The search for a new seasonal carrier at Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton may be nearly over. Bradley Madeira the airport’s manager, said Friday that two airlines have submitted bids to the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide federally subsidized service during the summer when the airport accommodates nearly half of its annual passenger volume.
"We've received one proposal from Boutique Air and one from Silver Airways and both are great carriers, both have a lot to offer," Madeira said.
Maderia said he is hopeful that the bid can be awarded before the summer season begins.
"May 1st or so would be great," he said. "It would just give the carrier more time to set up by July 1 when we have the transition."
Maderia said the airport was forced to seek new seasonal service after its former contract holder, Pen-Air, announced that it was pulling out of Trenton because it had lost a similar contract with the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle. Hancock County Commissioners are expected to make a recommendation next week to the U.S. Department of Transportation which will make the final decision on the bid.