Report Prepared by: Rhett Williams, Airport Manager, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport and Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Essential Air Service Proposal Recommendation from the EAS Subcommittee for Consideration by the Regional Airport Authority and Forwarding a Recommendation to the Merced City Council
REPORT IN BRIEF: The Essential Air Service Subcommittee will provide a recommendation to the Regional Airport Authority regarding the proposals submitted by the four airlines. The Regional Airport Authority will forward a recommendation to the Merced City Council
RECOMMENDATION
Regional Airport Authority - Adopt a motion:
The EAS RAA Subcommittee recommends that the Regional Airport Authority recommend to the Merced City Council the following two options:
Option 1) Recommend to the US Department of Transportation that Skywest
Charter with service to Los Angeles International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) serve the City of Merced as the Essential Air Service provider; and,
Option 2) Recommend to the US Department of Transportation that Contour
Airlines with Service to Los Angeles International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) serve the City of Merced as the Essential Air Service provider.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, providing the recommendation, dual options, to the City Council per the EAS Subcommittee; or,
2. Provide an alternative recommendation; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration as requested by the Regional Airport Authority.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et. seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As adopted in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
DISCUSSION
The US Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Essential Air Service (EAS) program was created in response to passing of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 to address concerns for continued air carrier service to rural areas of the United States. The City of Merced has participated in the EAS...
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