Watertown Airport Board selects SkyWest for air service over Denver Air Connect

The Watertown City Council meeting on February 3, 2025, focused on the recommendation from the Watertown Airport Board regarding the selection of a new airline carrier. The board unanimously recommended SkyWest Airlines over Denver Air Connection, citing several key factors that influenced their decision.

Dr. Gerald Reiber, Vice Chair of the Airport Board, and Wes Wilkins, Chairman, presented the board's findings after evaluating proposals from both airlines. They highlighted that the decision was not made lightly, as all three candidates had strong applications. The board conducted interviews and assessed the services offered by each airline, considering factors such as reliability, marketing proposals, and community preferences.

One of the primary reasons for recommending SkyWest was its established code-sharing agreements with major airlines like Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. This arrangement allows for seamless ticketing and better service for business travelers, who represent a significant portion of the market that Watertown aims to capture. Currently, the airport captures only about 17.5% to 18% of the available traveling market, with many residents opting to drive to larger airports in Sioux Falls, Fargo, or Minneapolis.

The board noted that while Denver Air has provided good service, it lacks the capacity to grow and meet the needs of business travelers effectively. SkyWest's proposal included a commitment to explore adding a daily flight to Minneapolis, which was not part of their initial bid but was discussed during the meeting. This potential route could attract more business travelers who prefer to use Delta for their flights.

The financial implications of the decision were also significant. SkyWest's bid was approximately $2 million less in subsidy requests over a four-year contract compared to Denver Air, which could influence the Department of Transportation's final decision on the carrier selection.

Council members expressed their support for the recommendation, acknowledging the importance of improving air service for the community. They emphasized the need for public input regarding future routes, particularly the potential Minneapolis connection, which could enhance travel options for residents.

In conclusion, the City Council is expected to vote on the recommendation to select SkyWest Airlines, with the understanding that the final decision will ultimately rest with the Department of Transportation. The council aims to finalize their choice by February 7, 2025, to ensure timely service for the community.