Statement on U. S. Senator Dick Durbin Regarding Downstate Regions Air Service Shut Down

STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR DICK DURBIN REGARDING DOWNSTATE REGIONS AIR SERVICE SHUT DOWN

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement in response to a public announcement made today by Regions Air that it "is temporarily ceasing scheduled operations until further notice". Regions Air, operating as American Connection to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, serves the Quincy, Decatur, Marion/Herrin, and Springfield airports.

"Early this morning, Regions Air announced that it was ceasing operations until further notice due to pilot training issues with the FAA. This is yet another example of how Regions Air has failed the tests of safety and service. Our downstate communities deserve better."

"I've been in contact with the U.S. Department of Transportation, American Airlines/American Eagle, and the affected communities- all of whom share my lack of confidence in Regions."

"I began face-to-face conversations with American Eagle in Dallas nearly two weeks ago to replace Regions with a quality air carrier as quickly as possible. And when I alerted the Department of Transportation earlier this week that Regions wasn't living up to its Essential Air Service (EAS) commitments and shouldn't have their existing Illinois contracts renewed, they put into motion a plan to replace Regions in these markets."

"It's unfortunate that the airline that prided itself on its dependability and professionalism has demonstrated just the opposite in recent months. It's time for an air service change."

"We will continue our efforts. Passengers in downstate Illinois have already experienced more than their fair share of service disruptions and inconvenience."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=270094