Lummis Asks DOT to Stop Slow-Walking SkyWest Charter’s Application to Deliver Air Service to Rural Wyoming

July 11, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg asking for clarification as to why the DOT has not acted on SkyWest Charter’s (SWC) application for a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization for more than a year. The DOT’s inaction is jeopardizing the commercial air service provided by SkyWest, which serves rural Wyoming communities.

“Approval of this application could provide much needed relief for air service in rural communities like those I represent in Wyoming. Reliable and safe air transportation is critical to Wyoming’s economy for a variety of reasons, including to attract visitors and businesses. Reliable air service is also often needed to allow residents of remote areas to access necessary medical services,” Lummis said in the letter.

Senator Lummis requested a response from the DOT by July 25th to three key questions:

  • What has caused the delay in addressing SWC’s application for Commuter Air Carrier Authorization?
  • Is DOT missing information from SWC needed to fully process the application?
  • Are there other examples of other Part 135 operators who waited for over a year before receiving approval from DOT? 

Click here to view the full letter.

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