The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking emergency replacement proposals for a number of Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts previously held by SeaPort Airlines (Portland International) which ceased all operations this week.
Replacement EAS contracts are being sought for operations from El Dorado Goodwin South Arkansas Regional, Harrison and Hot Springs Memorial. On the other hand, the DOT had requested proposals for operations from Pendleton prior to SeaPort’s demise as the contract was due to expire by the end of the year. The airline served all four communities with Cessna (single turboprop) Grand Caravan 208Bs.
SeaPort Airlines' suspension of operations leaves all of the communities without any scheduled air service. The Oregon-based carrier said it would be liquidated as part of a switch from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings.
