### Swanson, Brian (OST)

From: 

### Sent: To: 

### Subject:

Hi Mr. Swanson; Chuhanic, Cynthia <Cynthia.Chuhanic@iconpk.com> Tuesday, August 14, 2012 11:49 AM Swanson, Brian (OST) 

## ll Brainerd MN Regional airport service ')I .J I

I have been flying outofthe Brainerd airport forthe past 6years and have had a positive experience until Pinnacle took
over Mesabi Airlines, it has been poorat best since then. There are many people that rely on service to Minneapolisto connect to othercities forwork. Many like myself, have moved to the Brainerd Lakes area and when doing so checked on the availability ofgreat air service to get us to work around the world.

When Delta Airlines decided notto seryice Brainerd and many othercommunities there was a meetingwith the Brainerd Chamber ofCommerce and a representative fromthe DOT who was with the past manager ofthe airport. Many business leaders and others were in attendance and itwas decided that atthattime that Great Lakes Airlines would not be able to fill the needs ofthe customers ofBrainerd Lakes area, butthey still were awarded the contract. This was done in part I believe because the airport managerat thetime did not pursue other airlines for possible ser\tice. Iwas in · attendance atthe meeting as afrequent flyer. (over 140,000 miles ayear).

When looking atthe amount ofservice that is required to break even for a decent airline to wantto come to Brainerd Lakes area, they need the people. In the pastyear orso ridership may have decreased some butthis is due to the fact that people cannot rely on getting out or returning on aflight. IfSky West is awarded the contract and the Airport Commission does some PR and marketing, the people will return, along with many new customerswho werer\t aware ofthe services ofthe airport. The frequent flyers will all be grateful thatwe don't have to drive 3 hours to Minneapolis and pay for week of parking. Many employers are notwilling to cover this expense so the cost comes out ofour pockets since it is our responsibility to be able to getto work.

Whe'n I attended the meeting last Fall, I asked ifthe DOT onlytook into consideration the population that is posted on the "green signs" Iwas notgiven a clear answer so Iwill assume thatwas ayes. We have flyers that drive as much as 80 miles to the Brainerd Airport because it is convenient and the people thatworkthere are the best you could everfind.

In making your decision, please take into account the numberoffrequent flyers that do need this airport and great service to getto work. This is also factor for future growth not only forthe Brainerd Lakes area, but forfamilies wanting to move here and thefuture and current businesses that rely on air service to continue their business in the community. In awarding Sky West the contract, customers will still be able to use the Delta systems which are already in place since Sky West is a commuter partnerwith Delta. This is a plus when booking flights and luggage handling. Many of use frequent flyers also rely on the extra miles we receive for flying out ofthe Brainerd Lakes airport.

The people ofCentral Minnesota and the Brainerd Lakes area need reliable air service to Minneapolis Minnesota, and Sky West has agood reputation and would be awelcome entity. Great Lakes does not have the equipment, staff, or finances to make itworth the time. Ifthey are awarded the contract Iwill probably drive to Minneapolis, then I could pick any airline that Iwanted notjust Delta because Iwill be able to get to work and home as planned without delays from airlines that are not equipped to handlethistype ofservice that is required for us.

Ifyou have any questions, please feel free to contact me, I have talked to many ofthe frequent flyers and we all want the same thing, great service to Brainerd Regional airport and home. I know we would get this with service frc>m Sky West.

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### Thankyou,
Cindy Chuhanic, MHCA ICON Clinical Research 2.'Z289 43ih Place Aitkin, MN 56431 {612) 618-0797 cell cchuhani@yahoo.com ICON plc made the following annotations.

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