Six of Seven Alaska Subsidized Air Routes Draw a Single Bid, All Seeking Higher Subsidies
U.S. Department of Transportation Essential Air Service bidding shows that six of seven roadless Alaska communities received only one bid each, from the incumbent carrier, and every bidder is asking for higher federal subsidies.
Grant Aviation is the sole bidder for Ekwok, quoting about $310,000 for the first year, roughly 12 percent above the current $276,200, to keep three flights a week to Dillingham on six-seat Cessna 207 aircraft; comments are due November 5. Grant is also the sole bidder for King Cove, quoting about $3.9 million over two years, about 22 percent above the current roughly $3.2 million, for 12 flights a week to Cold Bay; that contract expires November 30.
For Lake Minchumina, Wright Air Service quoted about $234,900 a year, up 10 percent, while Everts Air Cargo quoted about $330,000, up 54 percent, proposing Pilatus PC-12 service twice a week with a $100 one-way fare; the local homeowners association backs Wright. The Transportation Department weighs six factors in awarding the contracts, including carrier reliability, community views and subsidy levels.
The new round of contracts for Southeast Alaska communities is to take effect February 1, 2027.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 阿拉斯加国王湾（King Cove）港区（图片：Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0，作者 ALEUTIANEXPRESS）/ King Cove harbor, Alaska (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, by ALEUTIANEXPRESS)
