COUNTY News:
New Mexico Airlines suspended service for two weeks in December and has not operated flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque for the past week.
County Manager Harry Burgess stressed that today’s announcement about contract termination is not a decision to end airline service. He said a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to replace New Mexico Airlines will be issued within two weeks and he has directed airport staff to expedite the process in order to hire a new contractor as quickly as possible and resume the flights, which have proven to be very popular. The service has shown a significant increase in the number of passengers booking flights in the last eight months, he said.
“We have heard positive feedback about offering flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque, and we want to continue to offer that convenient and cost effective transportation option to business travelers, residents and visitors,” Burgess said, adding that he hopes travelers will book flights and support the new contractor after service resumes.
Airport Manager David Ploeger said anyone who has booked a flight beyond Jan. 23 should call the New Mexico Airlines reservations office at 1.888.564.6119 to cancel and request a refund.
“We apologize in advance for any inconvenience to travelers,” Ploeger said, adding that he hoped giving ten days’ notice to the public would allow adequate time for making other travel arrangements.
Los Alamos Airport began offering flights in April 2013, using state and federal grant monies matched by a local subsidy. Ticket prices started at $49 each way with three daily flights between Los Alamos and Albuquerque. Marketing of the airline service is accomplished using a state grant and will resume once the new contractor and flight schedule is announced.
The contract with New Mexico Airlines was scheduled to end June 30 and the County had already anticipated releasing an RFQ this spring, as required under its Procurement Code.
Copy of Termination Letter:
