Great Lakes to Discontinue United Express Flights at Decatur, IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dick Fontaine
Senior VP of Marketing
(712)262-1000

GREAT LAKES AVIATION TO DISCONTINUE UNITED EXPRESS FLIGHTS AT DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Spencer, Iowa – November 22, 1999 – Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GLUX) announced today the end of its United Express flights at Decatur, Illinois effective January 4, 2000.

Following the discontinuation of United Express Decatur flights in May, 1997, Great Lakes Aviation reinstated service between Decatur and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport in October, 1998. Great Lakes has not been able to provide an attractive schedule offering in the market due to limited access at O'Hare Airport.

"Great Lakes Aviation had continued operation of its limited schedule with the hope that congressional efforts to create additional access to O'Hare would have allowed the scheduling of more non-stop flights at competitive times", said Douglas G. Voss, President and Chief Executive Officer for Great Lakes Aviation. "However, after months of effort to secure additional O'Hare access, Congress has recently adjourned without moving aviation bills that had contained language that would have allowed for improved service patterns. Great Lakes is unable to continue to absorb ongoing losses and, therefore, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue service", he added. "We have appreciated the Decatur community's support and we will continue giving Decatur consideration in future service planning if, and when, O'Hare slot rule revisions create a financially feasible opportunity", he continued.

The last date for United Express flights between Decatur and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport will be January 4, 2000. Great Lakes Aviation and United Airlines will coordinate the rebooking of passengers who are ticketed for travel January 5, 2000 and later. Refunds without penalty will also be available should alternate arrangements not be satisfactory.

Great Lakes Aviation is currently providing United Express service at 67 airports in fourteen states with a fleet of eight Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias and 40 Beechcraft 1900D regional airliners.

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