US bars SkyWest from ending service to 29 communities pending review

The US Transportation Department on Monday barred regional carrier SkyWest from ending service to 29 locales until replacement carriers can be found under the government's subsidy program to provide air service to smaller communities. SkyWest provides regional service for key airlines such as United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta and American Airlines. SkyWest operates the 29 routes under the United Express name providing regional service for United. SkyWest last week announced plans to end service to the 29 communities under the Essential Air Service subsidies program effective on June 8, saying "the pilot staffing challenges across the airline industry preclude" the carrier from continuing service. The Transportation Department said SkyWest cannot terminate service through July 8 "and for additional 30-day periods as necessary" in the event federal officials do not secure another air carrier to provide service under the program at any of the 29 communities. Some of the communities with United Express flights operated by SkyWest being cut include: Cape Girardeau, Joplin and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Decatur, Illinois; Clarksburg and Greenbrier/Lewisburg, West Virginia; and Fort Dodge, Mason City and Sioux City, Iowa. Some others include: Muskegon and Houghton/Hancock, Michigan; Hattiesburg/Laurel, Mississippi; Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Kearney, Scottsbluff and North Platte, Nebraska; Salina, Liberal, Hays and Dodge City, Kansas; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Victoria, Texas. Each route typically has a separate contract. Each contract generally has around $3m in annual government subsidies.<br/>