Houghton County will get a new air carrier.
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:18 p.m.
Read more: Local, Economy, Business, Tourism, Consumer, Houghton, Mesaba, Skywest
HOUGHTON COUNTY -- The Houghton County Airport is getting a new air carrier against the wishes of the community.
SkyWest Airlines, which operates under the United name, will replace Mesaba, which operates as part of Delta Airlines.
The Department of Transportation released its decision Friday on which air carrier will serve the airport under the Essential Air Service Program.
Houghton County unanimously requested Mesaba, but Mesaba submitted proposals that exceeded the maximum number of seats that can be guaranteed by the government. Mesaba requested three daily flights in their bid.
SkyWest Airlines will provide two daily non-stop flights to Chicago's O'Hare Airport on a 50-seat regional jet.
Mesaba will continue to serve the Houghton County Airport until SkyWest is fully in place.
No word on when that might happen.
All tickets booked on Mesaba will be honored by SkyWest.
