Sun Country may lose subsidy for flights from MSP to Eau Claire

Sun Country Airlines could lose the subsidy that funds its short flights from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wis . to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport .

The 85-mile route is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service program, which aims to improve travel in rural regions.

Last week, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport Commission voted 6–1 to recommend giving the contract to SkyWest Airlines when Sun Country's contract expires in November.

The Utah-based SkyWest Airlines, which doesn't currently serve the Eau Claire airport, has proposed adding 12 weekly roundtrip flights to Chicago's O'Hare airport.

"The Commission felt the SkyWest Airlines (dba United Express) proposal provided the best opportunity to serve the maximum number of passengers when considering their broad network connectivity through the Chicago O'Hare hub," the commission wrote.

Sun Country runs four roundtrip flights between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire each week, as well as seasonal flights to Fort Myers, Florida; Orlando, Florida; and Las Vegas. Its proposal for a contract extension reduces service from MSP to three times per week.

"Please understand that despite their support for SkyWest's proposal, the Airport Commission shares our community's disappointment at losing the seasonal service opportunities Sun Country has provided over the last 18 months," the commission's letter says, adding that it hopes Sun Country will continue serving the airport without federal subsidies.

The DOT will make the final determination on whether to approve the recommendation on its EAS contract.