EDITOR:

In response to the July 17 article, “Delta County Airport Seeks More Destinations,” it was disappointing to read that “Delta County has decided to change air carriers providing essential service at the Delta County Airport.” This is the first I am reading or hearing of this and that the decision has already been made. I have not read of any public hearings regarding this and question the benefits of the decision.

I do a significant amount of business and personal travel out of our Escanaba Airport, and having direct access to Delta, a major carrier, provides substantial benefits. The destinations to and from Escanaba, Detroit and Minneapolis provide seamless access to major travel hubs. I can be to most destinations in the US by noon with convenient return flights.

As to the article pointing out schedule changes, these happen regardless of the local carrier.

Having a local maintenance person does not guarantee a maintenance issue can be resolved in a timely manner.

“Would be able to schedule flights to Detroit …” Denver Air Connection does not have a gate at DTW. Which terminal do they propose signing on to?

Interline agreements do not guarantee continuity of airlines for seamless travel. This would be an issue if a passenger has to port from the DTW Evan’s Terminal to the McNamara terminal.

“The bid from Denver Air Connection was higher than both the bid from SouthWest and Air Wisconsin.” Losing a major carrier at a higher cost, with obvious uncertainties, makes no sense.

I have seldom flown out of Escanaba when the flights were not full or nearly full. Passengers not only come from Escanaba, but drive from Marquette, Iron Mountain, and the Central UP. I hope Delta is retained. If we sign on with a different carrier and find it’s not in the communities’ best interests, you might not be able to go back. Business and personal travel would be impacted.

Gilbert Cheves

Escanaba