Updated: Skywest seeks to reduce/drop EAS markets

Gulfstream500 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:05 pm

Anyone know the status of Hibbing (HIB)? They're a Delta EAS market operated by SkyWest, but DL has a call center in nearby Chisholm, so I am curious as to what will happen to them if SkyWest drops most or all of their EAS flying.

EDIT: The EAS contract expires on May 31st of this year.

Chuska · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:07 pm

SyracuseAvGeek wrote:
SkyWest operates 38 EAS cities on behalf of UA, United operates two on their own (COD and PQI). This ending of 29 cities means they (UA/SkyWest) will be only left with 9 EAS cities (assuming PBG and OGS aren’t part of the 29 as they were previously announced).

I wonder why they aren’t cutting any of the EAS cities under the DL brand, there are 15 of them.

I'm showing 34 UA* cities not counting COD which is UA, like you said. PQI is served by GoJet. I dont know whats's going on with DIK, OO got the contract in Sep, 2020 but CommutAir took over the service in Apr, 2021. I didn't count DIK, COD or PQI. There are also 15 DL cities, like you said. My total is 49 EAS cities under OO contract.

Jshank83 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:10 pm

PAH
https://www.wsiltv.com/news/skywest-air ... caefa.html

joeblow10 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:16 pm

So far it looks like every city outside of ND that has been notified was already on the list of 18 cities where they were going to tag flights next month. I would assume it is relatively safe to say that list of 18 is part of the 29 (perhaps with a few minor exceptions).

Also FWIW - TPGs article said SKW had 49 EAS cities in total

Gulfstream500 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:20 pm

For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

Chuska · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:29 pm

Gulfstream500 wrote:
For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

DIK is probably the discrepancy between 49 or 50 EAS cities. Anyone know why OO got the contract for DIK but CommutAir is flying it?

Rdh3e · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:46 pm

Chuska wrote:
Gulfstream500 wrote:
For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

DIK is probably the discrepancy between 49 or 50 EAS cities. Anyone know why OO got the contract for DIK but CommutAir is flying it?

Because SkyWest did not get the contract for DIK, United did.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... 5-697-0127

Pinto · Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:55 pm

Can someone explain to me were the 29 comes from. I have yet to see anything regarding a mass change besides the changing of route into 1 stop flights.

kavok · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:04 pm

Pinto wrote:
Can someone explain to me were the 29 comes from. I have yet to see anything regarding a mass change besides the changing of route into 1 stop flights.

The 29 figure comes from what airport administrators were told by SkyWest. See my earlier post.

Jshank83 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:07 pm

Mason City
https://www.kaaltv.com/iowa-news/skywes ... r/6415720/

Jshank83 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:09 pm

Pinto wrote:
Can someone explain to me were the 29 comes from. I have yet to see anything regarding a mass change besides the changing of route into 1 stop flights.

All the links that I am a couple other people are posting are news articles saying skywest is telling the airports they are pulling out and they need to find replacement airlines. All the one stop flights are just to get them by until someone else can come in

FlyingElvii · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:24 pm

Gulfstream500 wrote:
For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

Planes aren't an issue for Contour, there are plenty of ex-Expressjet 145's and ex-AA 135's sitting in the desert, available dirt cheap.
The problem is pilots, including training and sim availability. The mid-sized charter market is going gangbusters, and rates have gone way up, even before the Gas and War debacle.

Chuska · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:30 pm

Rdh3e wrote:
Chuska wrote:
Gulfstream500 wrote:
For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

DIK is probably the discrepancy between 49 or 50 EAS cities. Anyone know why OO got the contract for DIK but CommutAir is flying it?

