The only commercial airline flying out of Macon wants three million dollars a year from the federal government. But the government is balking at the request.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says Atlantic Southeast Airlines wants triple the money it usually pays airlines for traveling to smaller cities. The department would prefer new bids from carriers.
Congressman Jim Marshall represents central Georgia's 8th district. He says even if Atlantic Southeast stops flying to Middle Georgia Regional Airport, eventually a long-term commercial replacement will be found.
"Who knows what we'll ultimately get here in Macon. I expect we will have a commercial provider and that commercial provider will cost taxpayers a lot less than the three million dollars that's proposed by ASA".
Atlantic Southeast Airlines says it needs the federal subsidy because it's losing money on the Atlanta route. Macon's airport has never received this particular federal handout.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says Atlantic Southeast Airlines wants triple the money it usually pays airlines for traveling to smaller cities. The department would prefer new bids from carriers.
Congressman Jim Marshall represents central Georgia's 8th district. He says even if Atlantic Southeast stops flying to Middle Georgia Regional Airport, eventually a long-term commercial replacement will be found.
"Who knows what we'll ultimately get here in Macon. I expect we will have a commercial provider and that commercial provider will cost taxpayers a lot less than the three million dollars that's proposed by ASA".
Atlantic Southeast Airlines says it needs the federal subsidy because it's losing money on the Atlanta route. Macon's airport has never received this particular federal handout.
