TRENTON (NEWS CENTER Maine) --
Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport is looking for a new seasonal carrier after PenAir current contract comes to an end.
Airport manager, Bradley Madeira, said PenAir recently lost its US Department of Transportation contract at the North Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle and decided not to seek a new contract with the Bar Harbor airport. Madeira said this is normal for a small airport to change carriers.
The airline offers two seasonal flights to and from Boston.
PenAir will resume seasonal service that starts on the Friday before Memorial Day until their contract runs out on June 30, Madeira said.
Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport averages about 8,500 passengers a year. PenAir would account for 3,500 of those passengers.
”I think a positive message is that its business as usual. We just happen to be in the middle of this process. I’m very optimistic that we will have a smooth transition from June 30 with another carrier on July 1 to the next,” said Madeira
The US Department of Transportation will solicit proposals for a new seasonal essential air service until Thursday.
Bradley said next week they will start the process of picking a new airline but could take 60-90 days to start once selected.
Cape Air will continue to offer year-round service to and from Boston.
