" ~;·•x' 

CITY OF MERCED 

"Gateway to Yosemire" 

Merced Regional Airport 

July 18, 2012 

Dennis J. DeVany 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Office of Aviation Analysis, X-53 

W86-308 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

:• ~ .. 

·.If 

Telephone 209/385--6873 

Re: Order No. 2010-5-4, Order Reques~ng Proposals 

Dear Mr. DeVany, ~ .. 

• 4 • ' •• ~.· ' •• ~· 

Fax 209/388-8994 

., 

The Regional Airport Authority (RAA) has reviewed the Department of Transportation (DOT) 2012-5-

11, Order Requesting Proposals, as well as the responses by both Great Lakes ,Aviation, Ltd. and 

SeaPort Airlines, Inc. At the regularly scheduled RAA meeting on July 17, 2012, RAA members, 

airport staff,. and interested community members met to discuss the proposals and provided comments 

for DOT consideration. 

A subcommittee of the RAA reviewed the proposals and provided a presentation at the July 17, 2012, 

meeting which outlined similarities and differences, and described information derived from reference 

checks conducted as a part of the review process. After reviewing 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 Great Lakes Airlines. 'Great Lakes Airlines has provided four years of excellent service, 

increased schedule frequency, improved reliability, and it has succeeded in adding 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 that the selected 

airline would need to achieve, at a minimum, in order to provide a satisfactory level of service. We 

believe that our ultimate goal of providing the regional community with the best service possible to 

encourage greater passenger utilization and increase enplanements to levels expected for a region of this . 

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. 
. ~ . ._ ' 

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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. Our ultimate desire is to grow our enplanements to a level no longer needing the Essential 

Air Service (EAS) subsidy. In order to 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 of service is an absolute necessity. Based on our regional demographics, surveys, 

and the student, faetJity, and staff populations at University of California, Merced, other 

destinations that we believe would be successful are John Wayne Airport and San Diego 

International· Airport. 

4. RAA members believe local airline staff should 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 of these issues are not EAS contract considerations. As stated earlier, our goal is to 

provide the best service possible and continue to increase enplanements in our region, ultimately to a 

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

and airline service and recognjze that by providing high quality service we will achieve our goals. We 

also want to note that' SeaPort Airlines proyided an outstanding presentation and the subcommittee 

found Seaport staff to be very knowledgeable and eager to work. with us. However, after working with 

Great Lakes Airlines for the past four 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 of this 

recommendation. · · · 

R·.esp.ec.tfu~lly,··.. >·"' · 

~f..·· v Uanet E . ./oung · 

Chair, Regional Airport Authority