PIERRE & WATERTOWN, S.D.(KCCR & KXLG)- The United States Department of Transportation has awarded a four-year Essential Air Service contract to SkyWest Airlines to service Pierre with commercial air service until 2029. Airport Liaison to the Pierre City Commission Jamie Huizenga says the U-S D-O-T announced the decision Tuesday afternoon.
Huizenga says SkyWest’s low bid wasn’t the only consideration for federal officials.
Huizenga expects the transition from Denver Air Connection, the current contract holder, to SkyWest will be smooth.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the selection of SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) for Watertown, South Dakota. The decision, outlined in an order issued on April 1, 2025, awards SkyWest a four-year term running from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2029.
Under the agreement, SkyWest will operate a total of 12 weekly round-trip flights from Watertown Regional Airport. These flights will connect Watertown to two major hubs: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). The airline will utilize 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft for these routes.
The DOT order also details the annual subsidy that SkyWest will receive for providing this service in Watertown. The subsidy rates are as follows:
| Year | Annual Subsidy |
| Year 1 (June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026) | $6,301,661 |
| Year 2 (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027) | $6,490,711 |
| Year 3 (June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028) | $6,685,433 |
| Year 4 (June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029) | $6,885,996 |
The DOT’s order indicates that this selection was made after considering proposals from multiple air carriers, including the current provider, Denver Air Connection (DAC), and Air Wisconsin. Both the City of Watertown, through Mayor Reid Holien and Interim City Manager Kristen Bobzien, and the Watertown Airport Board formally endorsed SkyWest’s proposal, citing factors such as connectivity, ticketing and baggage agreements with United Airlines, and a lower subsidy cost compared to other proposals.
Mayor Holien told KXLG News:
“The Watertown airport is an incredible asset to our community. It is a jewel for our city and an important part of our future growth. We look forward to our partnership with SkyWest to bring excellent and reliable service going forward. Working together, we will continue to show everyone in Watertown and the entire region why it is always the best decision to FLY ATY!”