Author: kmisner

The U.S. Department of Transportation selects SkyWest Airlines, Inc., branded as United Express, to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Decatur, Illinois, for a three-year term from February 1, 2022, through January 31, 2025.

SkyWest will provide Decatur with 12 nonstop round trips per week from Decatur Airport (DEC) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), using 50-passenger Bombardier or Canadair CRJ-200 aircraft. SkyWest’s service will be branded as United Express, enabling Decatur passengers’ access to United Airlines’ extensive domestic and international network. ORD is a large-hub airport and is one of United’s largest connecting hubs, which will provide Decatur passengers excellent access to the national air transportation system.

In 2019, SkyWest was selected to provide EAS at Decatur for a two-year contract term. When the expiration of the current contract approached, the Department issued an order, requesting proposals from air carriers interested in providing EAS for a new contract term at the community. In response to that Order, Multi-Aero, Inc. d/b/a Air Choice One (Air Choice One) and SkyWest submitted proposals. When balancing the details of each proposal, relative subsidy requirements, and community feedback, the Department believes SkyWest’s selection will best meet the community’s EAS.

Ms. Stacey Young, President of the Decatur Park District, which owns and operates the Decatur Airport, stated: “After thorough review of airline submissions, the Decatur Park Board of Commissioners is recommending SkyWest Airlines as their selection for providing Essential Air Service beginning February 2022. In addition to the carrier recommendation, the Board also supports a three-year contract.”

SkyWest’s proposal meets the air carrier-selection criteria the Department is required to consider, and the Department finds its service and subsidy levels reasonable. SkyWest has been a reliable partner in the EAS program for over 20 years and during that time it has earned a solid reputation for providing reliable EAS to the communities it serves. 

The Decatur Airport (DEC), in conjunction with local emergency responders will conduct a full-scale triennial exercise on Saturday morning, June 5, 2021.

The exercise is designed to test the Airport’s readiness to respond to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the airport to exercise the emergency plan once every three years.

This will be a live role play event testing the resources of our local first responders. Due to COVID the airport will be using mannequins as victims this year.

Please use caution around the Airport on Saturday morning. Multiple agencies will be involved with the drill and will be utilizing emergency equipment. This is supervised training and not an actual emergency.

The Decatur Airport, a Decatur Park District property, will host a 75^th Anniversary Air Show on August 14 and 15, 2021, in celebration of the airport’s 75 years of operation.

“The Decatur Air Show only happens once every twenty-five years,” stated Tim Wright, Director of the Decatur Airport. “We are thrilled to bring an impressive lineup of air show performers to Decatur as a free event for the community and aeronautics enthusiasts to enjoy.”

The event is free and open to the public and will be located on the grounds of the Decatur Airport. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., show is from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and gates close at 5:00 p.m. each day. Paid parking will be available onsite.

The show will consist of civilian and military performers including:

USAF A-10 Demonstration Team
US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
Skip Stewart – Prometheus
Susan Dacy – 450 h.p. Super Stearman – ‘Big Red’
Michael Vaknin – Extra 300
Rob Holland
Jeff Shetterly – Warbird T-6
Phillips 66 Team – Three Ship Formation Aerobatics
Erik Edgren – T-Clips Comedy & Aerobatics

Corporate partnership opportunities are available for companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities, and onsite exposure. Additional information is available at www.decatur-parks.org.

This show is supported by Diamond Level Sponsor, The Hampton Inn Decatur Mt. Zion, located off Route 121, just a 3-minute drive to the show location. Hotel guests can enjoy a complementary shuttle to and from the show both days.

Daily United Express jet service, operated by SkyWest Airlines, will take off between Decatur (DEC) and Chicago (ORD) this spring! Starting March 5, 2020, SkyWest will provide Decatur travelers access to United’s global network via the airline’s Chicago hub. Tickets are available today at united.com. “We are excited to be a part of the Decatur community and look forward to providing reliable, convenient air service,” said Greg Atkin, SkyWest Airlines managing director – Market Development. “Passengers will enjoy a seamless travel process and improved flight experience onboard the quiet, comfortable 50-passenger jet.”
The flight schedule* in Decatur begins March 5 and is as follows:
Frequency Departure Airport

Departing Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Daily DEC 6:00 a.m. ORD 7:05 a.m. Daily ORD 9:25 p.m. DEC 10:30 p.m. S,M,W,T,F ORD 10:35 a.m. DEC 11:40 a.m. S,M,W,T,F DEC 12:12 p.m. ORD 1:18 p.m.

