ALPA Applauds DOT Position, Citing Public Funding During Pandemic

The Air Line Pilots Association has commended the Department of Transportation on its work in ensuring continued airline service to small and rural communities throughout the US. ALPA noted the recent taxpayer subsidies issued to SkyWest in recent years, bolstering their bottom line and hopefully maintaining service to those areas that might otherwise be unprofitable. The airline recently notified the Department of Transportation of its intent to discontinue Essential Air Service to 29 cities, citing problems in staffing flights amidst a small but growing pilot shortage. The Department rejected that plan, demanding the airline continue service to each city until a replacement i