal.
A letter from Mayor Luci Larson to the DOT's director of the
Office of Aviation Analysis, Todd Horman, outlined the rationale behind
local civic and political leaders' recommendation of SeaPort Airlines.
The letter states that SeaPort Airlines will provide a greater
frequency of flights and lower fares along with an aggressive customer
service plan and the availability of government and military rates. The letter also explains that the airline
will be more actively involved in community events and contribute to
economic growth with an aircraft that is "right-sized" for
Salina.
"We find that the service subsidy levels are reasonable,
and will meet with the community's EAS needs," reads Order
2010-3-17.
The Order goes on to say that the DOT expects "Great
Lakes and SeaPort to coordinate a smooth transition" and for Great
Lakes to notify all passengers affected by the change "and to secure
alternative air transportation for such passengers or to provide a full
refund of the ticket price, without penalty."
Travel through SeaPort Airlines is expected to be available
for booking in early April by calling 888.573.2767 or through www.SeaPortAirlines.com.
For information regarding travel already booked with Great
Lakes Airlines please call 800.554.5111 or visit www.flygreatlakes.com.
All public information associated with this selection may be
accessed online at www.regulations.gov by entering "DOT-OST-2002-11376."
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