Good News for Those Traveling In and Out of Prescott Region
The City of Prescott has recommended SkyWest Airlines, to be operating as United Express, as their preferred carrier for Essential Air Service (EAS) provision at Prescott Municipal Airport (PRC). Prescott City Council unanimously approved a recommendation to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to select SkyWest Airlines as the region’s EAS provider. Additionally, the leadership of the Town of Prescott Valley strongly supports the SkyWest recommendation. SkyWest was one of seven airlines that placed a bid.
SkyWest’s bid featured 50 seat regional jet service to Los Angeles International and Denver International Airport. The recommendation will now go to the DOT for consideration. The DOT’s decision is expected by the end of July, with air service starting as soon as late August.
Airport Director Dr. Robin Sobotta said, “SkyWest will be transformational in our quest to bring high quality, reliable service to Prescott and the growing region. The SkyWest dual-hub proposal to both Los Angeles and Denver offer our air travelers more than 650 convenient destinations within the United Airlines system.”
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli affirmed that the new air service will be a great benefit to the community. “SkyWest will provide our citizens, and the entire region a reliable, comfortable and convenient way to fly anywhere in the world from Prescott Municipal Airport. I want to that the PRC staff, and the Airport Advisory Committee for their diligence and thoughtful analysis throughout the process.”
Town of Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog confirmed, “Our leadership wholeheartedly supports the selection of SkyWest Airlines. They have a solid reputation of providing reliable air service to communities across the country. I am certain they will support the needs of Prescott Valley and the entire region.”
On March 26, Great Lakes Airlines ceased service at PRC, resulting in a DOT request for proposals from airlines interested in providing EAS at the airport. Those proposals were due at midnight on July 2. Seven proposals were received, including bids from Advanced Air, ADI/California Pacific Airlines, Boutique Air, Key Lime Air, Mokulele Airlines, Silver Airways, and SkyWest Airlines. Three of the carriers bid Prescott with regional jets. The carriers bid a variety of locations including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Hawthorne, CA.
“The quantity and quality of the carriers was outstanding, and made the process of selecting only one a considerable challenge,” said Dr. Sobotta. “Many factors were considered, including the carrier’s experience, their relationships with established larger carriers, their alignment with established EAS criteria, and the anticipated quality of the passenger experience. “
SkyWest Airlines is based in St. George, Utah. According to their website, SkyWest Airlines has over 13,000 aviation professionals operating over 2,400 daily flights, Sky West Airlines connects millions of passengers each month to 245 destinations across North America. Sky West operates in partnership with Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, and has a fleet of 443 aircraft.