Rep. Scholten Celebrates FAA Action on Muskegon County Airport’s Essential Air Service Contract

WASHINGTON –  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Muskegon County Airport’s (MKG) request to terminate their Essential Air Service (EAS) provider contract with Southern Airways Express. Now, the airport can begin a new EAS contract with the unanimously agreed-upon servicer, Denver Air Connection. This move came after Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) repeatedly called on the FAA to install a new service provider and sent a letter to the FAA Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.

“I am grateful to the FAA for finally taking the long-awaited action Muskegon County Airport needed,” said Scholten. “Southern Airways Express failed to fulfill their contract with MKG starving the region of countless dollars in tourism revenue and limiting Muskegon residents from traveling with ease. Muskegon is a true port town with one of the deepest ports on Lake Michigan. This economic hub must have an airline service that meets its needs, and I look forward to Denver Air Connection’s partnership to ensure MKG – and the surrounding region – have what is necessary to thrive.”

“This selection of Denver Air Connection (DAC) as the air service provider and community partner for Muskegon sets the stage for our much-anticipated return to pre-pandemic levels of jet service,” said Ken Efting, Muskegon County Airport Director. “The leaders of Muskegon County are thankful for the support for the DOT during this timely service change that further highlights the strategic importance of our airport as a critical component for continued growth in the economies of West Michigan.” 

“I am extremely pleased that the community of Muskegon recognizes the value of Denver Air Connection’s reliability and on-time performance,” said Jon Coleman, Denver Air Connection Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy. “At 99.75%, our completion rate is unrivaled and the people of the West Michigan Lakeshore region will have an airline that they can count on beginning on November 1st.”  

Last week, Scholten also announced over $20.1 million in investments to upgrade MKG. “With a new service provider and these federal dollars, MKG is well-positioned to flourish,” concluded Scholten.

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.