Because SkyWest did not get the contract for DIK, United did.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... 5-697-0127

Thanks for finding that. The wiki site has been pretty accurate and up to date but appears to have missed this one.

sprxUSA · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:34 pm

Now expressjet can find a sure fire way to make money and end the aha! gig.

drdisque · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:43 pm

So far confirmed:

MEI
PIB
PAH
CGI
DEC
MCW
FOD
JMS
DVL

so that's 9 so far confirmed

Suspected (due to inclusion in triangle list):
LBF
BFF
PUB
CKB
LWB
JST
TBN
SLN
HYS
SHD
DDC
LAR

Possibly included:
PBG
OGS

That's 23. If PBG and OGS are included and if all the suspected are correct, that leaves 6 more.

If I had to guess:
MKG
VCT
BTM
PRC
VEL
FMN

knope2001 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:51 pm

https://www.kimt.com/news/skywest-airli ... e.amp.html

This Mason City story mentions Fort Dodge and Sioux City. SUX would be a big surprise given they were successful enough to graduate out of EAS subsidy prior to COVID. I’d think Skywest would cut 29 from the lowest performers. I’d want to see confirmation on SUX.

IADCA · Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:58 pm

One wrinkle with CKB that might keep it off the list is that there's a CRJ MX facility there that was overflowing last time I went through there (the flights were actually pretty full too, FWIW).

QXorVX · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:06 pm

Well, maybe Air Choice One will have a chance at survival after all. Airlines like Cape Air and Air Choice One must have an easier time with pilots since they don't require and ATP... but perhaps that is an incorrect assumption.

I imagine there will be plenty of bids on most of these cities for service, they just need to let go of their dreams of "jet service to Chicago" and get realistic with a more sustainable 9 seat prop to the next closest large airport.

FATFlyer · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:25 pm

Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

Pinto · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:36 pm

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

As someone who regularly flies out of PAH this is just sad. Honestly just lissed at OO for screwing over so many people.

drdisque · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:38 pm

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-51733
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

CMX is a shock. That flight is nearly full almost every day at good fares. JLN, like SUX, was almost weaned entirely off EAS and now is back to square one. EAU is also a pretty strong market.

It appears that all surviving destinations will be flown out of DEN

Jshank83 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:55 pm

TBN just switched to SkyWest and basically badmouthed cape in their bid. My how those tables have turned.

Chuska · Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:58 pm

JLN, SUX, and even EAR have or have recently had extra service above EAS requirments. They must be strong.

knope2001 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:03 pm

I come up with Laramie, Vernal, Moab, Prescott as the only United EAS markets left off the termination list. Anybody think of any I'm missing?

Some of the top performers like JLN, CMX, SUX are on here. Prescott has done great but CNY, VEL and LAR are not superstars. And I'm sure it's not coincidence that zero DL* stations are on the list. I don't know the actual reason why but I'd guess it's probably something in the contracted relationship. DL* has some pretty strong performers like ABR, RHI, BJI, BTM but some like INL and APN are not especially strong.

Frontier14 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:16 pm

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

Big thanks for posting this EAS info up for us. I did not expect this drastic, but is real now. Some of these cities will likely go back to props in order to continue to have some kind of service. I guess we see the real OO here.

Frontier 14

BangersAndMash · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:21 pm

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

Correct me if I'm wrong but these are all UA markets, right? Routes operated for DL seem unaffected.

piedmontf284000 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:29 pm

Article 4 of the 90 day notice to the DOT says it all:

"Although SkyWest Airlines, Inc. would prefer to continue providing scheduled air
service to these cities, the pilot staffing challenges across the airline industry preclude us
from doing so"

This will not be the end of air service to these cities/towns. There will be consolidation of routes and reduced service (one daily flight instead of two). This is the first move by SkyWest with the DOT/FAA/US Congress to reduce the 1500 hr pilot training rule and entry barriers for new pilots. When congressional leaders start getting calls from these towns/cities/states and their constituents about lack of air service, watch for hearings to be conducted in the next few months about changing/altering the laws currently in place. Mesa Airlines CEO Jonathan Ornstein put it best a few weeks ago when he said the 1,500-hour rule was "by far, the biggest impact on the current pilot shortage."

