CLEARFIELD – Clearfield-Jefferson Regional Airport Manager Bob Shaffer gave the Clearfield County Commissioners an update on the status of the airport since Mesa Airways stopped providing service to DUJ on May 23.
“The airport is not closing,” said Shaffer.
He added that while the airport currently has no air provider, they are expecting one to begin service on Aug. 15.
The new provider will be Gulfstream International, a private company that will fly passengers to an air hub in Cleveland, OH.
Shaffer explained that the Cleveland hub is a more attractive, up-and-coming facility than the Pittsburgh hub that Mesa flew passengers too.
Mesa shut down all of its Air Midwest operations then turned over their operating license to the Federal Department of Transportation. According to Shaffer this loophole allowed them to immediately cancel their service.
For folks who had a trip booked, they can contact US Airways at 1-800-428-4322.
“They will provide accommodations,” said Shaffer.
Commissioner Chairman John Sobel said that last week the commissioners met with a representative from Sen. Arlen Specter’s office. Sobel said that Specter is not happy with US Airways. Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen said that if anyone is having problems receiving refunds from US Airways that Specter wishes to hear form them. She said that complaints can be passed through the commissioners’ office.
Commissioner Mark McCracken added that the commissioners have a high level of respect for the airport, the airport’s board and staff.
“The villain of this … is Mesa Airlines,” said McCracken.
The commissioners stressed that by all accounts, the new air service provider will be a better service provider.