JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Senator John Hoeven announced today that SkyWest Airlines, Inc. has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to continue providing Essential Air Service (EAS) at Devils Lake and Jamestown airports. The service will run from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. SkyWest will operate 12 round trips per week to Denver International Airport using 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet 200 (CRJ-200) aircraft.

“This is excellent news for Jamestown and Devils Lake, as the demand for air service in North Dakota continues to grow, including in these communities,” said Hoeven. “It is crucial that these areas have access to reliable commercial air service to support economic growth and provide opportunities for the region, as well as meet the needs of travelers.”

Katie Hemmer, Jamestown Regional Airport Director, expressed her approval: “SkyWest has been a fantastic partner for the Jamestown region’s commercial air service. We are thrilled to secure this partnership for another three years and look forward to setting new passenger boarding records.”

Scott Cruse, Devils Lake Regional Airport Director, shared his excitement: “Devils Lake is thrilled to have an EAS provider in place again. The pilot shortage had forced SkyWest to make difficult decisions about EAS airports. We are grateful for the efforts from our state leadership, the DOT, SkyWest Airlines, and our communities in achieving this outcome. We can now anticipate reliable and quality air service for our communities. A big thank you to everyone involved.”

Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, highlighted the program’s importance: “Access to the global air transportation network is highly valued by North Dakotans, as it improves quality of life and promotes business and economic growth. We appreciate the collaboration with our congressional delegation and federal partners to ensure this vital program continues to support our rural communities.”

SkyWest’s continued service will ensure essential connectivity for these communities, bolstering local economies and meeting the needs of travelers.