11038Hwy37 • HIBBING,MN55746 Tel:(218)262-3451 • Fax:(218)262-6245 www.rangeregionalairport.com 

## CHISHOLM • HIBBING AIRPORT AUTHORITY.."..- ~



# j RANGE REGIONAL AIRPORT

January 23, 2014 Mr. Michael Martin EssentialAirService Division Office ofAviation Analysis U. S. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJerseyAve., S.E. Washington, DC20590

Re: EAS Proposal for Chisholm-Hibbing, MN Docket OST-2003-15796 Dear Mr. Martin:
The Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA), the City of Hibbing and the City of Chisholm have reviewed the proposal presented by SkyWest Airlines (00) to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at the Range Regional Airport (HIS) beginning June 1, 2014. After review of the proposal, the CHAA advocates the approval of SkyWest Airlines 12 weekly roundtrips to MSP with CRJ-200 aircraft. This decision isbased upon thefollowing: 

# + 00 isthe carrier currently operating at HIS under the incumbent's contract, Della Air Lines (DL). This will ensure established recognition and continuity. 

# + Several JoyalSky Miles Program customers inthe Region. 

# + Worldwide connections through agreements with DL. 

## + CRJ-200 provides modern equipment perception and adequate seats. 

## + Adequate number ofaircraft, personnel and gates at MSPto provide reliable service. 

## + Supports the Delta Reservation Center, Chisholm, MNemploying 450+jobs.
Forthe pastfouryears, HIS has enjoyed asuccessful partnership established between the CHAA, ourcommunities (Iron Range Region) and DL. HIS's enplanements have remained greater than 10,000 revenue passengers allowing HISto be designated as an FAA Primary Airport eligible forfederal funding of$1,000,000.00 annually for airport improvements.
Minnesota's Iron Range Region is experiencing an industrial growth period and it is imperative this partnership continues in order to support this growth with economical and reliable air transportation. In addition to the Region's industrial growth, the increase in passenger enplanements is the result of DLIOO working with us to address concerns identified in our March 2009 survey. Those concerns included high fares, poor schedule, and infrequent flights. DL responded by ensuring fares are comparable with regional airports, adjusted flight times to better meet MSP connections, and ensured the on time arrival rate was high. This has been a recipe for success and demonstrates how the Essential AirService (EAS) Program was utilizedtogrow and support an airservice market. ',.~. ~

.

- ,-" ".Michael Martin, USDOT

January 23, 2014 Page2 of2
The 

### 00 proposal provides 12weekly round trips from HIB- MSP. The CRJ-200 jet service provides adequate daily seats and will be easy to market. However, reducing from 14 weekly round trips provided in 2011-2012 has generated concems from travel agents, businesses and passengers. Higher frequency enhances our schedule and attributes to growing our market as demonstrated in past years. However, if 12 round trip flights per week meet MSP connecting banks as discussed in OD's proposal, our market should remain stable. We lookforward toworking with SkyWest Airlines in meeting the Iron Range Region's current and future airservice needs.
Thank youforthe opportunity to comment. Sincerely,

Shaun J. Germolus Executive Director
Cc: SkyWest Airlines CHAA Board of Directors Mayor RickCannata Cityof Hibbing Mayor Michael Jugovich City of Chisholm