PIERRE, (KCCR) — The City of Pierre has spoken with the recommendation of SkyWest to serve the city for commercial air service in the next Essential Air Service contract. The recommendation letter was sent to the U-S Department of Transportation Tuesday evening prior to the city’s Commission meeting. In his letter to Michael Gormas in the Office of Aviation Analysis, Mayor Steve Harding says the city was surprised to see three viable proposals including two from previous contract holders. Harding says the city is recommending the four-year contract proposal from SkyWest as the most advantageous for those traveling in and out of central South Dakota. Harding specifically cites SkyWest’s ability to provide seamless ticketing, connections to mainline carriers, reasonable pricing and frequent flier benefits. Harding used the letter also to acknowledge and thank Denver Air Connection, the current contract holder. Harding says Denver Air has provided excellent customer service, performed above industry averages for reliability and is a wonderful community partner. He added the city is looking forward to Denver Air’s continued growth in the airline industry. City recommendations were due February 6th.
