[Press Release] : City Manager’s Statement on Local Air Service

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: 
Toni Messina, Communications Director, 573-874-7660
Bill Watkins, City Manager, 573-874-6338
Jill Stedem, Public Works Public Information Officer, 573-874-7217

City Manager’s Statement on Local Air Service

COLUMBIA, MO (January 22, 2008) - “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)

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/documents/pr-midwestair.pdf


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