DAINES DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AFTER 19 MONTHS OF RADIO SILENCE ON SKYWEST CHARTER'S COMMUTER APPLICATION

Letter

"I write today regarding my ongoing concerns with the impact declining access to small community air service is having on Montana and to seek immediate action on SkyWest Charter's application for a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization. Communities across the state rely on this vital service and face severe economic hardship if action is not taken immediately to provide relief. As you know, SkyWest is seeking commuter authority in an effort to combat the ongoing pilot shortage while continuing to provide and expand air service to small communities across the country. Although SkyWest's application was submitted to your agency more than a year-and-a-half ago, no action has been taken on your part since. This is despite my June 2023 letter to you on this subject and other outreach from various Montana community groups that are directly impacted by your lack of action on this matter. Air service is not a luxury for many rural Montanans, but rather a necessity. Without reliable air service, they often cannot access critical medical services and many communities rely upon the economic lifeline it provides. Communities like Butte and West Yellowstone stand to bear the brunt of the negative consequences from continued inaction, including hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity lost."

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