From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

June 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Agrees Mesa Air Must Continue Service

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson said he is pleased with the announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that Mesa Air must continue serving three Utah communities, until replacement air service can be awarded. 

"Mesa Air sought the Essential Air Service contract and made a pact with these communities to provide scheduled air service.  A deal is a deal," said Matheson.  "It would be unfair to Cedar City, Moab and Vernal for the company to leave before a different airline service provider could be brought on board.  The only thing worse than unsatisfactory service from Mesa would be no service at all."

Matheson said it was his understanding that under the terms of the government contract, Mesa Air could not simply walk away, even though it earlier announced that it would no longer provide the service according to the terms of the contract it signed. Today's federal Department of Transportation announcement confirms that, as well as starts the process of receiving new bids from other airlines.

Matheson said one lesson learned is that just looking at the low bid should not be the only criteria.  He said the viability of the airline should be considered.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)