## /lEtTER#!VE8RIIt/CifREq!O!VIIfAIRPORT. · ··

**~-** ; : . 250023 AIRPORT TERMINAL STREET,.SJEJQ\ ,.,. _ SCOTTSBLUFF, NE 69361-7627 OFFICE: 308-635-4941 866-635-4941 FAX: 308-632-7361 www.flvscottsbluff.com October 27,2014

Mr. Michael F. Martin United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New JerseyAve., SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: EAS Docket OST-2003-14535 DearMr. Martin: We are inreceipt ofthe Essential Air Service (EAS) bids that were submitted to us on October 9, 2014. The Board ofthe Airport AuthorityofScotts BluffCounty (Western Nebraska Regional Airport) and I havereviewed thebids and our comments are stated below. Bidder oneis Aerodynamics Inc. (ADI) which has submitted a bid in the amount of $3,604,187.00 using an Embraer 145. This 50 seatjet, at 12 flights perweek, more than allows us the capabilityto make our annual enplanements which theyhave calculated at 21,988. They will overnight at Scottsbluffwhich will ensure us that ifat all possible we will have a flight each morning. The second bidder, Boutique, is not a qualified bidder for us at this time without a waiver due to the type ofaircraft in its bid process, a single engine Pilatus. The third bidder, VIA Air LLC, does not currentlyhold the certifications butmost important they are non-syndicated, therefore not qualified at this time. The fourth and final bidder, Great Lakes, has submitted three possiblebids, none of which has been explained in great detail. However, the first bid of9 seats on a 1900D they have said 10,000 passengers at $104.98 at $1,049,800.00 with a total annual calculation of $2,443,523.00. We bring this up because on a 9 passengerplane for 3 flights daily 365 days a year we catmot evenmake a 10,000 passenger count. With their current record ofcancellations and the public distrust in their reliabilitythis puts us at ourlowest level ofenplanements in years and at an increase of just over $1,000,000.00 to the EAS program. Itseems like a loss for both Scottsbluffand the EAS progratn. The second bid is a 19 seat Beachcraft 1900 with 20,000 passenger count and an annual calculation of$1,765,849.00 isjusthigher than the cost last year. We would need further clarification ofthe time fratne to restorebackto the 19 passenger plane.Mr. Michael Martin EAS bid 2014 October 27, 2014

The third bid is an EMB 120 with a 22,000 passenger count and an annual calculation of $1,764,806.00 is alsojusthigher than the cost last year. However, they currentlyhave few EMB 120's in stock so why are they not flying them to us now instead ofa ninepassenger, we assume that it is due to no pilots. Therefore, we do notbelieve that this is a viable option. Also with the EMB inthis altitude during the summer nionths thepassenger count is cutback to approximately 10 to 12 passengers per flight due to weight restrictions, therefore our enplanements are reduced. Finally quoting at the sameprice as the Beechcraft 1900 bid (configured with 9 seats) they speak ofa 3 7 seat or larger RJ with two round trips per week day and two round trips over the weekend which would bethe most desirable. Even with this being at the same cost and with Great Lakes wanting us to committo "full community marketing supp01i" we need more clarity and definitive answers on the bid from Great Lakes. What is their definition of"full community marketing support"? Atthe presenttime Great Lakes does not hold any RJ's in inventory, what is the timeline for them to secure RJ's, what reliability assurances would wehave, etc.? And where do the pilots come from? After careful consideration ofall bids the Airport Authority ofthe County ofScotts Bluff has come to the only feasible conclusion; and that is to go with Aerodynamics Inc. in the amount of$3,604,187.00 for the following reasons: 1) The Embraer 145 seats 50 passengers which gives us the capacity of 100 passengers perday, and the abilityto make our annual enplanements, 2) The seat subsidy cost is lower, 3) The EMB 145 will be overnighting at Scottsblufffor more reassurance that there will be a morning flight and more stability in services. We fully appreciate the D.O.T. and the E.A.S. program to help us better our airport and community. Our airport is very important to us and the viability ofthe community. Thank you and ifyouhave any questions orneed further information please contact me. Very truly yours, Western Nebraska Regional Airport

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