JBo · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:42 pm

So here's a question: Can SkyWest file to terminate service at these cities, then rebid them with the reduced frequencies that they were originally asking the DOT for?

Like I wonder if this isn't a song-and-dance move with the DOT to get what they want since they couldn't just reduce their schedules on their current contracts.

That being said: if SkyWest is pulling the plug entirely on these routes, there isn't a whole lot of opportunity for any of these other communities - especially since none of the other "branded" regionals are pursuing EAS contracts.

piedmontf284000 · Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:48 pm

JBo wrote:
So here's a question: Can SkyWest file to terminate service at these cities, then rebid them with the reduced frequencies that they were originally asking the DOT for?

Like I wonder if this isn't a song-and-dance move with the DOT to get what they want since they couldn't just reduce their schedules on their current contracts.

That being said: if SkyWest is pulling the plug entirely on these routes, there isn't a whole lot of opportunity for any of these other communities - especially since none of the other "branded" regionals are pursuing EAS contracts.

They cannot just unilaterally change the agreement or reduce air service without approval from the DOT. Instead of negotiating one city at a time (which would be very time consuming), they are throwing all of them out their at once to get approval to reduce service to every city they have EAS service under the UAX banner.

NLINK · Fri Mar 11, 2022 12:11 am

knope2001 wrote:
I come up with Laramie, Vernal, Moab, Prescott as the only United EAS markets left off the termination list. Anybody think of any I'm missing?

Some of the top performers like JLN, CMX, SUX are on here. Prescott has done great but CNY, VEL and LAR are not superstars. And I'm sure it's not coincidence that zero DL* stations are on the list. I don't know the actual reason why but I'd guess it's probably something in the contracted relationship. DL* has some pretty strong performers like ABR, RHI, BJI, BTM but some like INL and APN are not especially strong.

With Delta the prorate agreements have to be approved and I believe United it's at will decided by the prorate carrier. Also if you look at the latest 10k from Delta they state the following "Certain of the CRJ-200 aircraft scheduled to be retired by the December 2023 quarter are operated for us by SkyWest Airlines under a revenue proration agreement". People can read that as they may but it could mean Delta has plans to get out of the EAS market fully.

BangersAndMash · Fri Mar 11, 2022 12:41 am

knope2001 wrote:
I come up with Laramie, Vernal, Moab, Prescott as the only United EAS markets left off the termination list. Anybody think of any I'm missing?

Some of the top performers like JLN, CMX, SUX are on here. Prescott has done great but CNY, VEL and LAR are not superstars. And I'm sure it's not coincidence that zero DL* stations are on the list. I don't know the actual reason why but I'd guess it's probably something in the contracted relationship. DL* has some pretty strong performers like ABR, RHI, BJI, BTM but some like INL and APN are not especially strong.

Isn't there Butte MT as well? Joint UA/DL market since last renewal.

I think LAR receives additional funding from the state of Wyoming.

MIflyer12 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 12:56 am

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

That's airports in 15 states. Thirty senators. Not gonna happen.

OKCDCA · Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:17 am

JLN was adamant to get rid of AA for dropping ORD due to the pandemic. Guess they’d like to have those DFW flights back about now… And AA had grown that service to sometimes having 3x E75’s.

Gulfstream500 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:02 am

Jshank83 wrote:
TBN just switched to SkyWest and basically badmouthed cape in their bid. My how those tables have turned.

I wonder if they'll go back to Contour, or maybe ACO?

Seat1F · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:14 am

FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

As far as the two affected airports in my home state of Michigan, My opinion is as follows:

1. Driving from downtown Muskegon to GRR takes just under an hour. There are plenty flights leaving from GRR to many US destinations. This one is a no brainer. Taxpayers should not be paying to subsidize flights into MKG when Muskegon residents have very good flight options from GRR only 55 minutes away.

