The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded SkyWest Airlines (OO, St. George Municipal) a two-year USD6 million Essential Air Service (EAS) contract on the Salina, Kansas-Denver International route, effective April 1, 2018.
The carrier will operate the route 12x weekly using CRJ200 equipment. The service will operate for United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) under the United Express banner. Under the terms of the EAS contract, the carrier will receive an annual subsidy of USD2,995,087 valid through March 31, 2020. Boutique Air and SkyValue Airways also submitted proposals in the EAS selection procedure.
The route is currently served under an existing agreement by Great Lakes Airlines (Cheyenne) with the same 12x weekly frequency albeit using smaller E120 equipment. Great Lakes Airlines receives an annual subsidy of USD1,999,905.
The route to Denver is currently the sole scheduled connection out of Salina.
