Bids in for air service to one of America's most remote communities

HOPE of restoring jet service to far-flung Adak Island (pop 303) in the Aleutians, 500 miles west of Dutch Harbour, has been renewed in a re-consideration of cutbacks to the federal Essential Air Service programme, reports KUBC, the Alaska Community Broadcasting channel.

Alaska Airlines has been flying a Boeing 737-Combi plane to Adak twice a week for nearly 10 years, but then announced it wasn't interested in renewing its contract after June 30.

The US Department of Transportation put out tenders for the highly subsidised route, but only one airline replied and its bid was too high and it lacked of community support.

In May, bidding reopened and in the second round, four airlines submitted proposals - two cargo carriers, one passenger carrier and unexpectedly, Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines vice president Marilyn Romano said the company reconsidered because of recent decreases fuel prices as well as lobbying from the local community.

"They all believe that there's a growing future in Adak," Ms Romano said. "They went through a slump but things started to turn around they could see some growth in the future."

Ms Romano also said she discussed prospects with several fishing companies and an oil company before bidding. Alaska Airlines is requesting a US$1.6 million annual subsidy, the same amount as before, but this time they want a 12-month contract rather than the usual two years.

"Right now we'd like to keep it status quo, give us a year to continue to work with the community. Based on everything else, we felt we needed to go ahead and do a bid," she said.

Ms Romano wouldn't speculate about Alaska's chances of being awarded the contract, saying only that the airline feels like it is well-positioned. Other bidders are Everts Air Cargo, Northern Air Cargo and Era.