WASHINGTON – As part of his continuing effort to increase and improve air service for Maine, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci met with the owners of Colgan Air in his Washington office March 1.

Colgan Air currently provides flights to Augusta, Portland, Rockland, Bangor and Bar Harbor.

Beginning May 15, Colgan Air also will serve the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle. Additionally, the Virginia-based airline provides service to more than 15 communities in eight other states.

In meeting with Michael and Chuck Colgan, Baldacci praised the high quality of service offered by Colgan Air and discussed plans for starting service to Presque Isle this spring. Operating as U.S. Airways Express, Colgan Air will provide three round-trip flights each weekday to Boston and four daily flights on weekends.

Baldacci, who serves on the House Aviation Subcommittee, noted that Colgan Air replaces American Eagle, which stopped serving Presque Isle in December. American Eagle’s departure resulted in a 60 percent decrease in air service at the northern Maine airport.

Baldacci urged the Federal Aviation Administration to provide Essential Air Service support to help attract a replacement carrier. Colgan Air was awarded the EAS designation. It will receive federal funding to initiate and maintain reliable air service.

Colgan Air will use 34-seat aircraft, which travel at faster speeds and provide more comfort than smaller planes formerly used in Presque Isle.