f.**~**

Chris Holman Chairman Dick Baker Victur Cell'lItinu Tudd Couk Paul Hufnagel Rober! I·. Selig, . 1.·11: !:'xeCtlflH' Oirn fur 

### EGlON AIRPORT AUTHORITY
October 25, 2010

US Department ofTransportation Attn: Docket Section (Angelia Ames) Room W12-140 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 " )**;~ :** **~** ../



### Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT

### -OST-2000-7182 

### Ladies and Gentlemen: Enclosedplease find 42 letters 

### ofsupport for the Sun Country Airlines application 

### for a slot pair at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington D.C. As you can see by the content ofthese letters, non-stop service to Reagan National Airport is critical to the air service development program for Michigan's capital city, Lansing, MI. As you review this information please consider the following essential issues related to the application and Lansing: 1. We understand that the competition for this landing slot pair is Frontier, Southwest, AirTran, and US Airways. However all ofthese airlines and their related origination cities. appear to have sufficient other access to Washington DC. 2. On the other hand, Lansing is one ofonly two State capitals among the ten largest states in the U.S. with!!Q nonstop air service to the nation's capital. Nonstop Washington Rank State 2008 State POl2ulation Cal2ital 2008 MSA POl2ulation Service

1 California 36,756,666 Sacramento 2,109,832 Yes 2 Texas 24,326,974 Austin 1 ,652 ,602 Yes 3 New York 19,490,297 Albany 853,919 Yes 4 Florida 18,328,340 Tallahassee 357,259 Yes* 5 Illinois 12,901,563 Springfield 207,389 No 6 Pennsylvania 12,448,279 Harrisburg 531,108 Yes 7 Ohio 11,485,91 0 Columbus 1,773,120 Yes 8 Michigan 10,003,422 Lansing 454,035 No 9 Georgia 9,685,744 Atlanta 5,376,285 Yes 10 North Carolina 9,222,414 Raleigh 1,088,765 Yes *US Airways TLH-OCA service reportedly has been announced but has notbegun. Capital Region International Airport
. 4 100 Capital City Blvd
. • Lansing, Michigan 48906
. 517·321 ·6121 • Fax 51 7·32 1·6197 www.tlylansing.colll

### US Department ofTransportation October 25,2010 Page 2


### 3. While the Lansing MSA is only 454,000, the population ofthe Airport's market service area within 75 miles drive ofLansing is calculated to be 5.7 million. 4. Sun Country Airlines is a new entrant, and a low cost carrier, for Lansing and DCA. 5. Lansing, and in fact the state of Michigan have no low cost air service to Washington / Reagan National Airport outside ofDetroit. The majority ofthe states noted above have DC access from multiple cities. 6. Sun Country has**~** 

### had the opportunity to offer air service access to WashingtonlReagan National Airport. All other US airlines have had access for years. 7. Washington DC is Lansing's number one (#1) most popular travel destination. The regional passenger activity daily each way will economically support the proposed Sun Country service. 8. The Airport Authority has attempted to fill this air service void to Washington DC through Delta, United, SkyWest, US Airways, Express Jet, and Jet Blue. Each airline was given the opportunity to provide the service and to receive the related start up incentives. Each airline has declined the opportunity except Sun Country. The Airport Authority sincerely requests that the Department ofTransportation approve the Sun Country slot application for Lansing, MI. This service to DC and the economic impact of the Sun Country commitment is essential to the economic recovery of the Greater Lansing region.

Robert F. elig, AAE Executive Director

# BEKUM AMERICA CORPORATION 1140 West Grand River, PO. Box 567, Williamston, Michigan USA 48895-0567 PHONE:517-655-4331 FAX:517-655-4121 

### October 15, 2010
Honorable Ray LaHood Secretary ofTransportation U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES ApPLICATION

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Please accept this letter ofsupport for the Sun Country Airlines Application. Lansing is the home ofMichigan's state government, Michigan State University, several major insurance companies, General Motors, hundreds ofstate associations and a vibrant corporate community whose needs for air service have been demonstrated to 

### far exceed the commitment currently being demonstrated by the airlines serving our region. The MidMichigan Business Travel Coalition represents more than 200 businesses, governmental and educational organizations in the Mid-Michigan area and to that end, we write this letter to support and request approval ofthe Sun Country application referenced above. Bekum America Corporation is an international company with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. From its Berlin, Germany base, Bekum operates 5 manufacturing facilities in 4 countries on 3 continents. In addition to international travel, Bekum's employees travel extensively in the United States. Industry standard meetings are frequently held in Washington DC and direct air service between Lansing and Washington DC is a vital service not only for meetings in the nation's capital but also for connecting through the Atlantic seaboard and international destinations. Periodic surveys ofmembers ofthe Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition's travel habits consistently show that Washington DC is the number one destination ofour business travelers. As the home ofMichigan's state capitol, direct service to Washington DC is of vital importance to our region. Accordingly, Bekum America Corporationjoins the Lansing community to 

### request your approval ofthe Sun Country slot application.

# Si~{).~ Steven D. London Executive Vice President & 

### ChiefOperating Officer SDUlk 10-178

### October 5,2010 The Honorable Raymond L. 

### LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: C2AE supports and requests approval ofthe Sun Country Application noted above. We are aware non-stop service from Lansing to Washington, DC is highly desired and is in great demand. The service would replace service lost a few years ago in 2005, as a result ofairline bankruptcies. Consequently, Lansing is one ofonly a few state capitals without non-stop service to Washington. With the many airline mergers and bankruptcies in recent times, Lansing has lost a significant number offlights which has no doubt hurt the mid-Michigan region economically. Information regarding the declines is available from the Capital Region Airport Authority. With all due respect, we sincerely request your approval ofthe Sun Country application. Such approval would greatly enhance the ability ofthe mid-Michigan region to move forward in these difficult economic times and also fill the void in airline service for the Lansing region. Sincerely, C2AE
Raymond E. Tadgerson, P.E. Director ofMarketing and Business DevelopmentJane Dot,-, Chair Workforce Development Board Joseph Brehler, Chair Administrative Board Douglas E. Stites ChiefExecutIve Officer 2110 S. Cedar St.· Lansing. Michigan 48910 • Phone (517) 492-5599 • Fax (517) 487-0113

October 14, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - 

### #DOT-OST-2000-7/62 Dear Secretary LaHood: On behalf of Capital Area Michigan Works!, I am pleased to express our support and request approval forthe Sun Country Airlines application referenced above. Capital Area Michigan Works! is one of25 statewide Michigan Works! agencies that assist local employers with finding employees. While we are located in the capital city of Lansing, we service a three county area working closely with state and local governments, local colleges and universities, and private and public sectors to provide qualified employees to our regional businesses. Our organization receives state and federal funding to provide services, including training, to both employers and job seekers. These services depend on legislative activities, requiring frequent travel to and from Washington. DC. As proven in the past with Independence Air, who provided direct flights from Lansing to Washington, DC until 2005, businesses and organizations benefited by the reduction of layovers and the convenience ofthese nonstop flights. We believe our area would again benefit from such service. We strongly support the Sun Country Airlines application and greatly appreciate your consideration. Sincerely,

# ~[E(# Chief Executive Officer

An equal opportunity employer/program'Auxiliary aids lIld 5eNices are available upon request to individuals with disabllltJes • Hichllf<ln Relay Center caft 71 I or (8(0) 64S-3m 1-800-285-WORKS' www.camw.org

### CAPITOL BANCORP LIMITED Chairman and CEO 

### October 13, 2010

The Honorable Raymond 

## L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Capitol Bancorp Center 200 Washington Square North Lansing, MI 48933 tel: 517.487.6555 fax; 517.374.2576
1717East CamelbackRd., Suite ?!I5 Phoenix, AZ gs016 tel: 602.955.6100 fax: 602.955.6978



### Re: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Capitol Bancorp Limited, a multi-bank holding company based in Lansing, Michigan, hereby offers this letter in support ofthe request for approval ofthe Sun CountryApplication referenced above. Nonstop service to Washington, D.C., is of great importto our corporation which visits with the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the OTS and the Controller ofthe Currency on a routine and frequent basis. The availability ofdirect airline travel between our capitol and the United States capitol would provide our business a great benefit.

