havredailynews.com - Watching Over Transition of EAS to Gulfstream

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by Tim Leeds

Montana's senior senator, Democrat Max Baucus, said Tuesday that he will be watching the transition of Montana's Essential Air Service from Great Lakes Airlines to Gulfstream International Airlines.

Baucus said he will help however he can to make sure the needs of Montana communities are met.

Baucus met with Gulfstream CEO David Hackett Tuesday.

"Essential Air Service is essential to Montana jobs. Montana's economy depends on transportation to attract businesses, and that includes reliable air service in rural communities, " Baucus said in a press release. "I made clear to Gulfstream that quality Essential Air Service is a priority for me. "

The federal government approved Gulfstream's taking over the service, as recommended by the state's EAS board, in February.

The federally subsidized service provides flights in Montana to Havre, Glasgow, Lewistown, Miles City, Sidney, West Yellowstone and Wolf Point.

Last month, Baucus successfully fought attempts to amend the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization the Senate to eliminate Essential Air Service. He also worked to help restore Essential Air Service in Montana in 2008 when seven of the eight EAS airports in Montana lost commercial air service completely when Big Sky Airlines went out of business.

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