*Flight schedule varies and is subject to change

Flights from Decatur are timed to provide maximum connection opportunities in Chicago for both business and leisure travelers. From United’s Chicago hub, customers will enjoy nearly 600 departures to more than 150 destinations worldwide, including stops in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada and Africa. Customers will also have the opportunity to accrue frequent flier miles in United’s MilelagePlus loyalty program. Customers may book flights immediately at united.com or by calling United Airlines reservations at 800.UNITED.1 (800.846.8331). Remember, the best fares are always available at united.com. This press release and additional information about SkyWest Airlines can be found at www.skywest.com.

About SkyWest Airlines SkyWest Airlines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. and partners with the world’s largest network carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. With more than 14,000 aviation professionals operating nearly 2,400 daily flights, SkyWest Airlines connects millions of passengers each month to 267 destinations across North America and has a fleet of 495 aircraft. Headquartered in St. George, Utah, SkyWest’s industry-leading workforce and excellent leadership team have consistently generated solid operational and economic performance, setting the standard for excellence in the regional industry. Visit www.skywest.com for more information and follow @SkyWestAirlines on Twitter.

Decatur is excited to welcome SkyWest Airlines in 2020!

On December 12, 2019, the U.S. Department of Transportation selected SkyWest Airlines, Inc., branded as United Express (SkyWest), to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Decatur, Illinois, for a two-year contract term from February 1, 2020, through January 31, 2022.

SkyWest will provide 12 nonstop round trips per week to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) using 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet CRJ200 (CRJ200) aircraft.

Watch the WAND-TV news story

Decatur Mayor, Julie Moore-Wolfe said, “SkyWest’s service will attract and help retain passengers in the region by offering greater access to the national air transportation network, as well as increase the number of passenger enplanements at Decatur Airport.”

Mr. Chris Harrison, President of the Decatur Park District that owns and manages Decatur Airport, writes: “After a thorough review of airline submissions, formal airline presentations, and engaging public feedback, the Decatur Park Board of Commissioners is recommending SkyWest Airlines…for providing Essential Air Service…” Mr. Harrison also stated that ORD is key to increasing passenger usage and long term success for air service at Decatur.

Congressman Rodney Davis, House Representative of the 13th District, Illinois, expressed strong support for SkyWest’s proposal, writing: “I fully welcome SkyWest’s proposal to provide highspeed jet access and air services from the Decatur community to Chicago (ORD). These proposed flights out of Decatur will add to our region’s continued economic growth.”

Ms. Miranda Rothrock, President of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter to the Department that echoed Congressman Davis’ sentiments that SkyWest’s proposal would provide economic benefits to the Decatur region. Ms. Rothrock writes: “The SkyWest service will help attract and retain staff and customers in our community by offering greater access to the air travel network and a higher net number of enplanements. Existing businesses in Macon County will benefit while making it easier to recruit new ones through these offered air services.”

The Department expects Cape Air and SkyWest to work together to make a smooth transition at Decatur, with no service hiatus. Before Cape Air suspends service, the Department expects the carrier to notify all passengers holding reservations for travel after the suspension date, to assist those passengers in making alternate air transportation arrangements, or to provide a full refund of the ticket price, without penalty, if requested.

If SkyWest is unable to start service on February 1, 2020, Cape Air is required to serve Decatur with its current service pattern until SkyWest begins full EAS at the community.

Note: If passengers have a Cape Air ticket booked for March 5, 2020 or beyond it will be refunded by Cape Air starting on or around December 28, 2019. At that point you are able to then purchase a new ticket on www.united.com.

Read the full order selecting the carrier here.