P1lotseanjr

Im Glad to hear about all the future expansion plans. Im hoping ill get a call soon to start training!

OkStateBryan

We need more planes in the fleet to support it if we win those bids.

Sanguy

Visalia has opted out of the EAS program after being let down by Great Lakes and SeaPort. The city runs a bus to Fresno anyway. So no one including Boutique will be flying there now. Imperial has requested Boutique, but I haven't read if the DOT awarded yet or not. Mokulele bid VIS and IMP, but wanted both or none, so I can see IMP going to Boutique although Great Lakes bid IMP as well.

And yes, more planes will be needed. Boutique has my app for a CA slot.

OkStateBryan

Visalia may have opted out of EAS but they still might contract us out. It just won't be on the government's dime. It's possible. Los Alamos supposedly does that.

Sanguy

Visalia certainly could do that. However, that's not what they've indicated will happen. By opting out of EAS, the Feds will be giving the city a lot of money to develop the airport in other ways instead of airline service. VIS serves a lot of corporate aircraft as well as FedEx and UPS. The FBO and freight terminals both need an upgrade. Fresno is only a 40 mile drive and is served by United, Alaska, and American so airline service is still close.

As an aside, Boutique has sent DOT a 90 day notice of service termination for Show Low claiming the bid was too low and the company is losing money on that route. The company hopes to rebid for a higher subsidy amount, but the process will be open for other EAS carriers to bid as well. The Termination notice is on DOT's website.

Growing pains and perhaps not enough aircraft? Who knows.

OkStateBryan

We have a phone meeting tomorrow. Will be interesting what they have to say.

flydaho

Exactly what aviator3 said. Slowing in April, back to 2 during May, all while re-bidding. We'll see what happens after that.

AVIATOR3

Only real news for people looking into boutique that was discussed in the pilot meeting today is CASS will hopefully be done within the next month.

OkStateBryan

I'll believe it when I see it.

ClarenceOveur

Fingers crossed over here.