The Merced City Council on Monday is scheduled to review proposals for a new passenger air service provider at the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport.
The upcoming decision comes nearly five years after Merced leaders approved Advanced Air for the airport’s Essential Air Service (EAS) contract.
EAS contracts allow for air service to relatively rural areas of the U.S., providing a subsidy to carriers. Although the Federal Aviation Administration ultimately chooses which company gets the contract, the city’s recommendation is considered.
Advanced Air currently provides service from Merced to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Jet Center Los Angeles in Hawthorne.
The discussion also comes as Merced leaders prepare to unwrap a brand new $17 million terminal that’s been under construction at the airport since 2023. It’s expected to open later this year.
Among the proposals recommended to the city by the Regional Airport Authority, Advanced Air is applying to renew their contract, which expires at the end of this year. The city will also review proposals from Skywest Charter and Contour Air, both of which would include service from Merced to LAX and Las Vegas.
The new EAS contract would begin Jan. 1.
The Regional Airport Authority said the goal should include selecting a carrier that provides service that keeps residents flying from Merced, instead of driving to larger airports. That would help ensure local economic benefit and an increased level of customers, according to city documents.
The recommendation was also for the selected carrier to develop a marketing strategy promoting their service from Merced.
The Merced City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street.