# ~¥' Joseph D. ReidOctober 15,2010
The Honorable Raymond L. Lahood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590
Re: Sun CountryAirlines Application

- #DOT-OST

-2000-7182
DearMr. LaHood: Capitol National Bank is a member ofthe Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition which represents more than 200 businesses, governmental and educational organizations inthe Mid-Michigan area. We work collaboratively to secure the strongest possible air service in our region. I write this letter in support ofthat mission and request approval of the Sun Country application referenced above. The mid-Michigan region spends more than $25 million per year on air travel. The number one destination for ourbusiness travelers is Washington DC. Our community would benefit tremendously from this service. We have a thriving manufacturing sector, as well as some ofthe nation's top financial and insurance companies located in this region. We are home to Michigan State University and hundreds ofstate associations. Equally as important is the fact that Lansing is the capital ofMichigan and direct service to Washington DC is ofvital importance to ourbusiness community. The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition views strong air service as a critical component ofourregion's economic growth strategy. We are committed to supporting this service to ensure future economic growth and development ofthe region. We request your approval ofthis Sun Country application. Thank you. Respectfully,

Paula D. Cunningham President/CEOOctober 18,2010 The Honorable Raymond L. Lahood SecretaryofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I am writingto you today in regards to the approval ofthe Sun Country Airlines Application to fly direct from Lansing, MI to Washington DC. As other local organizations and businesses have addressed with letters, I would like you to understand the importance ofourbusiness communityto be able to travel to Washington DC to address issues that matter to "Main Street" Michigan. Lansing's continued development relies on our ability to access places like Washington DC. With this improved ability to access Washington, Lansingcan continue to make strides in its development for the future. I ask you to please strongly consider this application for approval. This flight is good for everyone!
Sincerely,

Dustin R. Preston President

3121 WEST CIRCLE DRIVE, SUITE 300 LANSING, MI 48906 PHONE: 866.773.7800 (TOLL FREE) 51 7.327.6660 FAX: 517.327.6662

### October 14,2010

The Honorable Raymond 

### L. 

### LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 

# C e link

United States Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 

### Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I am a business ownerlocated in Lansing, Michigan and learnedrecently ofSun Country's application for approval to develop 

### air service directly from Lansingto 

### the Washington Reagan National Airport. I stronglyurge youto 

### approve this request. I travel to Washington D.C. about a dozentimes duringthe yearfor conferences, meetings with our industry's association, visiting with myCongressional representatives, and meetings with some ofmyclients. Some ofthepeople I meetwithin D.C. will often fly to Lansingto visit with my staffand a direct flight would be very convenient, and likely less expensive 

### than the current options. A direct flight would

### be very beneficial to mycompanybecause it wouldbe a hugetimesaver and money saveras well. I recently hadto sendthree employees to D.C. on short notice, and the cheapest airfare from Lansing was over $700.00. Sun Country's airfare would 

### be atleast 

### 7'2 that fare and I am sure you canappreciate that intoday'seconomy, business owners like me need everybreak: wecan get. Please support Sun Country's application; itwould be a hugeboostto the mid-Michigan area.

3900 Capital City Boulevard Lansing, Michigan 48906October 14, 2010 The Honorable Raymond 

### L. LaHood Secretary of Transportation US Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590
Regarding: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182
Dear Secretary LaHood; We are writing in support ofthe application by Sun Country Airlines referenced above. While our community residence members do not reside within the Lansing City Limits, we are a community that enjoys the benefits ofthe Regional Airport on a daily basis. We are a community of 25,000 many ofwhom have a strong desire for nonstop travel to our Nation's capital. We enjoyed that until 2005 when another airline stopped all flights due to their own financial difficulties

- however it is my understanding it was not due to a lack of interest ofthose nonstop flights between LAN and DCA. Our choice now is either to make a 1.5 hour dirve, each way, to Detoirt for a direct flight or the expense of an additional flight out of Lansing and the changing of planes in Detroit to then travel into Washington. Sun Country Airlines has proven themselves as great partners with our communities by having other nonstop services to Las Vegas, Ft. Meyers, Orlando and recently adding Cancun and Jamaica. The additional service to Washington would fill a void and allow us direct travel to DCA along with the option of easier International Travel. We look forward to a favorable decision of Sun Country's application. Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Whitaker Chamber President Ann M Garvey Executive Director

P.S. As I represent Eaton Area HFH, I personally have flown in and out of Lansing "LAN" (through Detroit) into Washington Regan airport "DCA" more than a dozen times in the past twelve months to do business with the National Association Home Builders on 12th/Mass. I do not see that travel decressing in the next 24 months as I have accepted the position as a Senior Officer beginning 2011-2013. This approval would make my travel extremley more cost effective and convenient.

# CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN

SUSiln McGillicuddy Supervisor 1'v1ar y M.G. Helmbrcclll Clerk Jlllie Brixic Treasurer Ger<lld J. Richards Manager


## October 11,2010 The Honorable Raymond 

## L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Brett Dreyfus Elizaheth Ann LcGotT Lynn Ochbcrg John Veenstra



## Re: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 

## Dear Secretary LaHood: The Charter Township of Meridian supports the application to bring Sun Country Airlines to our Capital Region International Airport. This servic!3 will 

## greatly enhance our region and restore a needed service. Sincerely,

Susan McGillicuddy Supervisor

/

# ~c: Robert Selig Truslee Trustee Trustee Trust ee

5151 MARSH ROAD, OKB10S.MICHIGAN 48864-1198 (517) 853-4000 FAX (517) 853-4096 http://ww
....twp.meridian.mi.us An Equal Opportunity**EJIlfl hJ~·e** **·**V:ctor V·'/ Loomfs,.ir \byDr ·110 Abh0: Ro;,J East La"'lr.g, MI 4BB23 (517) )19·6920 

# CITY OF EAST LANSING The Home ofMichigan State University October22, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590
Re: Sun CountryAirlines Application

- OOT-OST-20000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: On

### behalfofthe City ofEast Lansing and the 

### Mid-Michigan Region, I am 

### writing

### in support ofSun Country'sproposal to add two, non-stop flights per dayto Washington, D.C. from Lansing. The complete routing

### would includeMinneapolis

- Lansing

- Washington, D.C. and retum.1n addition to thebenefitoftwo directflights to D.C. this would allow for two more flights to Minneapolis which is also adesirable destination for ourregion. This

### proposal wouldrequire landing slots atWashington's National Airport (DCA) and I 

### respectfullyurge thatthese be 

### approved byyour department. Our

### region previously had access to this vital servicehowever, it ceased to existin2005 with the departure of IndependentAir. This is a very importantprospect for Mid-Michigan. As 

### the State Capital, Lansing is home to many successful businesses, all threebranches ofstategovernment, along with many nonprofit and interest groups that 

