Gov. Ted Kulongoski has announced formation of Oregon Commercial Air Service Coalition, made up of local airports, business leaders and governments, to keep air service in towns where it is threatened.

State Rep. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, flew Kulongoski to Pendleton in her twin turboprop plane where he announced the plan Thursday.

Horizon Air recently announced plans to end direct flights between Pendleton and Portland and route planes through Seattle and to end service to Klamath Falls and North Bend/Coos Bay. Delta Air Lines has pulled out of Salem.

Pendleton Airport Manager Larry Dalrymple said Horizon Air has about 110 days before it can leave.

Kulongoski noted problems in the airline industry but said the service is vital to keeping communities economically viable.

Pendleton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leslie Cranes said about 1,500 people flew from Portland to Pendleton last year compared to only 337 who flew from Seattle to Pendleton.

Leo Stewart, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, said Horizon Air's service has been essential to the tribes' resort and casino and Cayuse Technologies, the tribes' software development business.

Commercial airports in Portland, Redmond, Klamath Falls, North Bend, Medford, Eugene, Salem and Pendleton have agreed to join the coalition.

The governor has charged the coalition with restoring air service to smaller Oregon communities. He said a state subsidy may be needed to help regional air carriers deal with high operating costs.

Horizon Air has been receiving annual federal subsidies of $748,440 to fly between Portland and Pendleton. Service to Klamath Falls and Coos Bay has had no federal subsidies.

Horizon Air did not send a representative to Thursday's meeting.

Dan Calm, director of the Oregon Department of Aviation, said coalition representatives were to meet with Horizon representatives Friday.

Kulongoski said other companies that provide outside links to small towns also are cutting service, including Amtrak and UPS.

"There seems to be a national policy that for the sake of economics we're going to isolate our smaller communities," Kulongoski said.

He said a national policy is needed to address the issue.

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Information from: East Oregonian, http://www.eastoregonian.info

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