PenAir (Anchorage Ted Stevens) has advised the US Department of Transportation that it will not be able to continue to provide services along cancelled EAS routes in Nebraska and Kansas for the required period, citing a pilot exodus. Over the last two months, PenAir has filed its intention to terminate its EAS contracts at Scottsbluff, Kearney, North Platte, Liberal, and Dodge City.

"At the time it filed these Notices, PenAir fully intended to continue its EAS at the five communities in Nebraska and Kansas until a replacement carrier was selected and was in place to commence service," the filing says. "However, there has been a massive exodus of Saab 340 pilots. As of today, a total of seventeen PenAir Saab 340B pilots submitted resignation notices or have already left to work for other airlines."

The carrier, which is currently under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, says that it cannot move Saab340 pilots from other areas as it would create a domino effect of adverse impacts on its services.

Flights will cease from the affected airports after September 10.