2. Driving from downtown Houghton to SAW takes approximately two hours. I still do not consider this a hardship case.

The current pilot shortage at regional carriers is a great chance to kill off many of these unnecessary EAS markets. I know others will disagree, but in my book, less than a 2.5-3 hour drive to a viable airport alternative does not constitute hardship.

Chuska · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:26 am

MIflyer12 wrote:
FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Alamosa, CO – OST-1997-2960
Pueblo, CO – OST-1999-6589
Fort Dodge, IA – OST-2001-10682
Mason City, IA – OST-2001-10684
Sioux City, IA – OST-2006-23932
Dodge City, KS – OST-1998-3502
Hays, KS – OST-1998-3497
Liberal, KS – OST-1998-3498
Salina, KS – OST-2002-11376
Paducah, KY – OST-2009-0299
Decatur, IL – OST-2006-23929
Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301
Cape Girardeau, MO – OST-1996-1559
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – OST-1996-1167
Joplin, MO – OST-2006-23932
Meridian, MS – OST-2008-0112
Hattiesburg, MS – OST-2001-10685
Devils Lake, ND – OST-1997-2785
Jamestown, ND – OST-1997-2785
Kearney, NE – OST-1996-1715
North Platte, NE – OST-1999-5173
Scottsbluff, NE – OST-2003-14535
Johnstown, PA – OST-2002-11451
Victoria, TX – OST-2005-20454
Shenandoah, VA – OST-2002-11378
Eau Claire, WI – OST-2009-0306
Clarksburg, WV – OST-2005-20736
Lewisburg, WV – OST-2003-15553

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

That's airports in 15 states. Thirty senators. Not gonna happen.

Yep, another stunt like AA tried to pull in late 2020 when they announced 15 closings, I believe they were scattered over 14 states. In the end, only three cities closed.

amcnd · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:35 am

This isn't just a pilot shortage. The MX side is almost worse off. The only group well staffed is flight attendants… Parking 200’s that are MX hogs is a good thing going into summer..

Jshank83 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:55 am

[twoid][/twoid]

Gulfstream500 wrote:
Jshank83 wrote:
TBN just switched to SkyWest and basically badmouthed cape in their bid. My how those tables have turned.

I wonder if they'll go back to Contour, or maybe ACO?

Contour didn’t bid and didn’t seem interested in staying. I’m sure ACO and Cape bid. Their complaint was props can’t carry enough bags but they might just have to deal.

bucky707 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:59 am

FlyingElvii wrote:
I can easily see Skywest being forced to continue services. There is just no replacement services available, because Skywest decimated the other EAS carriers by jumping into all of these markets for cash flow after March 2020.

How do you force an airline to continue service when they don’t have the staff to do it?

CIDFlyer · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:13 am

Wow that’s too bad. PAH was even building a new terminal too I thought? Or renovating the current one. I’ve always thought Maybe they’d be better off to CLT or DFW on AAeagle

southwest1675 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:20 am

I'm out of the loop. What's up with these cuts? No pilots?

atrude777 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:24 am

CIDFlyer wrote:
Wow that’s too bad. PAH was even building a new terminal too I thought? Or renovating the current one. I’ve always thought Maybe they’d be better off to CLT or DFW on AAeagle

Building a new Terminal.

Still going on!

I started my airline career 10 year ago in Paducah with SkyWest. I have since moved on but my heart is broken for them and the other 28 cities.

I just flew out of CGI this afternoon back to Chicago. Full flight! 41 Passengers and 2 non Revs. Man it felt like I was walking into a Funeral Home.

Hope these cities can get new airline service quickly to allow a smooth transition from SkyWest.

Alex

MIflyer12 · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:43 am

bucky707 wrote:
FlyingElvii wrote:
I can easily see Skywest being forced to continue services. There is just no replacement services available, because Skywest decimated the other EAS carriers by jumping into all of these markets for cash flow after March 2020.

