09.01.11

Hoeven: Delta Needs to Ensure Reliable Air Services Continue in Jamestown and Devils Lake

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – At the request of Jamestown and Devils Lake Airport officials, Senator John Hoeven today brought representatives from Delta Airlines to North Dakota to work toward ensuring reliable air service at the Jamestown and Devils Lake Regional Airports as Delta moves forward with a transition that may involve a change of carriers. Hoeven and state, local and airport officials briefed Delta officials on the growth of ridership at the airports and toured the new terminal and remodeled facility at the Jamestown Airport. 

“Over the last few years, more and more travelers have come to depend on air services at the Jamestown and Devils Lake Airports when traveling for business or pleasure,” said Hoeven. “To continue growing the local economies in these communities, we need to maintain the quality of air services they have come to expect and rely upon. We want to ensure that Delta officials fully understand the situation on the ground in Devils Lake and Jamestown, and encourage them to work with us to ensure that quality air travel is maintained in these cities.”

In July, Delta Airlines announced plans to discontinue or adjust service to 24 cities across the country, including Jamestown and Devils Lake. While Delta is under contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation to continue serving the airports until a new carrier is found, airport officials are hoping to reach an agreement with Delta that will minimize changes to routes, aircrafts, frequent flyer programs and other air services at the regional hubs.

Hoeven was joined at the meeting by Representative Rick Berg, Governor Jack Dalrymple, Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen, Jamestown Regional Airport Chairman Jim Boyd and Manager Matthew Leitner, Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Council CEO Connie Ova, Devils Lake Mayor Richard Johnson, Devils Lake Regional Airport Chairman Jim Kienast and Manager John Nord and Carrington Mayor Don Frye.