Company Also Seeks New Pilots For Expanded Routes

Mesa Air Group, Inc. announced Wednesday it had met with officials from Hawaii's Department of Transportation to provide them a proposal to provide air service in that state.

The regional carrier expects to begin service by March of 2006, according to a company press release, initially with four to five CRJ regional jets. Future plans call for as many as 15 of the aircraft to serve routes between several Hawaiian islands.

"Mesa is delighted to present its Proposal to Provide Airline Service in the State of Hawaii to State of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation," said Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa’s Chairman and CEO. "We look forward to working with the state and local communities as we move forward with our plans to initiate service. We believe our combination of low fares, and convenient, frequent flights will be a welcome alternative for consumers traveling inter-island."

Mesa has also put a call out for new applicants to its Pilot Development Program, conducted in association with San Juan Regional College in Farmington, NM, in anticipation of its need for more pilots.

A management team lead by Board of Director's member Maurice Parker is currently in Hawaii, according to the release, preparing for the start of operations there. In addition to meeting with the state DOT, Parker will also meet with local officials of the as-yet-unannounced location where the company intends to being initial service.

Included in the proposal submitted last week was information outlining the proposed flight schedule, key management personnel, relevant FAA and DOT certifications, type of equipment to be operated, and copies of audited financial reports.

Founded in New Mexico in 1982, Mesa currently operates 182 aircraft with over 1,100 daily departures to over 165 cities, in 44 states as well as the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates under several different banners, including America West Express, Delta Connection, US Airways Express and United Express, as well as independently as Mesa Airlines.

FMI: www.mesa-air.com, www.flightcareers.com