PIERRE — We’re entering an important time period for the future of commercial air service at airports in Watertown and Pierre. Airlines interested in serving one, or both of the cities, have until Monday December 19th to submit their bids to the U.S. Department of Transportation for consideration. Right now, both cities are served by Denver Air Connection, which flies from Watertown to Denver and Chicago, and from Pierre to Denver on 50-seat Embraer regional jets. But their contract expires on May 31st. Jon Coleman is a pilot for Denver Air, and its Director of Business Development. He hopes they can continue to serve both cities as they have since July 2021……
Watertown and Pierre are Essential Air Service cities. That means the Federal Government subsidizes the cost of providing the daily flights. The next two year contract for air service in Watertown and Pierre will commence on June 1st, 2023. As of Wednesday, no airlines have submitted bids for the Pierre and Watertown routes, but Coleman says not to expect bids until the final day of eligibility on the 19th.