How do you force an airline to continue service when they don’t have the staff to do it?

They can cut non-EAS markets.

RJNUT · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:49 am

MIflyer12 wrote:
bucky707 wrote:
FlyingElvii wrote:
I can easily see Skywest being forced to continue services. There is just no replacement services available, because Skywest decimated the other EAS carriers by jumping into all of these markets for cash flow after March 2020.

How do you force an airline to continue service when they don’t have the staff to do it?

They can cut non-EAS markets.

and pull all 50 seaters off any non EAS market ..looking at you TVC-ORD!

STLflyer · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:51 am

Seat1F wrote:
FATFlyer wrote:
Skywest has filed all of the 90 day intent to terminate service notices at regulations.gov.

The full list of 29 stations is:

Houghton, MI – OST-2009-0302
Muskegon, MI – OST-2009-0301

They used the same document for each filing with the full list in each. As a source for the above list here is Pueblo's filing:
https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0146/attachment_1.pdf

As far as the two affected airports in my home state of Michigan, My opinion is as follows:

1. Driving from downtown Muskegon to GRR takes just under an hour. There are plenty flights leaving from GRR to many US destinations. This one is a no brainer. Taxpayers should not be paying to subsidize flights into MKG when Muskegon residents have very good flight options from GRR only 55 minutes away.

2. Driving from downtown Houghton to SAW takes approximately two hours. I still do not consider this a hardship case.

The current pilot shortage at regional carriers is a great chance to kill off many of these unnecessary EAS markets. I know others will disagree, but in my book, less than a 2.5-3 hour drive to a viable airport alternative does not constitute hardship.

I have to agree. I’m sure there are some cities that need EAS service, especially out west where things are more spread out, but if you choose to live in a rural area, then a 2 hour drive to an airport is something you just have to deal with.

A lot of these cities all seem to be within 2 hours of a major airport.

usxguy · Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:55 am

Isn't this quite the egg on SkyWest's face? After their campaign to keep Pierre & Watertown, and just promising all these other communities that the cuts were only temporary and service would be restored in April...

The EAS viscious cycle continues! Remember when Mesa used to be the largest EAS provider? Now look where they are, and now its SkyWest's turn to drop it. I wonder who is gonna be next.

mspeaumsn · Fri Mar 11, 2022 4:09 am

Chuska wrote:
JLN, SUX, and even EAR have or have recently had extra service above EAS requirements. They must be strong.

Same with EAU prior to the pandemic, UAX was up to 3-4 flights daily (to ORD) during summer '19.

DiamondFlyer · Fri Mar 11, 2022 4:10 am

bucky707 wrote:
FlyingElvii wrote:
I can easily see Skywest being forced to continue services. There is just no replacement services available, because Skywest decimated the other EAS carriers by jumping into all of these markets for cash flow after March 2020.

How do you force an airline to continue service when they don’t have the staff to do it?

Hopefully they go bankrupt from fines they’ll face if they attempt to leave the markets they committed to, and the public can finally see what a shady company Skywest is

Chuska · Fri Mar 11, 2022 4:21 am

southwest1675 wrote:
I'm out of the loop. What's up with these cuts? No pilots?

Blaming on lack of pilots but there's much more to it. Check out remark 56 above.
For now, I say take this whole ordeal with a grain of salt.

benjaminct · Fri Mar 11, 2022 5:29 am

Rdh3e wrote:
Chuska wrote:
Gulfstream500 wrote:
For reference, SkyWest currently operates to 50 cities as part of the EAS program. This means that over half of the EAS destinations are being pulled.

Sounds like some good opportunities for Contour will be available...

DIK is probably the discrepancy between 49 or 50 EAS cities. Anyone know why OO got the contract for DIK but CommutAir is flying it?

Because SkyWest did not get the contract for DIK, United did.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... 5-697-0127

United is the partner. SkyWest operates their aircraft on United’s behalf.

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