Skywest Charter (SWC) has issued an answer to the U.S. Department of Transportation over its request for commuter air carrier authority.
According to its consolidated answer submitted to the DOT by SkyWest on Thursday, SWC called for an expedited resolution to its application following extensive analysis and discussion over the merits of its application. The DOT provided a preliminary approval of the company’s charter venture last month, which was met with objections by various labor groups.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and other industry stakeholders have objected to SkyWest’s application due to safety concerns and how SWC’s business plan may impact Essential Air Service (EAS) communities.
The union has suggested SWC’s operations could shift small community flying from larger SkyWest Airlines aircraft to smaller charter jets.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) have both joined ALPA in objecting to the company’s application.
SkyWest stated in its answer that the primary issues under consideration by the DOT are the fitness and U.S. citizenship qualifications of the company as it seeks to conduct scheduled passenger operations.
SWC argued that the objections lodged by the unions appear to be extraneous and not directly related to the essential criteria of its application.
SWC stated that ALPA’s recurring contentions have previously been deemed irrelevant by the DOT. Moreover, the company suggested that ALPA’s motives are due to a desire to limit competition, which might affect its members’ employment opportunities.
SkyWest also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration has already approved the necessary personnel and found that its operations have satisfied all regulatory requirements.
Responding to concerns raised about the safety implications of operating under Part 135 and 380 rules, SkyWest reiterated its commitment to exceeding mandatory safety standards. The company argued that the additional voluntary safety measures it adopts go beyond what is legally required.
SkyWest further stated that the allegations that its business practices might undermine consumer interests are unfounded.
