SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved new contracts for air travel service providers to fly between Denver International and the Chadron and Alliance airports, the DOT announced Thursday.
The DOT selected Southern Airways Express to replace current provider Boutique Air at Chadron Municipal Airport once Boutique’s two year contract expires in May.
Southern’s nine seat aircraft will make 12 weekly trips from Chadron to Denver starting June 1st.
The DOT also renewed Denver Air Connection’s (DAC) contract with the Alliance Municipal Airport for another two years beginning in June. DAC’s nine-seater will also run 12 weekly round-trips between Alliance and Denver.
In a statement following the announcement, Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer — who has long been a proponent of increasing access to air travel in rural Nebraska — highlighted the need for these flight services across the region.
“Essential Air Service is an important program that helps keep smaller and rural communities connected,” Senator Fischer said. “I have long advocated to keep this program going. These contracts are good news for Chadron and Alliance and will ensure that flight service is available for Nebraskans in these communities.”
