January 29, 2025:
If the U.S. Department of Transportation agrees with the recommendation submitted by city government (Jan. 28, 2025), the company providing commercial air service at the Pierre Regional Airport would change when the next Essential Air Service contract begins in June (June 1, 2025).
Companies submitting offers were current EAS contract holder Denver Air Connection; previous EAS contract holder SkyWest; and Wisconsin Air.
Of the three bids that were submitted, Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says they’re recommending that the bid from SkyWest be the one that’s chosen.
Audio PlayerHuizenga says the three bids had some similarities.
Audio PlayerHuizenga says one thing that set SkyWest apart was it’s relationship with United Airlines and the benefits that come with it.
Audio PlayerWith the potential for a four-year EAS contract instead of the typical two-year contract, Huizenga says having service from SkyWest would provide consistency, especially during the Pierre airport’s busiest time of year– the fall pheasant hunting season.
Audio PlayerAn Essential Air Service contract provides federal subsidies to make the cost of flights from regional airports more affordable for travelers. EAS communities get to review the proposals and make a recommendation, but the USDOT makes the ultimate decision.
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January 8, 2025:
The Pierre Regional Airport is partially funded through the federal Essential Air Service program, which means the U.S. Department of Transportation provides a subsidy to the commercial air carrier providing service in order to maintain flight options at small airports around the country.
City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says three companies submitted bids.
Audio PlayerWhile local officials do get to provide input regarding which company they prefer, Huizenga says the USDOT makes the ultimate decision.
Audio PlayerAdditionally, as an EAS airport, if Pierre goes over the 10,000 boardings number in one year, it’s eligible to receive $1-million from the USDOT.
Denver Air Connection currently provides 12 round trip flights each week between Pierre and the Denver International Airport.
October 30, 2024:
In the coming weeks, the United States Department of Transportation will begin the process of determining what company will receive the federal contract to provide commercial air service to the Pierre Regional Airport.
Denver Air Connection is the current contract holder.
Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says it’s a bidding process that happens every two years.
Audio PlayerHuizenga says a handful of city staff are involved in the EAS bidding process.
Audio PlayerDenver Air Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Jon Coleman told DRG Media Group that they want to continue to serve the Pierre area.
Audio PlayerAn Essential Air Service contract provides federal subsidies to make the cost of flights more affordable for travelers. The USDOT makes the ultimate contract agreements, but does give EAS communities the opportunity to review the proposals and make a recommendation.
DAC currently provides 12 flights per week between Pierre and the Denver International Airport. Through September 2024, over 10,000 (10,035) people have flown out of the Pierre Regional Airport.
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