A program that subsidizes air services to small airports across the USA, often in remote communities, is shaping up as a key testing ground for the newly elected Congress and its aim of shrinking the federal government. Senator John McCain has proposed an amendment to an aviation bill pending before the Senate in order to eliminate the $200 million essential air service program. The program pays airlines to provide scheduled service to about 150 communities. Subsidies per airline passenger as of summer 2010, ranged as high as $5,223 in Ely, Nevada, to as low as $9.21 in Thief River Falls,

This content is restricted to site members.

If you are an existing user, please login below.
New users may register below.

Existing Users Log In