### would be 

### well-servedbythe opportunity for direct travel to Washington, D.C. East Lansing

### hosts Michigan StateUniversity which is aworld-class institution renowned for its international outreach and this 

### service would enhance its global appeal. There is no

### doubtthat 

### ifSun Country's proposal was to be 

### approved, Mid-Michigan would realize 

### numerous directeconomic and cultural 

### benefits. I 

### trulyhope that you and your department will help inake this 

### areality. Ifyou have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free 

### to contactme directly at 517-881-0395. Sincerely, 

# /'

# ~ Loomis, Jr. Mayor Cc: 

### Robert F. Selig, AAE Executive Director

### Virg Bernero 

### Mayor

October 5, 2010

The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 

### OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 9th Floor, City Hall 124 W. Michigan Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48933-1694 (517) 483-414 1 (V oice) (517) 1\83-4479 (TOD) (517) 483-6066 (Fax) mayor@ lansingmi.gov

United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: The City ofLansing suppOlis the Sun COlU1l.ry Application, as referenced above, for landing slots that would enable non-stop service to Regan National Airport in Washington DC
. We enthusiastically request the U.S. Department of Transpoltation's approvalofSun Country's request. Non-stop service to Washington DC is in great demand in the Greater Lansing Region, as Washington is the number one business destination out of t he region. Mid-Michigan is home to Michigan State University, Central Michigan Un iversity, and numerous organ izations, including two General Motors assembly plants, all ofwhich need efficient air access to Washington Regan National Airport
. The new Sun Country service is essential to the expanding economic growth ofour region. Your inmlediate approval ofits application would be gre.:'1tly appreciated
. Sincerely,

# ~~ Virg Bernero Mayor of Lansing

"Equal Opportunity Employer"MIKE ROGERS 8TH DISTRICT, MtcHlGAN
133 CANNON HOUSE OfFICE BvllOlNO WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-4872 (202) 22&-6S20 FAX 1000WeST ST. JoSEPH SUfrE 300 lANSWG, M! 48915

(5171702-8000

## ~on!lrc5'5' 

# oftbc Wnitcb**~tatc~** 

## 1!)oUf)t of**l\eprtf)tntatibt~ .a~bington,**  jDQI: 

### 20515-2208 (617) 702-8642 FAX (877) 333-MIKE Tou-FREE www mikeroger&.boy$c ggy



### The Honorable Ray LaHood U.s' Department ofTransportation 1200New JerseyAvenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 October 15) 201 0

Re: Sun CountryAiriinesApplication-#DOT-OST-2000-7182 Secretary LaHood:



### - COMMITTEES: PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE ENERGY AND COMMERCE SUaCOMMf1TEES: HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS, TeCHNOLOGY, AND THE INnRNET



### I am writingto you todayto support the Sun CountryAirlines application that would reestablish air connection from Lansing, Michiganto Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. Lansing and the Mid-Michigan corridoris a hub ofactivity from Michigan State University and their developmentcontracts withtheDepartment ofEnergyto Emergent Bio Solutions and General Motors auto assemblyplant. Since the unfortunatebankruptcy ofIndependence Airlines, Lansinghas felt a void with the loss ofthis connection. In closing, I would ask that you seriously consider this application. Thebenefits to Mid-Michigan and thebusiness communityhaveimplications thatreach far beyond Lansing. Pleasefeel free to contactme ifyou have anyquestions regardingthis application. Sincerely,

PRINTED ON RECYct..ED PAPER

# c7adW.§7twt0-**/.,f?,~~~,y~** 7t7t7**$~ ~NYt~**  ?'d'.9J'.f'

The Honorable Raymond L LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary LaHood, October 14,2010

As a native of Lansing, Michigan, and a past member, and current President of the Lansing School District's Board of Education I have always been proud ofthis region and glad to call 

### it home, Because of my familiarity with the business leadership and government institutions in our community, as well as my experience with the interests of the City of Lansing I was especially pleased to see one of Lansing's important assets, the Capital Region International Airport, deSignated as an Intemational Port of Entry into the United States in 2008, In my role as a partner in one of Lansing's oldest law firms and an active member in many local organizations including LEAP, Boys and Girls Club and Rotary, I have witnessed the progress of our region through both economic recessions and times of relative prosperity. Through it all LanSing has always maintained an ability to survive and thrive and some of that credit must be attributed to those institutions which have built a strong foundation here. The Capital Region Intemational Airport (LAN) is certainly one ofthem. The Capital Region International Airport is an essential asset to the commercial health of the entire tri-county area. Its success is vitally important and the services the airport provides must continue to expand in order to ensure adequate accommodations for the businesses, educational institutions. govemment facilities and people of this region. I would like to add my voice to those of other citizens and business leaders to encourage the acceptance of Sun Country Airlines' appJication for the addition of two non-stop flights per day to Washington's Reagan National Airport (DCA) from the capitol city of the State of Michigan, Lansing. Sun Country has proven to be a dependable carrier with 

### a commitment to the region and I support their efforts to provide the vital link our area requires with the Nation's Capito/. I encourage the U.S. Department ofTransportation to endorse and accept the application presented by Sun Country Airlines (DOT-OST-2000-7182) as the service they propose to provide is not only essential to the continued success ofthe Mid-M' an area, but to the entire State as well.

cc: Ross Woodstock. Kolt Communlcations, Inc. Robert Selig, Capitol Region Airport AuthorityThe Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 

# DELTA TOWNSHIP

United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 October 14, 2010

Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Delta Township Michigan strongly supports the application of Sun Country Airlines and encourages you to consider it favorably. The improved and expanded service that Sun Country will offer to the greater Lansing area, particularly ourtownship, will enhance our community and restore a much needed service that we have missed since the 2005 exit of Independence Air
. Delta Township is a premier residential and business location in the greater Lansing area. We are home to the newest General Motors assembly plant, many warehouse and distribution facilities, as well as a growing insurance and data processing sector. The Capital Region International Airport is now a Foreign Trade Zone and our only mid-Michigan Port of Entry
. The airport is fully equipped to accommodate expanded service. The Sun Country application approval will help us continue our economic recovery, and assist the greater Lansing area with improved regional access. Approval ofthe Sun Country application will enhance travel that benefrts our employers and our residents
. Michigan's state and local legislators and government need non-stop service to our nation's capitol. Our strong and growing insurance industry requires expanded air service to Washington D
.C. Our manufacturing and high technology businesses want improved access to expanding business markets, and our residents with family and friends 'back east' will enjoy expanded air services from mid-Michigan
. Delta Township, Michigan supports this application and respectfully encourages you to approve Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. Sincerely,

# ~j(fJZ1iJ~ Kenneth 

### R. Fletcher Township Supervisor
7710 West Saginaw Highway • Delta Township, Michigan· 48917-9712 Information Ph: 5 17-323-8500· Fax: 517-323-8599 www.deltami
.gov

### October 7, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: 

### Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear 

### Secretary LaHood; Demmer Corporation enthusiastically supports and request approval ofthe Sun Country Application referenced above
. Demmer Corporation is 

### amajor defense contractorwith company demands that require business travel to and from the WashingtonDC area on aregularbasis. The approval of this application and addition ofthis service to the Capital Region International Airport would fill 

### an airline service void for Mid-Michigan residents and the greaterLansing business community
. Yourconsideration and supportofthe Sun Country Application will be appreciated. Respectfully,

# tJ.~ WilliamDemmer, CEO DemmerCorporation WAD/pka

1600 North Larch Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: (517)321-3600 Fax: (517)321-7449

# EATON COUNTY

# BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MEMBERS Michael Hosey Blake Mulder Theresa Abed Carol Strachan Jeanne Pearl-Wright Leo Farhat, Jr.

John Forel!

