FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The only commercial airline company at Four Corners Regional Airport is planning to close its maintenance operations, though it will continue passenger service.
Great Lakes Airlines will lay off 17 workers in its plane maintenance hangar by the end of the month. Officials say the airline has maintenance operations in Cheyenne and Denver. About eight of the laid off workers have been offered transfers to Denver.
The company will continue operating its two to five flights per day at the Four Corners Regional Airport.
Airport Manager Mike Lewis says a new federal rule that increased the number of hours co-pilots must have before they can fly is putting a strain on the airline.