HSU President Deplores Horizon Air Flight Shutdown

Humboldt State University President Rollin Richmond has lodged a strong protest with the head of Horizon Air against the carrier’s decision to eliminate service to ACV Arcata/Eureka Airport, especially with the Commencement travel season scarcely 60 days ahead.

“I promptly voiced my concerns to Horizon Air CEO Glenn Johnson, asking him to reconsider terminating service to ACV and, at a minimum, to continue operations until Humboldt State’s Commencement exercises are completed May 14,” Richmond said. In a message to the campus community, he added, “I encourage everyone at HSU to speak out and let Mr. Johnson know you think this is a big mistake. His address is Glenn.Johnson@horizonair.com. Below is my letter to him; feel free to use it as a template for your letters.”

Dear Mr. Johnson: As the President of Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, I am most distressed for our students and their parents, not to mention our faculty, that your airline is abandoning our airport. I regularly use your flight to Los Angeles, and it is invariably full. Just two days ago, I rode from LAX to ACV on a completely full flight. What is your company's rationale for abandoning service to our area? At the very least, you should have set a date for abandoning us after our commencement on May 14th. I am confident that your flights are booked solid with parents and friends of our graduates. You have a responsibility to do more than make a profit for your investors. You have a responsibility to the citizenry of our region to supply the important transportation needs we have. If you can demonstrate that you are losing money on the flights from Arcata, then raise the prices, but don't abandon us. I will look forward to your response. Rollin.”