October 5, 2010 1045 Independence Blvd, CiJatlOlte, MI 48813 Joseph Brehler, Chairperson Glenn Freeman III. Vice Chairperson

The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7I82 Dear Secretary LaHood: MEMBERS Linda Keefe

Art Luna Daryl Baker

Dale Barr Denise Clarke Roger Harris

The Capital Region Airport Authority supports and requests approval of the Sun Country Application referenced above. Non-stop service to Washington DC is in great demand in the Greater Lansing Region. This service would replace the successful Independence Air service that was lost .in 2005 due to the airline bankruptcies. Since then, Lansing has remained one ofthe few state capitals without non-stop service to Washington. Additionally, Lansing, MI air service, has suffered greatly as a result of airline bankruptcies and airline mergers in recent years. The attached five year summary demonstrates that the Delta

- Northwest bankruptcy and merger resulted in a decline of3,456 flights (-59.6%) from 2004 to 2009. Note that this decline in airline flights also resulted in a significant decline of 348,948 total passengers (-59.1%) processed through the Capital Region International Airport during the same period. Accordingly. the new Sun Country service will begin to fill the void in airline service for Mid-Michigan. Your approval ofthe Sun Country slot application 

### wiII be greatly appreciated. Sincerely,

# q~B!J~ Chairman, Board ofCommissioners

### October 14, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. 

### LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United State Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airline Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition represents more than 200 businesses, governmental and educational organizations in the Mid-Michigan area. Ourmission is to work toward the development ofthe strongest possible air service in our region. To that end, we write this letter to support and request approval ofthe Sun Country application referenced above. As a member ofthe Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition and as an employee of Emergent BioDefense Operations ofLansing, manypeople from our companytravel to the DC area on a dailybasis. Ourhome office is housed in Rockville, ourresearch development office is in Gaithersburg, and we are developing another facility in Baltimore. With the additional flights Sun Country would offer our employees would be able to leave from the Lansing area rather than driving to Detroit. This would behuge for our company alone, not to mention the many government employees who travel to the DC area regularly. The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition views strong air service as a critical component ofourregion's economic growth strategy. We also view direct service to Washington DC as something that addresses a demonstrated community need. Accordingly, we would greatly appreciate your approval ofthe Sun Country slot application. Sincerely,

Diane Diamond Emergent BioDefense Operations Lansing 3500 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Lansing, MI 48906October 12, 2010

The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary of Transportation United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590
RE: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182
Dear Secretary LaHood:

## ~ protected 

### by 

# emergent biosolutions"
Emergent BioDefense Operations Lansing Inc 3500 N. Martin Luther King Jr. B:vd Lansing, MI 48906 t 5173271500 

### r 5173271501 \vww.emergentblosolutlons.com

As a growing regional business in mid-Michigan whose headquarters are located in Maryland, we are greatly supportive of the Sun Country proposal requesting additional non-stop flights per day to DCA from Lansing and returns. Emergent employees currently fly to and from Lansing/DCA over seven hundred (700) times per year. The additional direct flights from Lansing would notably benefit our company by adding convenient opportunities for travel with very little commuting time to our faCility. This proposal not only enhances our business travel but enables mid-Michigan to gain exposure in expanding business markets. We strongly encourage the passing of this proposal and will continue to be an active proponent ofthe Lansing Regional Airport with our corporate travel. Thank you for your consideration.

# 5~ Adam Havey President

# II .,FARM

# BUREAU .18® INSURANCE
F ARM BuREAU MUTUAL -FARM BUREAU LiFE

- FARM BuREft,L' GeNERAL 7373 west Soginow HIghway, Box,yJ40J**l~ngc** M!chlgon 48909-7rx:fJ Phone (51 7)**32~** 7(}X)

October 8, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 REF: Sun Country Airlines Application #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: As one ofthe many insurance companies headquartered in Mid-Michigan, Farm Bureau Insurance strongly supports the Sun Country Airlines proposal (referenced above) to provide non-stop air service between Lansing and Washington DC. The insurance sector is a major part ofthe Mid-Michigan economy, and non-stop air service to our nation's capitol fills an important need for Farm Bureau, the area insurance industry, and the region. Our parent organization, Michigan Farm Bureau, represents Michigan agriculture through its legislative and governmental activities. This important work on behalf oftens ofthousands of Michigan farmers requires dozens oftrips to Washington DC every year. A number ofthese trips involve local farmers, so the new air service will benefit not only bUSiness, but individuals in our region. The Sun Country air service would have a real grassroots community impact in Mid-Michigan and provide a critical service for the business sector. Our organization urges your approval ofthe Sun Country Application. It would mean so much to the growth and future ofour region. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

# c:FR~ Jim Robinson Executive Vice-President Farm Bureau InsuranceOctober, 7, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 REF: Sun Country Airlines Application #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: This letter is to express our strong support ofthe Sun Country Airlines Application (referenced above), which would provide non-stop air service between Washington DC and the Greater Lansing, Michigan, area. Farm Bureau Insurance is one of several major insurance companies headquartered in Mid-Michigan. Non-stop service to Washington DC would be ofvital importance to the insurance companies in this region. In addition, our parent organization, Michigan Farm Bureau, is heavily involved in legislative activities that benefit Michigan agriculture and Michigan farmers. These activities require frequent trips to our nation's capitol. Local farmers are also part ofthese trips, so the new service would benefit the Mid-Michigan community on the grassroots level. We believe there is a strong business and community need for the Sun Country air service proposed for Lansing, and we respectfully request your approval ofthe Sun Country application. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Vic Verchereau Vice-President of Marketing Farm Bureau InsuranceOctober 8, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation CONVENTION & V ISITORS BUREAU

United States Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Please accept this letter ofsupport for the Sun Country Airlines application for landing slots into Washington's Regan National Airport (DCA) in Washington DC. Lansing is the home ofMichigan's state government,Michigan State University, several major insurance companies, General Motors, hundreds ofstate associations and a vibrant corporate community whose needs for air servicehave been demonstrated to far exceed the commitment currently being demonstrated by the airlines serving our region
. Despite the fact that Washington DC is the number one destination for business air travelers in the region, Lansing is without direct service to the nation's capital. In addition to providing much needed direct flights to Washington DC, the proposed newair service would establish a complete routing itinerary ofMinneapolis

- Lansing

- DCA and return, whichwould give Lansing two additional flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul as well. This is the type ofservice the region has been requesting since Independent Air left the market in 2005.**Hea~thyair** service at the Lansing Capital Region International Airport is a crucial component of the GreaterLansing Convention & Visitors Bureau's mission, which is to attract visitors ofall types to the region
. The new service would help increase both business and leisure travel, generating an influx oftourism spending in the community. Ourcommunity looks forward to the opportunity to benefit from the acceptance ofthe Sun Country Airlines application and critical direct air service to Washington DC. Thank you in advance for yourtime and consideration
. Sincerely,



### W. Lee H1adki President & CEO

500 East Michigan Avenue. SUite 180 1 Lansing. Michigan 48912/ Office: 517.487.0077/ Fax: 517
.487
.5151/ www.lanstng.OIg

### October 13, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. 

### LaHood SecretaryofTransportation United States DepartmentofTransportation 1200 New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun CountryAirlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Indian Trails, an intercity ground transportation provider, supports Sun Country's application to provide non-stop service from Lansing, Michigan toWashington D. C. 

