News Releases for September 2005
September 2, 2005
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Hoeven, Officials Meet With Northwest Airlines
Executives to Discuss North Dakota Service
BISMARCK , N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven, the state's congressional delegation and city officials today met with Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland and company schedule planner Matthew Friebe to discuss the importance of quality airline service and adequate seating capacity for North Dakota airports.
In addition to Hoeven and the delegation also present were Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness; Bismarck City Commissioner Bryce Hill; Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman; Grand Forks City Council Chairman Hal Gersham; and Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Gary Ness. Airport authority officials for the major airports were also present.
“With our current level of economic growth, our communities need to maintain and increase their current airline seating capacity in order to stay connected to the rest of the nation and the world,” Hoeven said. “Air travelers, either for business or pleasure, must have the confidence that service will meet their needs.”
Hoeven and other officials discussed the airline's strong relationship with North Dakota , and then focused on restoring seating capacity to two of North Dakota 's four major airports, which was reduced last month when the company announced a new service plan for North Dakota . Minot gained a few seats in the airline's plan, and Fargo 's jet service was re-evaluated so that no seating capacity would be lost.
Hoeven and officials pressed Northwest to restore seating capacity to Bismarck and Grand Forks . According to Hoeven, company officials will consider their recommendation and respond as early as next week.
“We realize Northwest Airlines is currently facing some serious challenges, especially with the escalating price of fuel, but the company needs to make adjustments for reasonable service and pricing,” Hoeven said. “For the benefit of North Dakota and the airline, we need to be promoting growth in the North Dakota air travel market over the long term.”
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