Regional Airline Association Statement on Great Lakes Suspension of Operations

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) wishes to acknowledge the suspension of flight operations of long-time member, Great Lakes Aviation. Once serving numerous routes in many states and employing 1,600 individuals, the airline has been highly exposed to a growing pilot shortage that has forced even larger carriers to cancel service and reduce frequency in recent years. Despite a constant search of solutions to protect its employees and customers during this ever-increasing, industry-wide crisis, Great Lakes was forced to cease flight operations on March 26. As a result, several communities and hundreds of passengers have been left without air service. This is the latest example of the pilot shortage and its damaging impact on American businesses and communities.