Denver – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded the Department of Transportation (DOT) for swiftly selecting Key Lime Air Corporation (dba Denver Air Connection) as a new airline carrier to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) for the San Luis Valley Regional Airport. Last month, Bennet called on DOT to expedite its EAS contract review process for the airport after SkyWest Airlines announced its intention to stop operating routes to the San Luis Valley Regional Airport.

“I’m delighted to welcome this news that will minimize  disruptions in air service to the San Luis Valley,” said Bennet. “I’ll keep working in Washington to ensure small, regional airports in Colorado can continue to serve their communities.”

DOT’s EAS program subsidizes airline service for small, rural airports to ensure the surrounding communities have access to commercial flights. Following SkyWest’s announcement, DOT issued a holding order to require the airline to keep operating for two months while the agency identifies replacement carriers for routes. Given the uncertainty of SkyWest Airlines’ service status to the San Luis Valley Regional Airport, Bennet called on DOT to expedite review of its EAS application to avoid service gaps and other potential issues. 

In 2016, Bennet fought to secure a waiver to exempt the San Luis Valley Regional Airport from EAS requirements, allowing the airport to continue regional air service.