City manager's statement on local air service

Below is the text of a statement released Tuesday afternoon:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 22, 2008

Media Advisory

City Manager’s Statement on Local Air Service

“Today we received a copy of a notice filed by Air Midwest indicating its intent to end Essential Air Service (EAS) to Columbia Regional Airport, effective April 20, 2008. Our two-year agreement with that company is scheduled to expire this October.

In its letter, Air Midwest said that it was complying with the 90-day notice requirement found in regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Anyone who objects to this action has 20 days to object, and the City of Columbia will do so.

We’re talking with the USDOT about our options, and we will work to keep Air Midwest serving this region as long as it is a viable company.

Other communities – in Missouri and in other states – have received similar notices in the last few days. We expect that the Department of Transportation will enforce the EAS agreement, and we will continue to recruit stable, suitable air carriers for this region.”

(Please see attached notice for more background)