Denver Air Connection took over the federal Essential Air Service contract for the Pierre Regional Airport last month (July 1, 2021).
In an effort to show what a flight on the regional commercial air carrier is like, the company hosted Pierre media members on their regular 9:45am flight yesterday (Aug. 9, 2021).
The flight was piloted by DAC Director of Business Development Jon Coleman. When the one hour flight landed, Vice President of DAC parent company Keylime Air Glen Rich got on the jet to to talk about how he thinks things have gone in their first five-plus weeks. He said he’s is happy with the passenger numbers so far.
Of the 1924 people who flew out of the Pierre Regional Airport last month, 581 were on DAC and 1343 were on former EAS provider SkyWest, who has so far continued service at Pierre despite no longer receiving a federal subsidy.
Rich and Coleman both pilot regular routes for DAC. From upper management to ground crew, Rich says many of the company’s employees are able to handle a variety of duties.
Initially upon hearing the US Department of Transportation gave the new, two-year EAS contract to DAC rather than SkyWest (April 2021)– which had been the preference of Pierre city officials– there was push back from the town and SkyWest hoping to get USDOT to rebid the Pierre EAS route. Gov. Kristi Noem and Senator John Thune have also contacted USDOT asking for an answer on whether or not the Pierre EAS route will be put out for a rebid.
Despite the initial resistance, Rich thinks opinions are changing.
People are able to book flights on both Denver Air Connection and SkyWest using the United.com website. Most days, each company provides two non-stop flights from Pierre to the Denver International Airport.
DRG Media Group news and farm director Jody Heemstra snaps a selfie before other passengers board the 9:45am CT Denver Air Connection flight on Aug. 9, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Cabin of Denver Air Connection regional jet before other passengers board the 9:45am CT flight on Aug. 9, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Aug. 9, 2021, Denver Air Connection flight leaving Pierre.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Aug. 9, 2021, Denver Air Connection flight leaving Pierre.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
denver air connection flying out of pierre 080921
Aug. 9, 2021, Denver Air Connection flight coming back into Pierre.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Aug. 9, 2021, Denver Air Connection flight coming back into Pierre.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Aug. 9, 2021, Denver Air Connection flight coming back into Pierre.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra, Denver Air Connection pilot and Director of Business Development Jon Coleman and Riverfront Broadcasting News Director Zach Nelson after returning to Pierre on a DAC flight Aug. 9, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra and Denver Air Connection pilot and Director of Business Development Jon Coleman after returning to Pierre on a DAC flight Aug. 9, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
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