Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Carol Petsonk, demanding answers from the Biden administration regarding its failure to review SkyWest Charter's application for Commuter Air Carrier Authorization. The application has been sitting unresolved at the agency for 19 months.

In his letter, Daines expressed his concerns about the impact of declining access to small community air service on Montana and called for immediate action on SkyWest Charter's application. He emphasized that many Montana communities, especially Butte and West Yellowstone, rely on this vital service to connect with the rest of the state and nation.

Daines highlighted the importance of SkyWest's application in addressing the ongoing pilot shortage while providing and expanding air service to small communities across the country. Despite the application being submitted more than a year-and-a-half ago, no action has been taken by the agency.

The lack of action from the Biden administration on this matter has raised concerns about severe economic hardship that these communities may face if relief is not provided promptly. Daines pointed out that air service is not a luxury for many rural Montanans but a necessity. Without reliable air service, they struggle to access critical medical services, and many communities rely on it as an economic lifeline.

Communities like Butte and West Yellowstone are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of continued inaction, including the loss of hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity.

Daines had previously written to Secretary Buttigieg in June 2023 on this subject, and various Montana community groups have also reached out to express their concerns about the lack of action.

Last summer, Daines had already requested the Department of Transportation (DOT) to quickly review the application and ensure continued service. However, there has been no progress since then.

The letter serves as a reminder to the Biden administration of the urgent need to address this issue and provide relief to the communities that depend on small community air service.

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