Jul. 3—BISMARCK, N.D. — The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected SkyWest Airlines, Inc., to continue to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at the Devils Lake and Jamestown airports from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, a press release from the office of Sen. John Hoeven said.

EAS is a program put into place by the U.S. government to ensure small communities receive a minimum level of scheduled air service, the Department of Transportation’s official website said. The department is mandated to provide access to EAS.

SkyWest will provide 12 round trips per week to the Denver International Airport to each community using 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet 200 aircrafts, the release said. Hoeven, R-North Dakota, who worked previously with the North Dakota congressional delegation to prevent air service disruption in these communities, said air service in the state is continuing to grow.

“It’s vital that these communities and the surrounding areas have access to continued, reliable commercial air service in order to allow for economic growth and opportunities in the region and to meet the needs of the traveling public,” he said.

Katie Hemmer, the director of Jamestown Regional Airport, said SkyWest has been a great partner and that she’s happy to continue the partnership. Scott Cruse, the director of Devils Lake Regional Airport, added that the shortage in pilots has forced SkyWest to make hard decisions regarding EAS airports, and he’s thankful that it will continue to provide its service.

Kyle Wanner, the executive director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, said, “North Dakotans place great value on the ability to access the world’s air transportation network, which enhances the quality of life and fosters business and economic growth. We appreciate the collaboration with our congressional delegation and federal partners to ensure that this vital program continues to support the citizens within our rural communities.”