### Mass transportation in general needs a cooperative effortby all major public and private mass transportation providers, and I should take this opportunityto express this view. I would hope in the immediate future, you would encourage transit, rail, airand motor coach to develop constructive dialogue tobuild a system in ourcountryto be public friendly. Encouraging peopleto leave their cars athome, and using a system thatworks for them is the only solution for the energy, congestion and environmental issues facing our nation. Michigan has been hitharderthan mostregions due to the economic downturn.We welcome a weIl- balanced transportation systemthatwill encourage economic development and benefit all ofus as we struggleto regain our economic stability. Sincerelyyours,

Gordon Mackay, President Indian Trails, Inc. / Michigan FlyerCHAIRPERSON DEBBIE DE LEON DlS1RI{TJ VICE..('HAIRPERSON DALE COPEDGE DISTRICT6 VICE-GHAlRPERSON PRO TEM RANDY SCHAFER J)fSTRlCT/J

VICTOR G. CELENTDIO DlSTRlCrJ BRIAN McGRAIN lJISTRlCT3 REBECCA BAHAR-COOK lJJSTRICr-I ANDY SCHOR DlST1UCT5 TODD TENNISDlSTRlCrMARC THOMAS f)f.\TRl(T8 CAROL KOENIG DISTRICTS' MARK GREBNER J)fSTRlCT 10 DIANNE HOLMAN f)fSTRf('T II DEB NOLAN f)fSTR1C'1 11 STEVE DOliGAN DlSlRlCT1-1 LAVRADAVIS [)/S7R1CT 15 DON VICKERS [)fSTRlCr 16 

# Ingham County Board ofCommissioners

October 

### 11, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 

### 1200 New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Sun CountryAirlines Application - #DOT-OST -2000-7182 Dear Secretary laHood: INGHAM COUNTY COURTHOUSE P.O. BOX 319 MASON. MlCHIGAN 48854"()319

TELEPHONE; (517) 676·7200 FAX: (517) 676·7264**~bsite:** www.inghom.o.1l BECKY BENNETT BOARD COORDINATOR

On behalfofthe Ingham County Board ofCommissioners, I am pleased to express support for

### the approval of

### the Sun CountryApplication referenced above. Non-stop service to Washington DC continues to be in great demand in the Greater Lansing Region. This service would replace the successful Independence Air service that

### was lost in 2005 due to the airline bankruptcies. Since then, Lansing has remained 

### one of

### the few state capitals without non-stop services to Washington. Additionally, Lansing, MI air service, has suffered tremendously as a result of airline bankruptcies and airline mergers in recent years. Our Capital City Region has felt the detrimental loss in the substantial decline of348,948 total passengers (-59.1%) processed through our Capital Region International Airport from 

### 2004-2009. This loss has had a rippling effect on our 

### local economy. It is 

### with great anticipation thatthe Ingham County Board ofCommissioners looks forward to having the void in airline service for Mid-Michigan filled by the new Sun Country services and respectfully requests yourfavorable consideration. Your approval of

### the Sun Country slot application will be greatly appreciated.

# ~JJ~ Debbie De Leon Chairperson

Ingham County isanEqual OpportunityEmployerOctober B, 2010
The Honorable Raymond l. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Honorable Raymond l. LaHood: I ' r j ( I J I I**~** I' I I i I

On behalf of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (Leap, Inc.), I want to express our strong support ofthe recently submitted application for Sun Countryairservice between DCA and Lansing, Michigan. This is avery important airservice development opportunity for Greater Lansing. Sun County's proposed routes would directly link Washington, D.C. to Central Michigan - the seat ofstate government, the third largest metropolitan area in the state (exceeds 450,000), and a very significant economic center. The region is also withIn 90 minutes ground travel to 90% ofthe state's population. Capital Region International Airport is designated a Foreign Trade Zone in addition to passenger service, and is Central Michigan's only U.S. Port of Entry, allowing goods and passengers to clear customs through the airport's state-of-the-art Federal Inspection Station. This tremendous transportation facility is fully equipped to accommodate this added service. The Greater Lansing region boasts a diverse industry base. In addition to state government as the region's largest employer, it is also home to some ofthe most technologically advanced automobile manufacturing assemblies in the world, one ofthe world's leading scientific centers in Michigan State University, the largest law school in the country, and more than 14,000companies across strong sectors of business including insurance, financial services, healthcare, information technology, bio-sciences and others. Greater Lansing is a growing region, and the addition ofthis air service would greatly enhance our region by provided this direct link to the nation's capital and its service hub to rest of the world. Leap is pleased to support this application. Best

# resa'dsf;

# ~~y PreSident and CEO

### LANS! October IS, 2010 The Honorable Raymond l. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 

### • • 

### •

Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I am writing to show my support forthe above referenced application for Sun Country Airlines. As a business that operates several tourism-based facilities and events, having transportation opportunities for travelers to visit the Lansing region is key. Our convention center, stadium, market and other community events (such as our multi-day music festival) rely on variety oftransportation service options to bring visitors in for business and leisure. Without options in traveling to key cities and airport hubs like Washington, D.C., our business is at a competitive disadvantage. The Lansing region, as a capital city, finds it imperative for business to have a direct connection to our nation's capital and a key ingredient in the success ofour region. The application allows lansing to have more offerings for connecting flights and enhances our regions' efforts to attract tourism and hospitality. Given the economic conditions of Michigan, and Lansing region as a part, this application would only encourage further business development and economic growth to an area that needs this endorsement from the U.S. Department ofTransportation. This could be seen as an additional catalyst for added flights and carrier access to our region. Thank you for allowing me to express my support and your approval forthe Sun Country Airlines application would be greatly appreciated.

Scott Keith President & CEO-lEPFA



## lansing Entertainment &:- 

## Public Facilities Authority

:.-------.;;: 

## (X)OI.EY 1
..\\\ :'CIIOOL

----- " i I**~** I U M

---- 333 E. Michigan Avenue, lansing, MI 48933 Ph. (517) 4837400

- Fax: (517) 483 7439 www.1epfa.com vkmbcr I'<;; Partner of

# w;tBMoo GJ**Q~ (qg** 

# LANSING~ALCHAMBER

Wednesday. October 06. 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTmnsportalion United States Oepartment ofTransportation 1200New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary LaHood: 

### On behalfofthe Lansing Regional Chamber ofCommerce 

### I would like to ofterour support and request approval orthe Sun Country Application #DOT-OST-2000-7182. Washington DC is the top travel destination from Lansing. MI. This service would replace the successful Independence Airservice that was lost in 2005 due to airline bankruptcies. Sinee this time, Lansing has remained one ofthe few state capitals without non-stop service to our nation's capital. The Greater J .ansing region hac; 

### a population ofover 450,000 and is located within 90 miles 0(90%urthe stale's population. Capital Region International Airport has effectively implemented an airline development strategy that includes the designation of Port 

## r.nnsing, Fedeml Inspection Station and Foreign Trade Zone. 'Ibcse recent developments have been instrumental in establishing a new partnership with Sun Country Airlines 

### thut includes direct service from Lansing to 

### Las Vegas, Orlando, Ft. Meyers, Cancun and Jrunnica. Additional service to Washington DC will fiJI a void in airline travel for Mid Michigan. Your approval ofthe Sun Country SIOl application is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the c(msidemtion. Sincerciy,

# ~0MAil"'--t Tim 

### Daman President & CEO

500 E. Michigan Avenue. Suite 200 lansing. MI 48912 P 517.487.6)40 r 517.484.6910 www.bnsingchambcr.orgOFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER Michigan State University 305 Administration Building East Lansing. MI 48824-1046 517/355-5020 FAX: 517/432-5269

http://ctlr.msu.edul

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunityamployer. 

# MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
October 7,2010
The Honorable Raymond 

### L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: The major goal ofthe Capital Region International Airport and the Mid Michigan Business Travel Coalition is to provide air service from the Lansing area to top destinations. Prior to 2005 and after Independence Air left the mid-Michigan area, we recognized Washington, DC as the top destination for mid-Michigan businesses and have diligently worked to bring in air service to support these businesses and state government. Michigan State University (MSU) flies approximately 1600 flights per year between Lansing and Washington, DC. As the individual responsible for overseeing business operations, including travel support for MSU, I am well aware ofthe University's need for this service and the degree to which MSU could support such service. MSU has a governmental affairs office in Washington, DC which draws out stafffrom our East Lansing campus to Capitol Hill. MSU has strong ties to the federal government and its agencies in Washington, as Michigan State has a major role in research supported by the federal government. For example, in the fiscal year 2009 - 2010, MSU worked with 16 federal agencies on 2200 federal projects for a total of $292 million. In addition, Michigan State University earned the privilege of building the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on its campus. Funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, this state ofthe art endeavor is drawing scientists from across the world and support and interest from Washington, DC. FRIB will cost approximately $600 million to establish and will take several years to design and build. Michigan State University's core mission is to advance knowledge and transform lives through the provision of an outstanding education to its students, conducting research benefiting the world, and advancing outreach, engagement, and economic development activities that are research-driven, and lead to a better quality of life for individuals and communities around the globe. A major contributing factor to the accomplishment ofthis mission is our ability to access and work with our country's leaders and the federal agencies supporting the framework of our country. Michigan State University is one ofthe top 10 research institutions in the United States. Sun Country's air service from Lansing to Washington, DC will not only support ourThe Honorable Raymond L. LaHood October 7,2010 Page 2
research efforts, but it will also boost Michigan State University's endeavors to do so in an efficient and effective manner. Further, MSU is committed to the economic development ofthe region and the state of Michigan. Sun Country's service will contribute to this effort by affording jobs in the greater Lansing area in addition to providing non-stop service to our nation's capital. Thank you for your consideration of Sun Country's proposal. Michigan State University is hopeful that you will endorse their non-stop service between Michigan's capital city and our nation's capital. Sincerely,

David B. Brower Ast Vice President, CFO

and Controller Chairman, Mid Michigan Business Travel Coalition
c: Lou Anna K Simon, President Steven Webster, Vice President for Governmental Affairs

## MID-MICHIGAN

# ~-=-~_

# /1_ "' _*

__ _ '-' 

## SUSINESSTRAVEL 

# COALITION
October 6, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. 

### Lahood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition represents more than 200 businesses, governmental and educational organizations in the Mid-Michigan area. Ourmission is to work toward the development ofthe strongest possible air service in ourregion. To that end, we write this letter to support and request approval ofthe Sun Country application referenced above. Themembers ofourorganization collectively spend approximately $25 million peryear on air travel. Ourperiodic surveys ofourmember's travel habits consistently show that Washington DC is the number one destination ofourbusiness travelers
. As the home of a thriving manufacturing and insurance sector, Michigan State University, more than 400 state associations and as Michigan's state capital, direct service to Washington DC is of vital importance to our region. The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition views strong air service as a critical component ofour region's economic growth strategy. We also view direct service to Washington DC as something that addresses a demonstrated community need. Accordingly, we would greatly appreciate your approval ofthe Sun Country slot application. Sincerely,

Ross P. Woodstock Administrator Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition

### October 12, 2010
The Honorable Raymond L. laHood Secretary ofTransportation United State Department ofTransportation 1200 New JerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590 

### Selected

### One ofForbes' Top 200 Small Companies

RE: Sun Country Airlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I write this letter to support and request approval ofthe Sun Country Airlines application referenced above. Our company is a $140 million firm located in Lansing, Michigan with a total of 600 employees. Over 100 of these employees fly from Lansing on a regular basis and our firm places a strong alliance on cost competitive· and available airline schedules. Neogen Corporation is respected as one of the top companies in the world providing solutions for food safety and animal safety. I'm sure you know of national headlines that appear on a very frequent basis related to these problems. As a part of our business, we work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and also at times with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. As I am sure you can appreciate, senior members of all of these agencies are located in Washington D.C. making our travel to that destination most important. Because of our close working relationship with Michigan State University and the various state agencies, we are aware of their need also to have convenient access to the nation's capital. On behalf of our company and the State of Michigan, we would greatly appreciate your approval ofthe Sun Country slot application. Cordially,

# ~U.l1 James L. Herbert Chairman & CEO

620 Lesher Place, Lansing MI48912 517/372-9200 • 800/234-5333 • fax: 517/372-0108 neogen-info@neogen.com • www.neogen.com

### October 15, 2010

The Honorable Raymond 

## L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington DC 20590
Re: Sun Country Airlines Application #DOT-OST-2000-7182
Dear Secretary LaHood: Kindly accept this as my letter ofsupport and request for your favorable consideration ofthe Sun Country application for gate space at Washington DC's Reagan National Airport. I believe that Sun Country's proposed daily route between LAN and DCA will be well-received by government, business and personal travelers alike. The addition of a non-stop, direct flight from midMichigan to DCA will provide our community and local regional airport significant benefits while improving the efficiency and economy of such travel. Thank-you for your service and consideration; we look forward to your approval ofthe Sun Country application. Sincerely,

# ~7:$~'( Robert 

## T. McBride Grand Ledge, MI

# 0PNC

October 14, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. Lahood Secretary ofTransportation United States Depa11ment ofTransp0l1ation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Please accept this letter ofsupport for the approval ofthe Sun Country Application referenced above for landing slots to enable non-stop services from Lansing, MI to Washington DC. The Sun Country air service would have a great impact for our region's economic growth and provide a critical service for our business and community sectors. 

### Our organization respectfully requests your approval ofthe Sun Country application. Sincerely,

# -~74.S'~~~'~~ Timothy A. Salisbury 

# U

.Regional President PNC Bank

The PNC Financial Services Group 120 North Washington Square Suite 500 Lansing Michigan 4893313 October 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #OOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I am writing in strong support ofSun Country's application to serve the Capital City International Airport in Lansing, Michigan
. You have no doubt heard from many governmental, education and business leaders on this issue because accessible service between ournation's capital and Michigan's capital city is a critical component ofregional economic growth for Mid Michigan. As a small business, our case is equally compelling. Much ofour work is in the governmental sector, including education, transportation and housing. OUfclients include both state and federal agencies. While we make good use oftechnology to communicate, face-la-face meetings are essential to conduct current business and secure new business. Washington DC is our number one travel destination. Inefficient service costs our business time and money. Direct service from Lansing to Washington DC would help our business grow and prosper. It is service that our firm wouid use on a regular basis. We sincerely hope that you can review and act on this matter soon. Your approval would be a signal to our region that this administration supports the transportation underpinnings of economic growth.

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS 1123 IURNER SIREII. SUIIf 101 lANSING. MICHIGAN 48906

-4363 517
. 267
. 9800 fO Sll 261
. 981S

### October 14, 2010

The HonorableRaymond 1.LaHood SecretaryofTransportation United States DepartmentofTransportation 1200NewJerseyAvenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: SunCountryAirlinesApplication

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 DearSecretaryLaHood: RW Armstrong strongly supports the Sun Country Airlines application for slot allocation atRonald Reagan WashingtonNational Airport (DCA). Havingbeen a mid-Michigan business for the past twelve years, weknow ofthe needfor convenient direct flight access to the nation's capital. Providing direct flight service to DCA

### will have a demonstrable effect both in time and cost savings for smallbusinesses, such as ours, and, evenmore so, for large employers such as Michigan state govermnent, Michigan State University and General Motors (the three largest employers in the mid-Michigan area). Having the local cOllvenience ofa world class regional airport AND direct flight service to DCA strongly supports the Vision 

### 100 goals. Thankyou for this opportunityto offer the support ofRW Armstrong. We eagerlyawait your decisionto allocate the DCA slots to Sun Country Airlines. Sincerely, RWArmstrong

# ?/~C--{(~aJ;:) Michael L. Borta, P.E. Vice President 

# I Capital CityAirport, 2nd Floor 14100 Capital City Blvd. Ilansing, M148906 

# I PH 517.327.1980 II TF 800.321.6959 II FX 517.327.1982 

# 'f r.vArmstrong.com**RIc~,1ULoP** 

### . . ..........""
.....**V~;S !;N**  I 5263 Club CourseDr. 

### II Bath. Micbipn 4 08



### October 6, 2010 The Honorable Raymond L. 

### LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 

### rn ·.boo.com

United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590
Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: I am the retired CEO ofan insurance company in Lansing, Michigan and have been active in our community for several decades
. Part ofthat civic involvement has been to serve on the Board ofDirectors ofthe Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition, which is an organization ofmembers ofour regional business community that is dedicated to improving air service to the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan. The merger oflarge airlines has had an extremely damaging impact on air service to our area. As the state capital and home of a major research university, Michigan State University, the demand for direct service to Washington DC has been at the top ofour agenda for a number ofyears. We did have successful service to DC with Independence Air that was discontinued due to that airlines bankruptcy. We continue to have the demand and the Sun Country Airlines service would fulfill that need. I urge you to give approval to this application and help us serve the demonstrated needs ofour community. Thank you for your consideration.

