Originally Posted by
timeless
Was anybody else a little surprised when they learned how EAS routes are funded? I know that kind of flying creates jobs, but EAS needs to go away. Why is a community entitled to air service if it can't be made profitable? If there is a road to the city it should be disqualified form EAS funding.
According to the Wikipedia page about Essential Air Service, total annual subsidies are more than $146 million.
Its also used for mail delivery. That would make sense as to why the govt wants it. Skyway used to fly live fish and USPS mail on its EAS flights.