Trans States Airlines Had Planned To Leave In May

Deep in the heart of Missouri, there lies a quiet little city named Columbia. Ideally located in the center of Missouri's centermost county -- and next to several major highways, according to the city's website -- this berg of approximately 90,000 is home to the University of Missouri, several museums, and even an adult alternative radio station.

The city is also home to Columbia Regional Airport... which is served somewhat begrudgingly by Trans States Airlines, the only scheduled airline that flies there.

We say "begrudgingly" because if Trans States Airlines had its way, they'd soon be leaving Columbia -- and the 20 flights per week the airline flies as an AmericanConnection carrier -- as well as four other Missouri and Illinois cities the carrier currently serves using 30-seat Jetstream 41 turboprops.

Not so fast, however, said the US Department of Transportation upon hearing of Trans States' desire to exit Columbia. As the only carrier serving the city, the DOT has ordered Trans States to continue flying out of Columbia past its scheduled May 11 pullout date, as officials scramble to find another carrier to fill its role.

Which leaves Trans States forced to continue flying to Columbia for the foreseeable future.

DOT spokesman Bill Mosley told the Associated Press the Department of Transportation will consider several factors in choosing a new airline to operate from Columbia -- not the least of which is whether the airline would seek federal subsidies to take over TSA's routes.

Any takers?

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.transstates.net