COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County officials commented on a news story circulating on KOAT Channel 7 this morning regarding New Mexico Airlines.

“Operation of the airline – including the number of planes that are flying – is a decision that is made by officials of New Mexico Airlines,” said Los Alamos County Airport Manager David Ploeger.

Ploeger said the County has a contract for services that is limited to providing air service and that as long as the airlines is serving the route between Los Alamos and Albuquerque, they are in compliance with the terms of their contract. New Mexico Airlines resumed service to Los Alamos Friday, Dec. 19.

With respect to KOAT reports stating that they have learned the FAA is investigating New Mexico Airlines regarding “maintenance issues” that grounded its fleet earlier this month, Ploeger said the County had not received any notification about an FAA investigation, nor is New Mexico Airlines required to inform the County on such matters. Ploeger said Los Alamos County is not authorized to comment on airline operational matters, and referred questions about a possible investigation to New Mexico Airlines’ corporate headquarters.

“Safety is a top priority for our passengers using the service,” he said, adding that if the County learns of any documented safety-related issue, it will be appropriately addressed with New Mexico Airlines, adding that would be the case with any safety concern raised about a company’s business practices if they are under contract with the County.

New Mexico Airlines began flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque in April 2013. The current contract ends June 30, 2015 and the County is in the process of preparing a Request for Proposals this spring for competitive bids to continue to provide air service.