Air Wisconsin landed a $10.8 million Essential Air Service Contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide subsidized service between Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio.
Its the first EAS contract for Air Wisconsin, which had announced layoffs earlier this year after ending its relationship with American Airlines. At the time the company said it would focus on EAS routes and charter service. The EAS program provides federal subsidies to ensure air service for small communities.
The new service will be operated using Air Wisconsin’s fleet of 50-seat CRJ-200 regional jets and offered under a codeshare with American Airlines, according to the bid submitted to the USDOT. It will connect Charlotte Douglas Airport and Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
Ohio airport officials have objected to Air Wisconsin’s selection and filed a complaint with the USDOT over the Air Wisconsin bid which was the lowest cost among those submitted.
The two-year contract begins Sept. 30 and includes a first-year federal subsidy of $5.2 million, which will increase to $5.56 million in the second year.
