Rep. Hillary Scholten Calls for FAA’s Swift Approval of Muskegon County Airport Contract

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Annie Petsonk, urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hasten their review of Muskegon County Airport’s (MKG) request to terminate their contract with Southern Airways Express (SAE). MKG requested that the FAA cancel its Essential Air Service (EAS) provider contract with SAE due to the airline’s poor performance. The current contract calls for five flights a day – the best day on record currently is two flights departing on August 28 with only eight flights departing in the past two weeks.

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners unanimously expressed their support to contract with Denver Air Connection (DAC) to best serve the community, however, the FAA must sign off on this decision. It has been nearly 160 days since the Board’s request to move services to Denver Air Connection. 

“Southern Airways Express is responsible for dilapidating Muskegon County Airport and preventing West Michiganders from traveling conveniently and affordably,” said Scholten. “Their limited operations failed to meet the needs of the Muskegon community, and the airline’s recent 140-day termination of service notice has exacerbated poor service and negative economic impacts for an already underresourced area. We cannot allow a regional airport that’s critical for Muskegon’s vital tourism industry to crumble. It is shameful that it has taken the FAA this long to allow Denver Air Connection to take over, and I am calling on the Assistant Secretary to act now. Muskegon cannot wait another day for this matter to be resolved.” 

Scholten is the only Michigan member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In June, she questioned Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the delays. Watch more here.

The full letter can be found below:

Ms. Annie Petsonk

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Ms. Petsonk,

I write to you with a keen sense of urgency about quickly dilapidating conditions at the Muskegon County Airport (MKG). Months ago, MKG had its contract canceled with its previous Essential Air Service (EAS) provider and is currently in the process of obtaining a new one. This past week, MKG’s incumbent EAS provider issued a 140-day notice to terminate its air service on January 14, 2025. This will only worsen the airline’s operations, as they have a declining incentive to support the community with such little time left in its service. 

MKG’s contract with Southern Airways Express (SAE) was canceled as it did not meet the needs of my community with limited operations reliability; persistent customer experience concerns; and failure to fulfill the terms of its contract. While I am grateful this neglectful service provider contract was canceled, that is only half the battle–MKG needs a new provider to actually meet the needs of the EAS catchment area. Since the termination of the contract and the recent 140-day termination notice, SAE’s service has further deteriorated, as it knows it will no longer be the provider of choice. These problems have deeply impacted my region, especially during West Michigan’s peak travel season which will continue through the fall. That is why I write to you, to urge the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expedite–through all means possible–the selection of MKG’s new EAS provider. 

I understand DOT must evaluate all prospective EAS provider applications, and we indeed need a thorough review. However, it has been several months since this contract was terminated and the clock is ticking on SAE’s termination of service–yet MKG does not have a replacement provider. I have made several requests in writing, via phone calls, and even during House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee testimony to draw attention to this dire need. Every day without a new contract exacerbates poor service and negative economic impacts for an already economically disadvantaged area. 

Fortunately, MKG has identified an ideal replacement. In April 2024, the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners unanimously recommended Denver Air Connection’s (DAC) proposal for EAS at MKG. The Board did so in the hope of moving the DOT’s selection process along, as well as underscoring the community’s emphatic support for DAC’s bid. Swift action is critical, as it will take at least three months for DAC to establish service routes and build clientele before providing flights and rebuilding travelers’ trust.

As such, I would like to express continued, unified support for DAC’s bid to serve as MKG’s EAS provider. I additionally implore the Department to prioritize the approval of this contract to ensure that this partnership can quickly restore the airport’s reputation and fulfill West Michigander’s travel needs. I welcome the opportunity to share the DOT’s explanation for delays in approving a new contract, and the anticipated timeline for this transfer for my community. 

Thank you for your time and attention to the matter. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely, 

Congresswoman Hillary J. Scholten