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American, JetBlue present competing EAS bids for Presque Isle: frequency and connectivity vs. capacity and low fares
Summary
American Airlines proposed a 12-weekly-frequency plan split between Boston and Philadelphia using regional jets and a subsidy around $8M; JetBlue proposed seven weekly A220 mainline flights with lower fares, strong completion metrics and a preferred four-year term.
American Airlines and JetBlue made competing pitches to the Presque Isle City Council on March 25 as part of the U.S. Department of Transportations Essential Air Service selection process.
Americans representative, Jordan Pac, said the carrier would serve Boston and Philadelphia, meeting the statutory EAS minimum of 12 weekly flights and requesting a subsidy he described as "a little over $8 million." Americans proposal centers on regional jets (CRJ700 or E170) in a flexible 12-week split (examples given: seven weekly flights to one city and five to the other), with a preference for two-year contract terms to allow the carrier to refine schedules and subsidy levels after market learning.
JetBlues presenters emphasized mainline A220-300 aircraft (about 140 seats), lower routine fares, a record of high completion rates for the Presque Isle service and community partnerships that include donated medical tickets and a multi-phase partnership with United for interline/points and mixed-carrier ticketing. JetBlue said it prefers a four-year contract term and offered to test additional seasonal service such as Saturday-only flights to Orlando as an experiment.
Key technical distinctions: - Frequencies: American proposed 12 weekly flights (statutory minimum); JetBlue proposed seven weekly flights (community-requested waiver required). - Aircraft: American described 65-seat regional jets (CRJ700 or E170); JetBlue proposed A220 mainline jets (140 seats). - Subsidy: American cited roughly $8 million; staff referenced an alternative bid in council materials near $11.5 million for the competing offer. - Connectivity: American highlighted Philadelphia plus Boston for broad hub connectivity; JetBlue highlighted Boston as a major focus city and a new United partnership to expand interline reach.
Airport director Scott Wardwell summarized DOT selection criteria (reliability, network connectivity, interline agreements, marketing plan, and community input) and framed the choice as a trade-off between frequency/flexibility and larger aircraft capacity with generally lower fares. The city council will forward its recommendation (the council ultimately recommended JetBlue) and the DOT will make the final carrier selection and contract award.
For readers evaluating the bids: check the written proposals and DOT materials for precise subsidy figures, proposed flight schedules, and contract lengths before concluding which model best suits business travel, medical access, and long-term airport growth.