Richard A. 

### RasmussenSince 1929
...Experience Makes the Difference


### October 14, 20I0



### The Honorable Raymond L. Lahood Secretary ofTransportation United States DepartmentofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: SunCountryAirlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 DearSecretary LaHood: As a memberofthe Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalitionrepresenting more than 200 businesses, governmental and educational organizations in the Mid-Michigan area, we strongly desire working toward the increased development ofthe air service in ourregion. We are writing this letter to support and request approval ofthe Sun Country application referenced above. We desperately needthe direct flights to Washington DC. Personally, we would use it upwards of 12 times per year, round trip
. The members ofourTravel Coalition collectively spend approximately $25 million per yearon air travel. Washington DC is the numberone destination ofourbusiness travelers. As the home ofa thriving manufacturing and insurance sector, Michigan StateUniversity, more than 400 state associations and as Michigan's state capital, direct serviceto WashingtonDC is ofvital importanceto us. We would greatly appreciate your approvaJ ofthe Sun Country slot application.

Charles Levy President

1400 Abbott Road, Suite 440'East Lansing, MY 48823' 517.337.8415· 800.456
.5305' fax: 517
.337.8416 www.shlnberginsurance
.com·sl1inberg@sinbergagency
.comJENNIFER M. GRANHOLM GOVERNOR STATE OF MICIDGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LANSING


### October 18, 2010

The Honorable Raymond L. 

### LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Sun Country Airlines Application

- #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: KIRK T. STEUDLE DIRECTOR



### The Michigan Department ofTransportation supports the application ofSun Country Airlines for two slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This action would allow the airline to begin providing direct service between the State Capital of Lansing and Washington, D.C. Lack of such direct service has resulted in additional expenses and wasted time for Lansing travelers, including state employees, negatively impacting their ability to access government and conduct business in the Washington, D.C. area. Because direct service from the State Capital in Lansing to Washington, D.C. would produce significant cost and time savings, it is of great importance to the State of Michigan and other regional business travelers. Strong air service has also been identified as a critical component of an economic growth strategy for the State Capital region. For these reasons, we would urge you to approve the application submitted by Sun Country Airlines.

LH-LAN.o (01/03) 

### Sincerely,

I(jrk T. Steudle Director

MURRAY D. VAN WAGONER BUILDING' P.O. BOX 30050' LANSING. MICHIGAN 48909 www.michigan.gov • (517) 373-2090

# STATE OF MINNESOTA Office ofGovernor Tim Pawlenty 1 30StatE' Capitol +

### 75 Rev
.Dr. Martin Luther KingJr
. Boulevard +

### Saint Paul, MN 55 155



### October 21, 2010



### Honorable Ray LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 1200 

### NewJersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 

### Dear Mr. Secretary: #DOT-OST-2000-7182


### MN Airlines, LLC, doingbusiness as Sun Country Airlines, recently filed an application for an available landing and takeoff slot at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. With this slot, Sun Country Airlines would be able to include flights from Minneapolis through Lansing, Michigan, to Reagan National in Washington, D.C. For many Minnesotans, this additional service would likely provide a cost-effective travel alternative to the nation's capitol, and support further economic development in ourstate. Sun Country Airlines is well known in Minnesota for its excellent service and low-cost fares. Currently, Sun Country Airlines cannot fly to Washington Reagan airport because of the slot constraints. Awarding of the available takeoff and landing slots to Sun Country would provide an immediate competitive fare environment for passengers to and from Minneapolis and Lansing that is missing today. The enhanced Washington service would also have an immediate impact in that more jobs would be created both in Minnesota and in Michigan to operate and handlethese flights
. I would very much appreciate your favorable consideration ofSun Country's application
.

# ~in~__

# ~~____ _ 

### Tim Pawlenty Governor

c: Stan Gadek, President and CEO, Sun CountryAirlines Voice: (651) 296-3391 or (800) 657-3717 Fax: (651) 296-2089 TOO: (651) 296-0075 or (800) 657-3598 Web site: http://wwvv.governor
.state.mn.us An Equal Opportunity Employer Printed on recycled papercontaining**15 ~o**  post consumer materialTItE JOHN TRUSCOTT

GROUP 

### Oct. B2010

The Honorable Raymond L. LaHood SecretaryofTransportation U.S
.DepartmentofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Ave. 

### SE Washington, D.C. 20590 RE: Sun CountryAirlines Application

- #DOT

-OST-2000-71B2 Dear Secretary laHood: (am writing in supportofthe application by Sun CountryAirlines referenced above. As a statecapital, non-stop air service to Washington, D.C., is in high demand in the Greater Lansing region
.As a frequent business travelerto the nation's capital, my employees and Iare forced to eitherdrive 1.5 hours to another airportorhave an extended layover in an airportin order to travel to Washington. lanSingtravelers have repeatedly shown their desire for nonstop travel to Washington when thatoption has been available. However, becauseofairline bankruptcies and nationwide restructuring, ourmarkethas been left underserved by aircarriers and without nonstop service to Washington. Sun Country's proposed newservice would fill this void in airline service in Lansing and inject much-needed competition into our air travel market. Theaddition ofnew, nonstop service to Washington, D.C., also will save my business unnecessary costs by reducingtravel time to this important destination
.This is an importantconsideration for many businesses in our community, and would bea new tool for economic developmentIn our region. (look forward to being able to use this service for my frequent trips to Washington, D
.C. Your approval ofSun Country's application is greatly appreciated
.**SinCerelY,~** c=-'---:'-..,r

-

### ~~D John Truscott, President IH w .**An~n** Str,.." Suit< iWl'**UMn~.** hli**~IiY** II il7
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## 19([: 20515 October 18,2010 jfoon

### Jf.. ;§tilica llaniling j!epubltcan**~mtbtr**
David He)'lll5feld,CIU.rofStaff WardW
. McCarragher. a>tefComw JamesW. Coon 11. Republkan Chi<>fofStaff 

### The Honorable Ray H. LaHood Secretary, U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 New**Jers~y** 

### Avenue S.E. Washington,D.C. 20590 Dear

### Mr. Secretary: #DOT-OST-2000-7182 

### In the interest ofpromoting competition atWashington National Airport, an airport with special significance to the competitive balance in the airline industry, we write to encourage the Department ofTransportation (DOl) to allocate one pair ofslot exemptions in the current allocation proceeding! to Sun Country Airlines
. As a new-entrant, low-cost carrier, Sun Country would be well positioned to offer low fares and innovative service to travelers between Washington, D.C.; Lansing, Michigan; and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. National Airport plays a critical role in providing access to the nation's capital for nearly 20 million passengers each year. At the same time, however, characteristics ofthe airport's configuration limit the volume ofcompeting flights that can be operated at any given time
. Congress has recognized that National Airport's unique public purpose and its physical constraints require a heightened sensitivity to the vitality ofcompetition at the airport. 2 

### The DOT should therefore accord great weight to any proposal for new service that would increase competition. Upon reviewing Sun Country's application for slot exemptions in 

### the current allocation proceeding, we are persuaded that Sun Country's proposal presents the DOT

### with an opportunity to open National Airport to a new entrant that promises low fares and innovative service linking Washington with important cities 

### in the Upper Midwest. Sun Country proposes to operate daily, one-stop service between National Airport and Minneapolis/St. Paul, via Lansing. This service would provide travelers in both Lansing and the Twin Cities with a critically important alternative to existing service offered by network carriers through dominated hub airports where the carriers already charge high fares.
. The low-cost service proposed by Sun Country 

### is particularly important for travelers in 

### our home state ofMinnesota. Sun Country proposes to offer same-plane, one-stop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and National Airport at an average fare of$145, which

I Stt U
.S. Dep't ofTransp., Dkt. No
. DOT-OST-2000-7182. 2 See, e.g., 49 V
.S.c. §41718(b) (2010) (listing factors for evaluating applications for within-perimeter slot exemptions, with emphasis on preservation orenhancement ofcompetition).

