PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- If the U.S. Department of Transportation approves SkyWest Airlines as the Essential Air Service provider for the Pierre and Watertown airports, both airports could be entering uncharted territory.
Following about three years of regulatory challenges, paperwork dated Feb. 13, 2025, shows that the USDOT tentatively approved SkyWest Charter’s application to operate as a commuter air carrier, subject to certain conditions. The SkyWest subsidiary plans to operate public charter flights, which could include EAS communities, using 30-seat CRJ-200 aircraft.
Jamie Kogutek (ca-goo-tek) is a managing partner at consulting company Embark Aviation. He says if SkyWest receives an EAS contract it’s unclear as to whether or not the company needs permission from the USDOT in order to switch to flying the routes with SkyWest Charter.
SkyWest Airlines is regulated under Part 121 rules, while SkyWest Charter falls under Part 135 rules. Kogutek explains the difference.
Kogutek says another difference between larger, Part 121 airlines and smaller, Part 135 airlines, can be availability of perks such as interline baggage agreements, mobile apps and connections to travel booking websites.
The USDOT makes the ultimate contract agreements, but does give EAS communities the opportunity to review the proposals and make a recommendation. Town officials in both Pierre and Watertown recommended that SkyWest Airlines get the new EAS contracts.
Denver Air Connection’s EAS contract expires at the end of May 2025. An EAS contract provides federal subsidies to make the cost of flights more affordable for travelers.
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