Board recommends Advanced Air as county’s first-choice EAS carrier, leaves final decision to DOT
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Summary
After presentations from multiple carriers, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted to recommend Advanced Air as its primary Essential Air Service choice, with an alternate preference identified, and noted the U.S. Department of Transportation will make the final award by March 17.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on March 3 reviewed competing bids for the county’s Essential Air Service subsidy and voted to forward a community preference ranking to the U.S. Department of Transportation. After presentations by SkyWest, Advanced Air, Contour Airlines, Southern Airways and Boutique carriers, Supervisor John Hawk moved to recommend Advanced Air as the county’s primary choice; the motion passed.
Board members and airline representatives debated aircraft type, frequency, destinations and operational reliability. Advanced Air proposed 24 weekly round trips using King Air 350 aircraft, splitting trips between Hawthorne (Los Angeles-area) and Phoenix; company representatives emphasized frequency, safety (twin-engine aircraft) and community marketing. Contour and SkyWest emphasized jet capability and partner connectivity; Southern and Boutique highlighted local maintenance bases, fuel commitments and lower fares.
Supervisors repeatedly cited two community priorities: (1) preserving direct service to Phoenix for frequent users who travel for work or medical care, and (2) ensuring a Los Angeles-area connection (either direct LAX or via Hawthorne). Supervisor Cardenas Singh emphasized medical travel needs and affordability; Supervisor Escobar and others pressed carriers on local staffing, fuel purchases and commitments to hire existing airport maintenance personnel.
The board recorded the county-level preference; the Department of Transportation will consider the county’s recommendation but make the ultimate award. The board also named alternates and options for DOT to consider if its primary selection is not feasible. The motion passed in open session; no contract was awarded at the meeting.
What happens next: County staff will file the county’s ranked preference with DOT ahead of the March 17 deadline; DOT will publish and announce the final selection on its scheduled timeline.