### The Honorable Ray 

### H. LaHood October 18, 2010 Page 2 would be significantly lower than the average fare of$222 in the market today, according to Sun Country's application. Daily service to the nation's capital, offered at such affordable fares, would invigorate low-cost competition in the Twin Cities, where the average fare in the fttst quarter of 2010 was some $50 higher than the national average and where Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines (which were then in the process ofmerging) together accounted for an overwhelming majority

- 67 percent
- ofannual passenger enplanements in 2009. 3 

### Sun Country's proposed service from the Twill Cities to National Airportwould provide travelers in the Twin Cities with a reasonable alternative to existing service and would likely encourage further competition and innovation among airlines that competein the market. Mostimportantly, it would provide Minnesota travelers with an option to travel to Washington at less expense. A similar measure ofbenefits would flow to consumers in the Lansing-National Airport market. The average yield (a measure ofrevenue per passenger-mile) in the fourth quarter of2009 in that market was approximately 35 percent higher than the average yield among the top 5,000 origin and destination markets, according to data reported to the DOT. Sun Country would offer the only nonstop service between National Airport and Lansing, an important state capital, and proposes to do so at reasonable fares as much as 20 percent less than the lowest published fare in the market, according to its application. Consumers in bothWashington and Lansing would benefit. We are particularly pleased to note that Sun Country's proposal comes at a time when a question mark looms over the future ofotherlow-cost carriers' ability and incentive to keep fares low. Regulators historically have regarded low-cost carriers as essential to tempering the anticompetitive effects ofmergers, but the pending Southwest-AirTran merger raises colorable questions about whether some low-cost carriers may begin to follow their competitors' pricing practices rather than reverse them. Sun Country's entry into high-priced markets such as those at issue in this application 

### will create a new anchor for low-cost service and

### will bring needed low-cost competition to National Airport. An award oftwo slot exemptions to Sun Country for the service proposed 

### in its application would preserve the delicate competitive balance atWashington National Airport. We hope the DOTwill give these views full 

### and fair consideration as 

### it examines the various proposals for slot exemptions in the current proceeding. With all best wishes, Sincerely,

a 

### airman, Committee on ransportation and Infrastructure Member ofCongress

3 Unless otherwise indicated, data on relevant markets was compiled by the GovernmentAccountability Office from information reported to the DOT

### The Honorable Ray LaHood Secretary ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary LaHood: 

# ltlnitcd**~tatcs ~cnatf**  WASHINGTON, DC 20510



### October 21,2010

#DOT-OST-2000-7182 

### We \vTite in strong support ofSun Country Airline's recent application for an available landing and takeoffslot at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The application is for a night between Minneapolis, ivfN and Washington, D.C.. via Lansing. MI. Sun Country Airlines would be a new entrant into Reagan National Airport, expanding competition in a limited market. This flight path would also boost fare competition for travelers in Minnesota, Michigan, and the Washington, D.C. areas. It would be the first entrant to Reagan National Airport from Michigan's state capital in Lansing, and would increase night options between Minnesota and Washington, DC. It 

### would provide an immediate economic benefit in both Minnesota and Michigan. resulting in lower farcs and increasedjob opportunities to service the new flights. The proposed service would be ofobvious benefit to tvlinncsotans. It 

### would createjobs for the Minnesota-based airline Sun Country Airlines. and improve their growing status as a lowcost, high-quality carrier. Minnesota is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. worldrenowned hospitals and medical centers, and tourist destinations. Low-cost, competitive service is essential to both businesses and travelers in the stale. This service would also increase the partnership opportunities bet\veen the University ofMinnesota and Michigan State University, two ofour nation's best research universities. Finally, it would save travelers millions ofdollars in lower fares, making it easier for Minnesotans to travel to our nation's capital. Miehigan would also benetit from this new route. The Lansing region caters to state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations. and many growing businesses that require transportation to D.C. as a part oftheir professions. It 

### is inconvenient that Lansing, as the capital ofMichigan, currently lacks a direct flight to Washington, D.C. Lansing is a convenient tenninal for the 90 percent ofMichigan residents who live within 90 minutes ofthe city. Michigan travelers would clearly benefit from the competition and reduction in airfare provided by 

### Sun Country. In 

### addition, the Lansing region is home to Michigan State University. a lOp licr research institution. Just last ycar, MSU received a major contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to house the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. which will attract researchers and industry internationally. A direct tlight from Lansing to D.C. is imperative to support the cconomic developmcnt ofthe region.

### Sun Country is uniquely qualified among the applicants for this slot, in that it is**th~** 

### only rOllte that meets 

### all five criteria that the Department ofTranspoJ1ation must consider under the applicable statute. In a time of job loss and rising air fares. this application presents an opportunity to provide an economic boost to three metro areas and assist American consumers and workers simultaneously. We appreciate your careful consideration ofthis request. Please do not hesitate to contact any ofus should you have any questions or concerns.

AI FrankenThe Honorable Raymond L. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation United States Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Ref: Sun CountryAirlines Application - #DOT-OST-2000-7182 Dear Secretary LaHood: Please carefully consider and approve Sun Country Airlines request for weekly air service between Lansing Michigan's Capital Region International Airport and Washington DC's Reagan National Airport. This airservice will provide tremendous benefit to the over-all economic vitality of Mid-Michigan. We believe this to be an incredibly important service to our State and region
. As Michigan's State Capitol, Lansing is centrally located in Michigan. The convenience of Lansing's Capital Region International Airport to business travelers will prove to be a welcome asset to not only Lansing business travelers but also to those from all over Mid-Michigan. Lansing is also home to one of General Motors newest and most technologically advanced, state ofthe art, 4 billion dollar automobile manufacturing plants and also to Michigan State University, one ofthe World's leading Research and Technology Centers. Research has indicated that service from Lansing to Washington DC is necessary. We believe the marketwill respond and the flight service will quickly become a viable and sustainable resource to business travelers in Lansing and throughout the Mid-Michigan area. We also believe that Michigan business and pleasure travelers will receive significant benefitfrom having the abilityto utilize regularly scheduled flight options, at reasonable fares, to and from Lansing and Minneapolis as detailed in Sun Country Airlines request. Thank you in advance for your careful consideration to this vitally important issue that can and will create a positive economic impact on the great State of Michigan. Respectfully Submitted,

Ernie R. Hedberg III Senior Account Manager Young Broadcasting of Lansing WLNSTV-6 WHTVTV-18 (517) 372-8282 Young Broadcasting ofLansing, Inc. WLNS-TV 2820 E. Saginaw Street Lansing, Michigan 48912 Phone (517) 372-8282 Fax (517) 374-7610