Report Prepared by: Martin Pehl, Airport Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Merced Regional Airport Authority Recommendation for the Advanced Air-Option 2 (1st Choice), Advanced Air-Option 3 (2nd Choice) and Southern Airlines (3rd Choice) as the Airline Carrier to Serve the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport Under the Essential Air Service and Make a Recommendation to the Department of Transportation
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the Merced Regional Airport Authority's recommendation for air carrier service to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding a selection of an essential air service carrier provider for the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Regional Airport Authority's recommendation for air carrier service to the U.S. Department of Transportation concerning selection of an essential air service provider by priority as follows:
1. Advanced Air, Option 2 (KLAS/KHHR PC12); or,
2. Advanced Air, Option 3 (KLAS/KLAX PC 12); or,
3. Southern Airways, Option D; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by the Merced Regional Airport Authority, or;
2. Approve a different recommendation to the Department of Transportation (specify in motion), or;
3. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200; Merced Municipal Code Section 2.36.020.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2020-21 Adopted 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 (Attachment A). The City of Merced has participated in the EAS program since 1982. The EAS program provides an operating subsidy to the air carrier serving the Merced market through a contract between the US ...
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