WNRA Rejects SkyWest Charter Bid for Essential Air Service

WNRA Rejects SkyWest Charter Bid for Essential Air Service
Strang/RRN/KNEB
March 20th, 2023 | KNEB Staff

Western Nebraska Regional Airport Authority has joined their North Platte and Kearney counterparts in rejecting the SkyWest Charter EAS bid, but that rejection does not mean an immediate impact to service at the Scottsbluff airport.

Airport Director Raul Aguallo told the Board last week they have no indication at this point that SkyWest Charter will even get their application approved by the Department of Transportation, but SkyWest Incorporated is being forced by DOT to continue service.

They’ve given SkyWest another round of money, so on top of what they’re already getting, they gave them another subsidy. So their complaint shouldn’t be money- they’re making plenty of money,” says Aguallo. ”

Other drawbacks of the SkyWest Charter bid included the fact it exceeded the maximum flights under EAS, and that United Airlines would not commit to a code-share agreement with the new, as-yet-to-be-approved entity.

Aguallo noted when SkyWest Charter is finally ready to present an approvable proposal, the plan will continue to receive strong opposition from the Airline Pilots Association over safety concerns.

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