### "**~;·•x'** 

# CITY OF MERCED "Gateway to Yosemire"

Merced Regional Airport July 18, 2012 Dennis J. DeVany U.S. DepartmentofTransportation Office ofAviation Analysis, X-53 W86-308 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, DC 20590 :•**~** ..

·.If

Telephone 209/385--6873

Re: OrderNo. 2010-5-4, Order**Reques~ng** Proposals DearMr. DeVany,**~** .. • 4 • ' ••**~.·** ' ••**~·**

Fax 209/388-8994

., The Regional Airport Authority (RAA) has reviewed the Department ofTransportation (DOT) 2012-5- 11, Order Requesting Proposals, as well as the responses by both GreatLakes ,Aviation, Ltd. and SeaPort Airlines, Inc. Atthe regularly scheduled RAA meeting on July 17, 2012, RAAmembers, airport staff,. and interested community membersmetto discuss the proposals and provided comments for DOT consideration. A subcommittee ofthe RAA reviewed the proposals and provided a presentation at the July 17, 2012, meetingwhich outlined similarities and differences, and described information derived from reference checks conducted as a part ofthe review process. Afterreviewing the proposals and listening to the presentation provided by the subcommittee, the RAA felt both proposals provided strong arguments and advantages. However, after weighing all factors, the RAA recommends and supports the proposal submitted by GreatLakes Airlines. 'Great Lakes Airlines has provided four years ofexcellent service, increased schedule frequency, improved reliability, and it has succeeded inadding service to and from both McCarran International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. As was the case two years ago, RAA members unanimously agreed on five focus areas thatthe selected airline would need to achieve, at a minimum, in order to provide a satisfactory level ofservice. We believe that ourultimate goal ofproviding the regional community with the best service possible to encourage greater passengerutilization and increase enplanements to levels expected for a region ofthis

. size, and ultimately be able to operate without federal subsidy is also embraced DOT. We believe that addressing these five areas, which are identified below, will help accomplish our shared goal..**~** . ._ ' 

# .. .•......**·~** ' ..."_.. I•

1. Aircraft Reliability. Aircraft relialUlity is paramount. Business and leisure travelers alike should feel confidentin their**ahility"ta~uya** ticket and be flown safely to their destination in time for meetings,**appoin~en!S~ orJol.~:.on**  connections. Multiple cancellations and delays drive away ridership and significai1tlyincrease marketing costs. 2. Ourultimate desire is to grow ourenplanements to a level no longerneeding the Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidy. Inorderto accomplish this, 

### the need for larger aircraft (or at least enough frequency) to accommodate over 10,000 passengers annually cannot be over stated. ·· . 3. McCarron International and Los Angeles International Airports are proven destinations and frequency ofservice is an absolute necessity. Based on our regional demographics, surveys, and the student, faetJity, and staffpopulations at University ofCalifornia, Merced, other destinations that we believe would be successful are John Wayne Airport and San Diego International·Airport. 4. RAA members believe local airline staffshould be visible in the community and engaged in local events. In addition, we seek representation at monthly 

### RAA meetings. 5. Contributions, cash, or ticket exchange toward marketing airline service is a must. Advertising to build awareness and increase enplanements is essential to continuing our growth. Working together with the airport management and becoming a "known., member of our community is highly encouraged.

,. 

### .... We realize some ofthese issues are notEAS contract considerations. As stated earlier, our goal is to provide the best service possible and continue to increase enplanements in 

### ourregion, ultimately to a

..level not requiring the EAS subsidy. We strive for continuous improvement in all areas ofour airport

and airline service and recognjze thatby providing high quality service we will achieve ourgoals. We also want to note that'SeaPortAirlines proyided an outstanding presentation and the subcommittee found Seaport staffto be very knowledgeable and eagerto work.with us. However, afterworking with GreatLakes Airlines for the pastfour years, and experiencing management's service, responsiveness, and efforts toward community support, we believe that the region will be best served by continuing

. commercial service by Great Lakes Airlines. ·

Thank you for your sustained·support for the Merced Regional Airport and for your consideration ofthis recommendation. · · ·

## R·.esp.ec.tfu~lly,··.. >·"' ·

## ~f..·· 

## v 

# Uanet E . ./oung · Chair, Regional Airport Authority