Category: News

Decatur Airport – SkyWest GIVES NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE to 29 airports including Decatur, Il

DECATUR, IL – SkyWest has filed a 90-day notice of termination of service at the Decatur Airport due to pilot shortages within the aviation industry. SkyWest’s filing would request termination of service in the Decatur market 90 days from the filing date (March 9, 2022) subject to Essential Air Service rules. During the 90 days, the Department of Transportation will solicit bids from all carriers interested in providing service to the Decatur market.

SkyWest will continue to provide air service to Decatur Airport during this process and until the Department of Transportation completes the selection of a new Essential Air Service provider, providing no gaps in service to Chicago, IL.

Decatur, IL is one of 29 airports effected by this termination.

SkyWest media contact info:
SkyWest Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@skywest.com
435.634.3553

Decatur airport – SkyWest Flight Schedule Adjustments

DECATUR, IL – SkyWest flight schedule out of Decatur Airport has been changed. While Decatur Airport and SkyWest ground are fully staffed, SkyWest is experiencing a pilot and flight attendant shortage.

In a quote from Daniel Belmont, Director of Market Development, “I’m sure you are aware of the challenges the aviation industry has had recently to maintain balanced staffing levels as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. At SkyWest, we have a very strong hiring pipeline; still, we are not immune to the industry’s challenges. To ensure we can maintain service in as many communities as possible, we have made the difficult decision to reduce schedules for the time being. This will allow us to continue delivering the best product possible for the passengers using your airport”.

The March Flight Schedule still remains at two flights a day Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday along with the one flight Tuesday and Saturday. Currently there will be no overnight plane at Decatur. With the plane not being overnighted, SkyWest will be departing Chicago and arrive in Decatur at 09:56 a.m. and depart back to Chicago at 10:45 a.m. Another flight will arrive at Decatur at 2:01 p.m. and depart for Chicago at 2:35 p.m. With this flight schedule there will be no late-night inbound flight to Decatur.

SkyWest hopes this is a temporary situation for April, May, and June and plan to reevaluate for the summer. Mr. Belmont noted that they are looking at combining services with different communities. For Decatur, SkyWest is considering combining Decatur with Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Currently this combination would keep Decatur with 12 flights per week, schedule times have not been set.

Air service at Decatur is still in place with SkyWest on a 50-seat regional jet and as we experience this minor turbulence, with flight times, we remain committed to serving those that Fly Decatur.

We appreciate your understanding and your continued support of Decatur Airport.

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. 

Lace up, dress, up, and join us for a 1-mile Tot Trot, 5K and 10K races on the runway at Decatur Airport! Prizes in all age divisions for runners and awards for best costume. Register by October 7 to guarantee a shirt. No shirt ordered will be taken after this date.

Date: Saturday, October 19
Time: Tot Trot – 6 p.m. / 5K & 10K races – 7 p.m.
Location: Gaitros Aviation Hangar, Decatur Airport
Fee: Tot Trot – $16 by Oct. 18 ($21 on race day)
5K, 10K – $26 by Oct. 18 ($31 on race day)
Register at runsignup.com, visit the DISC, or call 429-3472.

Register Online HERE!

If you haven’t stopped in for a meal at Red Barn Kitchen at Decatur Airport, you’re missing some of the most delicious, unique tastes in town! This casual, chef-driven American restaurant features creations highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients from across our area. RBK also boasts one of the finest menus of craft beers, cocktails, whiskeys, bourbons, and wines. For reservations, call 330-7777.

Did you know that the DISC is a Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program partner? Many health plans around the country offer SilverSneakers. We can check to see if you’re eligible…if you’re retired and your health benefits include SilverSneakers, you can walk, run, and work out at the DISC for free! You can visit other health centers in Decatur free at the same time. Perfect to consider as the weather gets colder. Call Melissa at 429-3472 to learn more about SilverSneakers at the DISC!