PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season kept the Pierre Regional Airport busy again last month.
City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga (high-zin-ga) says November shows the highest number of enplanements so far this year.
Despite strong numbers the past few months, Huizenga anticipates the total number of boardings this year will be lower than in 2023.
Pierre’s 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. The contracts are for two years and Huizenga says service to Pierre is up for bid again.
Denver Air Connection currently provides 12 round trip flights each week between Pierre and the Denver International Airport. In October, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Jon Coleman told DRG Media Group that they want to continue to serve the Pierre area and will be submitting a bid for the contract.
As the EAS bidding process gets underway, the Pierre Regional Airport will be under new management, so to speak. Current Airport Manager Brian Cowles has resigned, Wednesday being his last day. Last week, the city commission approved the hiring of former City Engineer John Childs to serve as the interim airport manager.
While local officials do get to provide input regarding which company they prefer, the USDOT makes the ultimate decision.
The post Enplanements for Pierre Regional Airport in November appeared first on Hub City Radio.